Posts in category Around Provence


Christmas preparations in Lourmarin, Provence, France
Aix-en-ProvenceAround ProvenceLourmarin

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 …

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Carrières de Lumières the magnificence of 2019 Van Gogh, La Nuit étoilée
Bouches-du-RhôneLes Baux-de-ProvenceSt Remy-de-Provence

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 …

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Lourmarin Travel Guide, Sunflower field in Luberon, Provence
Around Provence

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 …

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Shutters of Provence in Lourmarin Provence, France
Around ProvenceDiscoverLourmarinUzes

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 …

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Spring Antiques Fair in l'Isle sur la Sorgue Luberon, Vaucluse France
Around ProvenceExploreNearby Lourmarin

Spring Antiques Fair in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Over the last 30 years L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has become known all over France for its antiques. This picturesque little town has over 250 antique, art and decoration shops offering an extensive array of treasures from amongst its incredible collections. I told you …

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L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Sunday antiques market, Luberon, Vaucluse, Provence, France
Around ProvenceExploreLourmarinNearby Lourmarin

Sunday Antique Market at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Sunday morning is market day in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Known throughout Europe for its astounding array of antique shops, alongside its’ conventional Provencal market, this charming town also hosts an incredible Sunday Antiques market too. Just 39km from Lourmarin, the pretty drive …

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The magic of Provence
Around ProvenceDiscoverLourmarin

‘a few of my favourite things…..’ in Provence!

When one thinks of Provence, a visual wonder of enchanting spectacles fills the mind. Over the years I’ve tried to capture their simple magic to remember when I’m far away. Sharing them with you now the words of Frederic Mistral, …

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'Are we French yet?' an American's perspective of living in Provence by Keith Van Sickle
Around ProvenceBouches-du-RhôneDiscoverSt Remy-de-Provence

‘Are we French yet?’ ~ The magic of living in Provence by Keith Van Sickle

What motivates and inspires someone to leave where they live where everything is safe and familiar and move to another country? Somewhere with a completely different language, culture and way of doing things? What happens if you need medical attention …

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La Maison FRANC, Lourmarin, Christmas Lavender Boules
DiscoverLourmarinLuberonStories from LourmarinThe VaucluseVisit Lourmarin

Lavender, the essence of Provence from La Maison FRANC 1884, Lourmarin

When Philippe Franc, the owner of La Maison FRANC first came to live in Pertuis, near Lourmarin, his neighbor welcomed him with a gift, a lavender wand or Coeur de Lavande. It was a defining moment and the first step …

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Crouching spider by Louise Bourgeois at Chateau La Coste,Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, Bouches-du-Rhône, Provence, France
Aix-en-ProvenceAround ProvenceDiscover

Château La Coste, Provence, art, architecture food and wine!

Nestled among rolling vineyards between the historic city of Aix-en-Provence (14km) and the stunning Luberon Valley (21km) you will find Château La Coste. Purchased by Irish real estate developer Paddy McKillen in 2002, the ordinary has been transformed into the extraordinary. Château La …

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