A Perfect Day in Montmartre

Posted on August 12, 2026 by Keith Van Sickle

No visit to Paris is complete without a stop in Montmartre, the area famous for its artists, cabarets, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica floating above the city. Montmartre includes the highest point in Paris, and this winter Parisians delighted in tobogganing down its slopes after a rare snowstorm.

Val and I visited recently and I thought I’d share our itinerary with you. It included some of the top sites, a delicious lunch at a friendly restaurant, and coffee at the café where part of the movie Amélie was filmed.

Read all about it in Bonjour Paris!

Picasso in Provence

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Keith Van Sickle

This year’s program at Les Baux’s Carrières des Lumières features the Spanish master Pablo Picasso, perhaps the most influential artist of the 20th century. For those who haven’t been to the Carrières, it’s a must-see if you are in the area: the world’s greatest sound-and-light show, held inside a giant cavern. It’s like nothing else on earth.

The short program features Frida Kahlo, the brilliant Mexican artist, and on certain days there is also a special program dedicated to The Little Prince. Something for the whole family!

Read all about it in Perfectly Provence!

Where do the French go on Vacation?

Posted on May 6, 2026 by Keith Van Sickle

France is the world’s most popular tourist destination, but where do the French like to take a vacation?

It is probably no surprise that France is their favorite destination, whether it is for a summer or a winter holiday. But what about other countries?

A French travel organization reports on this every year, including information on who is rising and falling (Vietnam is climbing the ranks!)

To get an idea of French taste in travel, you can read about it in My French Life!

A Great Day in Provence

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Keith Van Sickle

A friend of mine, Julie Mautner, asked me to how Val and I would spend a nice day in and around St-Rémy. That was hard because there are so many fun things to see and do that I had trouble deciding.

But decide I did, describing a lovely day of hiking with Val in the Alpilles mountains, eating lunch at a favorite restaurant, wine tasting, and buying delicious olive oil. Dogs are welcome in France, so of course our good girl Mica would come along to everything.

You can read all about our great Provençal day in The Provence Post!

New and Improved!

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Keith Van Sickle

I’ve written two guidebooks about Provence, sharing my insights after nearly 20 years of living here part of the year. I update them regularly because things change–restaurants close, new ones open, and I’m always discovering interesting things to include.

The 2026 versions are now available! I even updated the cover on the St-Rémy guide.

Please let your friends know about my books if they are coming to this lovely corner of France.

There is a nice review / interview about the Provence guide that you can read in Perfectly Provence.

Here are the links to An Insider’s Guide to Provence and An Insider’s Guide to St-Rémy-de-Provence.

Rest Stops in France

Posted on February 11, 2026 by Keith Van Sickle

If you are driving through France and need a place to stretch your legs, use the facilities, and maybe get something to eat, where do you go? Especially if there is not a decent-sized town for miles?

The answer: an aire.

An aire is what English-speaking countries call a rest stop, motorway service area, lay-by, or something similar. Aires are generally clean, convenient, and well-maintained.

Like rest stops, there are different kinds of aires in France.

Read about aires and how to find them in The Good Life France!

France’s Favorite Monument

Posted on November 19, 2025 by Keith Van Sickle

Every year, the French vote on their favorite monument. It’s a big deal–dozens of monuments from all over France are nominated, and then there is a round of voting by internet. The top vote-getters become finalists, and voting happens all over again.

Then comes the big reveal: a two-hour television broadcast where the Top 10 are slowly counted down, with a segment on each. Finally, the big winner!

Millions of people participate and the television broadcast is a big deal, with everyone wondering who the winner will be.

France’s Favorite Monument of 2025 has just been revealed. Would you like to know what it is? Find out in France Today!

From Kitchen to Distillery

Posted on October 15, 2025 by Keith Van Sickle

One of my favorite restaurants in St-Rémy is Chapeau de Paille. Or rather, it WAS one of my favorites.

Last year Julian and Emilie Martinat sold it to launch a new venture, a distillery. It’s not as big a change as you might think, as chef Julian explained to me. He said, “Making distilled products is like making a sauce. You need the right blend and the right balance.”

The Martinats have started with pastis, the famous liquor of Provence, and are quickly branching out into eau de vie made with the region’s famous fruits. If you are in the area, be sure to stop by for a tasting, and maybe a bottle or two!

Read all about Distillerie des Alpilles in Perfectly Provence!

Paris vs Provence

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Keith Van Sickle

Paris is one of the world’s greatest cities, with monuments and museums galore. Food! Gardens! Shopping!

I love Paris, but is it the best part of France? This part-time Frenchman says no. For that, you have to travel south to Provence.

Why do I think Provence is better than Paris? Let me give you 9 reasons.

A Spectacular Monet Program

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Keith Van Sickle

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.