À Table! PANDAS ~remembering Alex
The COVID pandemic has consumed us all. My heart goes out to those that have lost loved ones and the debt owed to our health care workers can never be repaid. Globally the world has been tipped on its axis. …
The story of the poppies, in Provence and elsewhere
It’s May and the poppies are blooming in Provence. Their tiny black faces almost obscured by their bright red hats, delicate, vibrant, petals wafting in the breeze. Last year I was in Lourmarin admiring them. This year I should have …
Unprecedented times, stay safe & well my friends……
These are unprecedented times. As I type those words, I cannot help but think of another unprecedented time when the world faced a different peril. I’ve often wondered if I’d been alive then, would I have had what it takes …
Luxury Luberon spa hotel, Domaine de Fontenille
Imagine staying in a glorious 19th century Provencal country estate surrounded by mighty cedars, olive trees and resplendent vineyards framed by the rolling Luberon hills of the Durance Valley. Transformed in 2013 by architect Alexandre Lafourcade, Domaine de Fontenille is …
Christmas traditions & shopping in Provence
It’s December and people everywhere are getting ready for Christmas. After weeks of blue skies and gentle warm days it’s raining where I live in California and temperatures have plummeted. The puddles are splattered with the last remnants of autumn …
The Battle of the Somme, lest we forget…..
It seems extraordinarily fitting that today November 11th, Remembrance Day, I should be writing about our recent visit to World War I memorials of the Somme in northern France. Thinking there was little time to spare I’m ashamed that we’ve …
Carrières de Lumières 2019 Van Gogh, La Nuit étoilée
Since opening in 2012 the stunning video art show at Carrières de Lumières has entranced millions. Situated just steps from the medieval perched village of Les Baux-de-Provence each year, the work of the Masters is splashed across the cavernous walls …
The Sunflowers of Provence
Why Shutters and Sunflowers? Sunflowers are synonymous with Provence, their bright smiling faces adorning paintings and postcards throughout the region. With brilliant yellow petals, sometimes known as rays, their resemblance to the summer sun is unmistakable. Stunningly beautiful these dazzling …
The Shutters of Provence
I’m often asked why I called my blog ‘Shutters and Sunflowers’. To me they are both so defining of Provence and indeed much of France. Throughout this beautiful country many of the buildings whether historic or recently built are adorned …
L’Auberge La Fenière, Reine Sammut’s stunning Lourmarin restaurant
L’Auberge La Fenière is a delightful hotel with an award winning, Michelin star restaurant and bistro run by renowned chef Reine Sammut and her daughter Nadia. On the outskirts of Lourmarin it’s one of our favourites. We’ve enjoyed their delicious food …