Posts tagged: Travel in Provence

At this time of the year, the poppy fields, now a delicate dusty pink, will soon be replaced by vibrant lavender and yellow sunflowers. Take the chance to savour the flavours of the season: asparagus, peas, purple artichokes, rhubarb, and strawberries. Download our Spring Menu Collection, a grouping of recipes that capture the essence of this time of year.
Please read the Perfectly Provence newsletter here.

Early June weather is variable in the South of France, but wearing the proper layers is generally excellent weather for exploring on foot, by bike, or in a car. While there are fewer visitors, this is the time to discover these 10 villages in the Luberon. Rustrel is a gem as a base for holidays as it maintains an authentic feel all year yet is only a few minutes away from Apt. Head to Château La Coste before the end of the month to see the Damien Hirst exhibition “The Light that Shines.”

Recipes & Travel:
Explore Provence, Spring in Provence, Spring Menu Ideas, Travel in Provence

For those who live in France, after a cluster of public holidays (jours fériés) in May, it’s back to work and school. However, this is a terrific (i.e. not crowded) time of the year to see the new show at Carrières de Lumières: Egyptian Pharaohs, from Cheops to Ramses II and the short program The Orientalists.The new Fondation Blachère location near Bonnieux and the current exhibition—Bandiagara—are worth a visit. After a restoration project, the former Bonnieux train station is now a suitable display space inside and outside, with art studios, apartments, a café, and a boutique dedicated to contemporary African art. The Foundation aims to support and raise awareness for this rich artistic scene.It’s not all playtime in Provence. With efficient plane and train connections, the South of France is a good choice for corporate meetings, strategic planning, and seminars. Here are five (5) locations offering accommodation and all the technology you need for your meetings.
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Recipes & Travel:
Art Shows, Artists, Travel in Provence

Summer is two months away with its promise of lavender fields, chilled rosé, and swimming in the Mediterranean. However, there is plenty of activity in Provence before the summer break, with the Olympic flame scheduled to arrive in Marseille’s Vieux Port on May 8th aboard the magnificent, 3-masted ship Belem. Here are some details about the Olympic Flame relay route leading up to the opening ceremonies in Paris on July 26th. If you are in Marseille for this exciting historical event, Lynne shares some ideas for enjoying a few days in France’s second-largest city.
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Recipes & Travel:
Travel in Provence, Where to Stay Provence

Springtime is elusive in Provence, although slightly more predictable on the Côte d’Azur. It is not the season for lounging poolside in your new bathing suit.
Temperatures are variable at this time of year. We hiked on the coast in March, enjoying summer temperatures, only to throw on winter layers a few days later when facing a mistral wind. However, March is a great month to visit and play golf. If you are near Aix-en-Provence, plan to visit Paul Cézanne’s Atelier before the summer crowds.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Marcel Pagnol’s passing, with several events celebrating some of his famous books and films.

Private chef and cooking school owner Stephanie Villegas created this delicious 2024 spring menu. This 3-course meal includes seasonal produce – peas, artichokes and berries – and mouthwatering roast chicken. Enjoy the taste of Provence this spring.

Recipes & Travel:
Spring in Provence, Travel in Provence

If you are like Nutmeg, by this point in the winter, you are looking forward to warmer, longer days. February in Provence reveals early signs of spring’s arrival. Mimosas bloom along the coast, with towns along the 130 km “Route du Mimosa” hosting festivals, parades, concerts, and workshops celebrating the yellow flowers. Meanwhile, almond trees display their delicate white and pink blossoms in other parts of the region. Please watch for Virginie’s article on Provence’s Almond Trees, along with some tempting recipes.With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, Martine of Goût et Voyage has curated a delicious multi-course meal for a romantic evening à deux or a dinner party with good friends. If you like her menu, why not book a spot on her Taste of Provence gourmet and cultural tours in June?While we don’t need a reason to drink rosé, Valentine’s Day is a good excuse. Wine guru Göran wrote an interesting article about the viability of the rosé…

Recipes & Travel:
Travel in Provence

This newsletter is the 10th edition of the Where to Stay in Provence Côte d’Azur newsletter, and Perfectly Provence turns 10 this year. Please watch for special promotions throughout the next 12 months. Depending on where you live, you might already be tired of snow shovelling. One way to eliminate the winter blues is to book a holiday to the South of France, where the sun shines 300+ days yearly. Our travel partners are filling the final spots on their 2024 tours. Here are some of our curated collections for dreamy places to stay in Provence and the Côte d’Azur.  
One challenge with visiting Provence is choosing from the incredible range of options. Sue Aran shares her thoughts on the best of the Camargue, from towns to wildlife. Art lovers should check out these 12 places for contemporary art. Author Keith Van Sickle is happy to answer questions about visiting St-Rémy-de-Provence in the Alpilles.

Recipes & Travel:
Travel in Provence, Where to Stay Provence