Highlights of a trip to Provence will usually include visits to wineries and ancient hilltop villages, as well as leisurely lunches – but there is another interesting side to this region of France. During a road trip through beautiful Provence, I learned that you don’t have to go to Rome to see some of the best-preserved Roman …
Check-out our recommendations for where to stay in and around Arles from every price-point. We love Arles and find that this ancient town, set in the heart of Provence, to be a perfect place to immerse yourself in the essence of Provence. Home for a time to Van Gogh, you’ll discover the warm colors and the …
After spending quite a bit of time in Menton when I lived on the French Riviera, I can assure you that the city lives up to its nickname “the pearl of France.” Located in France’s Côte d’Azur, Menton’s unique culture is influenced by its proximity to both Monaco (to the west) and Italy (to the …
The Ardèche Gorge, the largest natural canyon in Europe, angles through southern France, northwest of Avignon. Its craggy limestone cliffs rise as high as 1,000 feet. The Ardèche River begins in the massif central, cuts through the gorge and crosses the plateau to flow into the Rhone. The best-known landmark of the gorge is Vallon …
Shortly after we began dating, my (now) husband introduced me to fruit confit (candied fruit). He held out a tiny sugar coated piece of orange and asked me if I wanted to try it. As I reached for it, he pulled it back and cut off a microscopic piece for me. As I tasted its …
French Perfume is one of the most iconic souvenirs from France. Many of the famous parfumeries have their origin in Provence, the stunning region in Southern France. To tell you the truth, I’ve never been much of a fine perfume person. Don’t get me wrong, I’d never turn away a bottle of Chanel No. 5 …
In the southern Rhône River valley, low, twisted grapevines cover the rocky countryside, producing some great wines. John and I have tasted quite a few Côtes du Rhône during our wanderings between the Alps and the Mediterranean, and we hope for many more. The high-speed train whisks us from Paris to Avignon, where we pick …
When in Provence, be sure to spend at least a day or two in Arles and save a day for the Camargue. This small city, half the population of what it was in Roman times, is just teeming with Roman ruins and culture and the Camargue is a natural wonderland. Any visit to Arles should …
“Qui a vist Paris se noun a vist Cassis, a ren vist” (He who has seen Paris and not Cassis has seen nothing). This quote by Frédéric Mistral is probably a bit exaggerated, but you may want to check it out for yourself. When staying in Provence, we love to spend a day in Cassis. …