Provence, holidays never to be forgotten

Provence, the ideal destination for your summer vacation: a magical land where everything seems larger than life. It symbolizes not just sun, vineyards, olive groves, lavendar fields and quaint stone villages, but also a kind of harmony in life that seems to elude us elsewhere. You hear stories of simple people wrestling with human issues, such as those epitomized in A Year In Provence by Peter Mayle. The rustic nature and usual mild weather of this region lends itself well to flea markets. The peasants don’t seem to throw anything away but collect extra furniture, farm implements, tools, and other items in sheds next to their stone houses. When things get too cumbersome they haul them off to the local marketplace.

Chateau Les Vignes, near Avignon

Markets and where to find them

Ideal markets to visit on your summer holidays are in Avignon, Toulon, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Marseille, and Nimes. Most of these markets take place on weekends, especially Sundays, and start at dawn and last until midday or whenever business dies down.

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Provence Market

Spring and Fall, and wonderful time to visit Provence

The best seasons for shoppers are Spring and Fall when the weather is most pleasant and the prices most reasonable, but most are held year round. Some are rustic peasant markets and others are high-end. If you want to know the exact details, times and locations, I would highly recommend Exploring the Flea Markets of France by Sandy Price. Her work will give you excellent advice for when you vacation in Provence.

The atmosphere at these markets is congenial and relaxed. It helps to know a bit of the language, but you can get along quite well without. Even the farmers are used to foreigners and will enjoy the bargaining. Most of the items focus on utilitarian and everyday objects of traditional Provencal life. Besides tools and furniture you’ll find handmade quilts, wooden shoes, santons (the ceramic figures dressed in Provencal costumes), olive oil jugs, truffle jars and wine-making implements. The best way to do it is to have a car so you can arrive early and visit more than one market in a day. Have fun shopping.

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Typical Provencal village

The diversity of Provence

When Emmanuel and I spoke briefly about our blog entry for this month, we both got excited thinking about Provence. When I remember my personal times there, I feel a special nostalgia. Whether one prefers medieval villages with narrow cobblestone walks, vast plains of agricultural crops, hillsides of vineyards, fields of lavender and herbs, bands of sheep on green slopes, or the bustle of cities offering a peak at historical landmarks, museums and famous works of art, there really is something for everybody here. So it's hard to know where to begin to describe this exquisite land.

Oppede Estate - Villa rental, Oppede

Rich in History

As is common in Europe, Provence's past is ancient and tumultuous. Those into its wealth of history will find it fascinating to go back and study the effect of various conquerors and rulers that have left behind landmarks and designs that still stand today. But the overall mood of the land seems to be less hurried, more relaxed and content than other ports of call. There is a rustic charm found nowhere else, and the people are proud, yet humble.

Book your Holiday to Provence today!

Provencal Red wine

Memories from Provence

I fondly remember driving from Toulon, which borders the sophisticated and exclusive French Riviera, up into the laid-back Provencal countryside. Even the Luberons were graciously rounded, offering a gentle climb. Strolling through the medieval village of Viens with its high walls, narrow cobbled streets and beautiful vistas will always be a cherished memory. Lee and I had lunch at a little café overlooking the vineyards of Oppede, visiting with an owner that we work closely with in that area. Makes me want to go back…right now!! I will start with all of the wonderful villages there are to visit in Provence! Please see these details in Provence - 2.