I love French words and expressions, and especially how they vary by region.
When I was a kid, if someone was wearing pants that were too short, we’d say he was wearing “floods.” The French have the same idea, except that what you say depends on where you live. You might say that someone “has water in the basement,” or is “going to fish for mussels,” or (my favorite) “has a floor on fire.”
Read about some of these regional terms in My French Life!
Every year, the Carrières des Lumières creates a magical sound and light show inside a giant cavern near Les Baux. It usually features an artist, and this year it is all about Claude Monet, one of the original Impressionists. The program is so good that Val and I saw it twice! If you are in Provence this year, it is not to be missed.
Read all about it in Perfectly Provence!
Vincent van Gogh spent two years in Provence, first in Arles and then at a mental asylum in St-Rémy-de-Provence. In his works we see the people and landscape of the time, filtered through the lens of his unique artistic style. But what did they really look like? A new photographic collection now lets us see for ourselves.
Sisters Emile, Alexandre, and Augustin Sicard were talented amateur photographers at the turn of the last century. They took hundreds of photos in and around St-Rémy just a few years after Van Gogh lived there. Looking at their photos gives us a picture of his world.
Read all about it in Perfectly Provence!
After a complicated process that took eight long years, the European Commission finally granted the Melon de Cavaillon its coveted IGP designation. IGP laws (Indication Géographique Protégée) mean that only products from a certain geographic area, following strict rules, can carry the label. It guarantees quality and authenticity for the consumer and means higher prices for the producers.
First brought to France by the Avignon Popes, and a favorite of Alexandre Dumas, Cavaillon’s melons are among the best in the world. Val and I enjoy them every chance we get, as Cavaillon is just up the road from St-Rémy. You definitely have to try them when you are in Provence.
Read all about this local speciality in Perfectly Provence!
St-Rémy’s most famous former resident is undoubtedly Vincent van Gogh, who spent a year here as a mental patient after cutting off his ear in Arles. While in St-Rémy, he painted several masterpieces, including Irises and The Starry Night.
The place where Van Gogh was interned, Saint-Paul de Mausole, has recently been refurbished. So, you can now see it much as it was during Van Gogh’s time, with not only Van Gogh’s room but also where other patients lived, his doctor’s office, some of the “treatment” rooms, and more. It’s a must-see for visitors to the area, especially those interested in the great artist’s life.
Read all about it in Perfectly Provence!
Just over the hill from St-Rémy sits Maussane-les-Alpilles, a charming village that Val and I go to often. One of the main reasons is a great little restaurant, L’Oustaloun, that serves excellent food. And the service is outstanding! As one of the owners says, “We love our clients and treat them like honored guests.”
All the dishes are homemade (my favorite is the timbaline–so good!) and you can either sit outside on the town square or inside in the charming dining room with its stone walls. Don’t miss L’Oustaloun when you are in the area!
Read all about this excellent restaurant in Perfectly Provence!
Like a lot of countries, France has its cultural quirks. People kiss each other in greeting. Tailgating is a national sport. There’s a complicated protocol on what to say when entering the doctor’s waiting room.
Learn more about these quirks, plus some fun facts about France, at My French Life!
St-Rémy has one of the best weekly markets in France. Yes, I know I’m biased because I live here part of the year, but it’s still true!
If you are thinking of visiting, here’s a primer on what to expect and what to enjoy.
Read all about it in France Today!
A growing number of people have trouble eating gluten. For many, it’s an intolerance and makes them uncomfortable when they eat gluten. For others like me, who have celiac disease, it’s a serious medical condition that requires constant vigilance.
I often get asked how I manage a gluten-free life in France, the country with some of the best bread in the world (yes, I miss croissants.) I’ve put together some of my hard-earned knowledge in an article that covers shopping, dining, and more. You might want to pass it along to someone you know who has trouble with gluten and is considering a trip to France.
Read all about it in Frenchly!
Val and I love the views in Provence, whether of mountains or valleys or stunning cities like Avignon. We bike and hike to some, we drive to others, and we often bring along a picnic. Here are six of our favorites in Perfectly Provence!