Posts in category Discover


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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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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Nanou the owner of Rose de Bagatelle, 18 Rue du Temple, 84160, Lourmarin, France
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Rose de Bagatelle ~more treasures & gifts from Lourmarin

‘It’s a small world’ ‘It’s a small world’, maybe an over used cliché…… Yet things often happen to me, fine gossamer strands weaving connections to my life in California and very often Provence. These invisible threads do indeed shrink my …

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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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Exterior of KOT Interior Shop Lourmarin, Luberon. Vaucluse, Provence, France
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Beautiful people & beautiful linens in Lourmarin at KOT

As we’ve spent increasing amounts of time in Lourmarin we’ve come to know more of the people in the village, all of whom have been warm and welcoming.  Like us, many of them are not originally from the area but …

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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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Winter's view from the courtyard at Lourmarin chateau, Lounrarin, Luberon, Provence in the rain
Around ProvenceBouches-du-RhôneDiscoverStories from Lourmarin

Lourmarin, what to do as winter approaches in Provence

It’s raining today in Provence and after nearly a month of clear, blue skies and gentle, warm autumnal days, temperatures have plummeted signaling the beginnings of winter. No where, even Lourmarin, is as idyllic in the rain, or is it? …

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Road in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône, Provence, France
Around ProvenceBouches-du-RhôneDiscoverSt Remy-de-Provence

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Recently someone who only had four days to spend in Provence asked me if I had to choose between a visit to Aix-en-Provence or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, which would it be. Preferably I’d find the time for both but as stunning a …

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Le Château Constantin, Lourmarin, Luberon, Vaucluse, Provence, France
DiscoverLourmarinLuberonNearby LourmarinThe Vaucluse

Le Château Constantin, Lourmarin ~ when you dream a little

Many people dream of owning a winery; a romantic illusion of strolling through carefully tended vines sharing your vintages within the shadows of a sprawling château, which for me would have to be in Provence. Of course dreams like this …

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