days out in provence Archives

Fort Buoux Ancient Ruins

November 9, 2018 by ashleyt 7 Comments

Evening at Fort Buoux.

Fort Buoux Ruins in the Luberon

Fort Buoux, in the Luberon, is an ancient site that is definitely worth a visit. Close to Bonnieux and lesser known than some of the main attractions of the Luberon, you’ll find yourself on a winding road, at this time of year in the fog, that feels a little like the middle of nowhere. But this site was inhabited by pre-neathderthals, then Celtic peoples and the the persecuted Vaudois from Piemonte. The site hasn’t been inhabited for about 300 years. The layers of history are fascinating even though all you can see now are remnants.

Located in the Aiguebrun valley, the fortress remains were built in the early middle ages on top of a Ligurian-Celtic oppidum (fortified Iron Age settlement). You’ll find the ruins on top of a plateau high in the Luberon mountains about 10km south of Apt. Follow the signs for Fort Buoux that will take you to a parking lot, and from there it’s a 15 minute walk to the house where you can buy a ticket.

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Hot Air Ballooning in Provence

November 8, 2018 by ashleyt 3 Comments

Hot Air Ballooning in Provence: The Ultimate Day Out?

A couple months ago we were invited on a hot air balloon ride with AeroProvence. I think Tom, the owner, felt obligated with my enthusiastic likes and comments on all his Instagram posts of fields and fields of lavender. His little hot air balloon business has become quite well known now from all of his Instagram posts, he told me he’s had to get an instagram manager now so they can manage his account whilst he takes people on trips. That’s the thing about social media, it can transform businesses by giving them so many more clients. This just proves that social media marketing can work for any business. If you’re dreaming of being as busy with your business as Tom is, it might be worth creating an Instagram account for your business. When creating an Instagram account, it’s important to grow your followers. This is often one of the most difficult parts, which is why so many other businesses look for the best instagram growth service to help them start building an online presence. With a growing audience, more people should be able to find your page and view your products. Maybe your business will need an Instagram manager soon after. For Tom, it’s fair to say that social media marketing has changed his business for the better.

Due to how much I commented on his posts, he invited us for a hot air balloon ride. We slept for about 3 hours after a crazy week before driving the 1.5 hours to our liftoff spot. We arrived, amazingly early, and ate croissants in the car in the pitch black parking lot while watching the others arrive, equally a little confused in the darkness.

The experience is only possible if you leave very early in the morning. This is to take advantage of the best meteorological conditions. I can say it doesn’t hurt either that as soon as you’re in the sky you’re treated to the sunrise from behind the mountains. If you are interested in taking balloon rides, you might be interested in trying something like Napa Valley Balloons as the ultimate day out.

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Forcalquier Market In Pictures

March 9, 2017 by ashleyt 8 Comments

The thirteenth century concathédrale Notre-Dame-du-Bourguet de Forcalquier that towers over the main market square.

Forcalquier market is just as beautiful as many other large Provençal markets. It’s in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region and is located close to Valensole. If you vacation around this area, your visit will most likely include the Gorges du Verdon as well. If you’re lucky, you’ll be in this region in July where you’ll see the vast expanses of lavender fields in the Valensole plains with mountains in the distance.

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3 Best Farmer’s Markets in Provence

April 19, 2016 by ashleyt 5 Comments

Book a foodie market tour with me!

Curious about in the ins and outs of working in a market in Provence?
Do you want to taste the best Provencal ingredients?
Would you like to eat breakfast at the market with the workers?

Tours are about 2.5 hours in the towns of St Remy de Provence and Eygalières. There’s lots of tasting to be done so come hungry! Tours are private and cost 70€ per person. Send me an email to ask about availabilities. curiousprovence@gmail.com

Paysan/Farmer’s Markets – Marchés Producteurs

organic tomatoes

The quality of the produce is impressive here in Provence. However, all produce is not created equal. The first year I was here, I grew many of my own vegetables. I later wondered why I went through all that trouble. There are some producer’s markets where farmers sell their pickings from that very morning. How can you tell? They still have a heartbeat. Ok, not really but almost. All I can say is that after 4 years here, I can easily tell which veggies are exceedingly versus very fresh.

I go to these 3 markets when I want to make sure I’m getting the best quality for the best prices. Also, may I point out that these products are cheaper as well as better quality. Many of the stands at farmer’s markets (including cheese and meat) specialise in one product. A Farmer’s market is more of a buy your veggies and leave affair, but I’ve included possible days out as well. Here are 3 of the best farmer’s markets in Provence.

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The 9 Best Markets in Provence

April 19, 2016 by ashleyt 85 Comments

CuriousProvence Market Tours

Curious about in the ins and outs of working in a market in Provence?
Do you want to taste the best Provencal ingredients?
Would you like to eat breakfast at the market with the workers?

Book a foodie market tour with me!

Tours are about 3.5 hours in the towns of St Remy de Provence and Eygalières. There’s lots of tasting to be done so come hungry! Tours are private and cost 250€ for 2 people or 310€ with a picnic. Day tours and combined market tour and photoshoot experiences are possible. Send me an email to ask about availabilities. curiousprovence@gmail.com

My Favourite Markets in Provence

Just about every village in Provence has a weekly market. Some villages have markets that occur twice a week or even daily! Markets are absolutely my favourite part of living in Provence.

We can easily spend a day wandering through the stalls and people watching as we sit at a wonky table with a couple glasses of rosé. The weekly market is a ritual that is truly part of living in Provence. On Sundays, you’ll see whole families shopping together as kids amazingly express great interest in the new vegetables of the season. Here are my 9 favourite Provençal markets.

Seasonal mushrooms at Le Thor market

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Wine Tasting in Les Baux de Provence

June 12, 2015 by ashleyt 3 Comments

Les Baux de Provence Vineyards

Last weekend was the ‘portes ouvertes’ of the 12 vineyards that comprise the small appellation of AOC Les Baux de Provence. They were celebrating the 20-year anniversary of the creation of their small AOC. These vineyards are located next to some of the most stunning scenery. Just another excuse to taste their wines and olive oils…

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