Having spent a good few months out of the last year in France both Andy & I have seen our French really improve, although we both started at very different levels. I’d learnt French at school, although had given up after taking my ‘O’ Level for the simple reason that I detested the teacher and … More Learning French to enjoy life in Provence
There is something so wonderful about French buildings and all too often we miss seeing them as we hurry past or simply focus on everything at eye-level. In the past I’ve probably been one of the worst, focusing on just cramming as many of the things we love to do into a busy couple of … More Peeling Paint, Shabby Shutters & Intricate Ironwork – How wonderful
If you’ve been following my blog for a while you’ll know that one of the things I love most about France is the chance to spend the weekends pottering round some of the fabulous local ‘Brocante’ markets. In the Summer the weekends pass by in a blur of Vide-Greniers in local villages & more professional … More Sunday Mornings in Carpentras
I make no bones about it – I love a good coffee stop and La Vie en Rose at Coustellet has to be one of my favourites. The tea shop isn’t exactly in a perfect location as it’s situated on the side of the road just behind Super U in the village, nor is it in a traditional … More A perfectly quirky coffee stop
When I packed my cycle kit to come over this time I put in enough layers to keep me warm in the expected arctic temperatures, hoping to snatch a few precious moments out on the bike before dashing home to thaw out in front of the fire. I think in hindsight I rather over-packed … More Beyond the Veloroute cycle #8 – Through the Vineyards
This morning I hopped in the car & headed across to Forcalquier, a short distance from us in the neighbouring Department of Alpes-De-Haute-Provence. Monday is its market day and provides the perfect excuse for a visit (if such a thing is needed?) and it is a lovely drive across along the northern flank of the … More Incredible views, a Citadelle & Art at Forcalquier
I always love Sundays in and around the Luberon, whether it’s an early morning start in the summer to head off bargain-hunting at the vide-grenier in a nearby village or a gentle cycle out for breakfast at the wonderful ‘Farmers’ Market’ at Coustellet. In January too there’s plenty to do to keep me busy and today was … More A Winter’s Sunday pottering in Provence
There is something about arriving in the Vaucluse that just makes the stress slip from our shoulders and today’s arrival in the depths of winter was no different. Travelling at this time of year is a little bit more complicated than during the summer as at this time of year there are no flights from … More Mid-Winter break in Provence
I’ve mentioned before that Winter is a great time to visit Provence – of course it can be very cold, thanks to the clear night skies and subsequent frosts, but the days can be stunning with bright blue skies, little or no breeze and the wonderful light that cheers you up in the depth of … More A colourful circular winter walk
This time last year Andy and I were in Provence house-hunting & if I’m honest we never really imagined that we would now be preparing to spend our first Christmas in our own home in France. It’s been a great year and for the first time we’ve managed to spend extended holidays in and around … More A First French Christmas
Postcards from Provence and beyond 