St. Tropez
St. Tropez, whose ancient name was Athenopolis, belonged to Greece who founded Marseille in 599BC, and it was the Romans who invaded the region in 31BC and built opulent villas. Artist, Paul Signac discovered this light-filled place that later inspired Matisse, Bonnard & Albert Marquet. Painting styles of pointillism and…
Collobrieres
The mountain road to Collobrieres climbs to over 700m with sensational views across to Le Lavendou and ‘Les Isles de Porquerolles’ beyond. Located in the heart of the Maures hills, this cobblestoned, picture-postcard village dates back to the 12th Century and times of copper mining and cork production. Today, its…
Lavender Blue
When I moved to my home on the Sunshine Coast in beautiful British Columbia, I planted a row of lavender in my garden to remind me of Provence. That was fifteen years ago, and I now boast an abundant crop of aromatic, bright violet buds blushing in tufts all across…
Toujours Provence
It’s been said many times that the beauty of the South of France, and more specifically the Cote d’Azur is the jewel in the crown of Provence, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Some chase the many trails of author Peter Mayle (A Year in Provence 1989, Toujours Provence 1991,…
Tuscany 2016
Tuscany is especially beautiful in the Fall. It’s golden slopes and slender trees, its sienna sunsets and pastel skies, its red, red wine. I can remember the sounds and smells as if it were yesterday. I stayed at Villa Fonte, on the outskirts of Certaldo a short drive to San…