Vincent Van Gogh visited Montmajour Abbey at least fifty times, he wrote, just to look at the view across the plain. Today's visitors to Provence, France, are drawn to the abbey for the same reason and to see the impressive old ruin in stone, a French historical monument and the oldest abbey in Provence. It was a significant site from the time construction began in the tenth century, ... Read Full Article
Favorite Villages in Provence: Eygalières and Mausanne-les-Alpilles
Dozens of inviting villages are scattered throughout sun-drenched Provence, in southern France. Two of my favorites, perhaps because they're lesser known and have such unpretentious charm, are Eygalières and Mausanne-les-Alpilles, in the Bouches-de-Rhone region. Both lie near the Chaine des Alpilles, a low east-west range of limestone peaks that rise steeply from the Rhone River ... Read Full Article
Following the Footsteps of Cezanne in Aix en Provence
Paul Cézanne was devoted to his hometown of Aix-en-Provence, in southern France, and it's easy to see why. More than a hundred years after the great artist's time, it's still a lovely, livable city. “When you're born here,” Cézanne said, “nothing else is good enough.” He was fascinated by the light of Provence and painted the region's landscapes over and over—some 60 versions of Mt. St. ... Read Full Article
Marseille, European Capital of Culture
Marseille is in the spotlight this year; the historic seaport on France's Mediterranean coast was chosen European Capital of Culture for 2013. A dazzling array of displays, performances, and exhibitions is underway and, happily for visitors who can't get there this year, much of it will spill into the future. The city, with government and EU assistance, has renovated museums, constructed ... Read Full Article
The Marvelous Soaps of Marseille (Savon de Marseille)
Soaps made in traditional fashion and within the city limits of Marseille, France, are the only ones allowed by French law to use the coveted name: Savon de Marseille. What makes this simple, mild soap so special? Why is it favored in exclusive boutiques and salons in the U.S. and Europe? Recently I went in search of the answer in Marseille itself. On La Canabiére, the city's main boulevard, La ... Read Full Article
Favorite Towns of Provence and the Cote d’ Azur
Mmmm...imagine sunshine, the scent of lavender and rosemary, parasol pines, olive groves, sunflowers, and the Mediterranean...you are experiencing the South of France. But Provence and the Cote d'Azur offer much more than that. Think of hill towns, charming markets, art galleries, sailing, scuba diving, star-gazing (movie star, that is), swimming and soaking up the sun, and of course, fine ... Read Full Article
A Star Shines in Moustiers Sainte Marie – Provence, France
Two mountain peaks tower steeply above Moustiers Sainte Marie, France; and from an iron chain stretched between the two peaks shines a golden star. The five-pointed star's origin is typically obscure and is the subject of polite dispute. It is popularly attributed to the returning Crusader Baron Blacas, miraculously freed from Saracen captivity and eager to make a permanent, ... Read Full Article
Where to Stay in Nice, France: Editor’s Picks
Nice is an amazing city and most hotels are within walking distance of both the Old Town and the sea. When choosing where to stay, remember that most of Nice’s hotels are older. Most all have been recently renovated, but the style could be a bit out-dated. Our ‘where to stay’ options are organized by star ranking, beginning with 5-star hotels and ending with featured budget hotels. Special ... Read Full Article
Where to Stay in St. Tropez, France
Located on the French Riviera, the small and glamorous port city of St. Tropez has no shortage of places to stay. Below is a list of some of the best hotels in St. Tropez for every price-point. Each hotel recommendation comes with information on the proximity of the hotels to major sights, a general description of the hotel grounds, and descriptions of the rooms and their ... Read Full Article
Prowling Around Provence: Day-trips from Marseille
It’s not happenstance that Marseille is an ideal base for exploring Provence. We love to take day-trips from Marseille because the Romans built roads from here in all directions, which the modern-day routes often follow. My husband and I have made use of these Roman routes many times as we explored the Provencal countryside. We’ve developed a system for our expeditions: we leave ... Read Full Article