V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

Travelling To Provence

I am often asked about travelling to Provence and while I am neither an expert nor a travel guide, I do love Provence with all my heart.

I spend most of my year getting there, being there and dreaming about being there.

Below you will find links to my travel tips, some websites and extra information that might help when planning a trip.

Simple details, that I take for granted… yet if I had known them way back… it would have made all the difference.

 

How and When to Travel to Provence 

This is a tough one as my immediate reaction is to tell you that Provence is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year.

  travelling to provence : how to get here

 

Getting around Provence

Whether arriving in Provence by air, by sea or by rail it is still advisable to rent a car.

Provence is a large region and the public transport system does not cater for tourists unless you are with a group and on an arranged tour.

Having your own transport is essential, unless you are happy to stay in one specific place and explore by foot.

 travelling to provence : car rental, public transport and the necessities

 

Driving in Provence

On the road… with the satellite navigation working, the maps opened and the directions duly noted… all that remains is to understand the French way of driving.

 travelling to provence : the french way of driving

 

 Where to Stay in Provence

Where to stay when travelling in Provence?

 travelling to provence : where to stay

 

Summer in Provence

Wondering how to pack for the summer?

I spend half my time here and yet I still get it completely wrong sometimes.

travelling to provence : what to pack

 

 Le Petit Bijou in Provence

Le Petit Bijou is a village house in the historical center of Saint Rémy-de-Provence, close to the Musée des Alpilles and the Hôtel de Sade.

It is in a quiet street off the rue Carnot with its restaurants, a patisserie and a presse. Saint Rémy’s Wednesday market is only a few hundred metres away. The spectacular Alpilles mountain range and the gorgeous village of Eygalieres are nearby.

  le petit bijou : for rental  //  le petit bijou : behind the scenes

 

Market Days in Provence

When travelling to Provence, the markets are a must and one of the region’s distinguishing features.

travelling to provence : the markets

 

Flea Markets and Antiques in Provence

Flea markets are abundant in Provence.
Each weekend local villages will play host to dealers from all over the region.

 

 

Q and A

Lavender?

The best time to see the lavender is late June into early July.

The Luberon region of Provence towards Sault is ideal for viewing the lavender fields… and in particular the Abbaye de Senanque, near Gordes.

 

Favourite village?

Other than St Remy de Provence… Eygalierès, Maussane and Lourmarin

 

Favourite towns?

Aix-en-Provence and Avignon… followed by Arles, especially the Saturday morning market and the Roman arena.

 

Favourite restaurant?

La Chassagnette outside of Arles

 

Local wines?

Chateau Estoublon  // Domaine Guilbert  // Domaine de Trevallon  //  Dalmeran  // Mas de la Dame  //  Romanin

 

Don’t miss?

Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux de Provence  //  Glanum in St Remy de Provence  //   Opera in Orange at the Théâtre Antique 

 

Truffles?

Between Novemeber and March, Richerenches is one of the largest truffle markets.

Shipping?

Hedleys Humpers make getting it home very easy. They have offices in Paris and L’Isle sur la Sorgue.

 

In The Luggage

Michelin Local Map No 332  //   Michelin Touring and Motoring Atlas: France  //   French/ English Dictionary


Don’t Leave Home Without

an extra bag… the Longchamp Pliage is my choice.

** The Michelin Guide to France… it is invaluable… and once you understand the symbols it holds everything you need to know about travelling in Provence.

 

  The Right Mood