Provence Properties

Fabulous French Folies ~ Provence in the Fall

I recently returned from 10 glorious days in Provence.  I met Beth there to help organize her lavender shipment and shop the daily markets and flea markets for 'can'tlivewithout' cool french products.  We stayed in one of Provence Properties houses at the top of the perched village of Bedoin. 

We arrived  late on a Sunday night, tired from the day's travel and craving sleep. Unfortunately, Josiane had forgotten to leave us the key to the house.  We gave her a call and within 30 minutes, she and her boyfriend were there, ready with the key, and also ready to share a welcome glass of wine with us. It's funny how I can always find the energy, and the time, to share a nice glass of wine with friends. :-) 

It was the perfect start to the trip.  The weather remained ideal with the exception of one rainy, gray day.  I've repeatedly stated to clients and friends that September is the primo month to visit and I remain firm in that statement.  We enjoyed many dinners with friends.  I especially enjoyed our night at Rudy and Marie's.  Rudy is the owner of the vineyard, Chateau du Montfacon, click here for information:  more about Rudy's wine   We played 'guess the wine game'  a fun and educational exploration of wine in the region.  Rudy had carefully selected a wine to compliment each course and our mission was to identify the country of origin, the grape, and the vintage.  This was very challenging for me even though I would consider myself an 'experienced'?  wine drinker. Ok, so maybe 'frequent' is a better word. The food, drink, and company was wonderful...the evening, priceless.

The rest of our visit was equally fun. Beth is one of my dearest friends, and the owner of Essence de Provence.  We travel well together and know each other enough to respect each other's differences and even more so, embrace the many quirkie similarities.

I invite you to scroll down and click on my photo album from this past trip "September 2007" There you will find several personal photos from this past journey.   Enjoy!  Feel free to contact me if you are considering a visit to this beautiful place.  I'd be happy to assist with organizing your lodging, itinerary, and other services such as wine tours, bike rentals and cooking classes.

Visiting Lavender Fields in Provence

Ok, so they’re not listed as one of the 7 wonders of the world, but I think visiting the lavender fields in Provence are one of the most wonderful experiences on the planet.  Imagine walking out into this sea of bliss; beautiful lavender, rich in color and overflowing with fragrance.  It is certain to intoxicate the senses.

The lavender blooms for only a short time every summer.  For the past 2 years, Beth and I have assisted in a Provence photo tour for University Students.  The students were as mesmerized with the fields as the adults.  This year we are organizing an adult group.  If you're interested in seeing and photographing lavender fields, you are invited to join us!  The dates for the tour will be June 28th - July 8th, 2008.  We'll be staying in a beautiful and spacious 7 bedroom/ 7 bath villa in the medieval village of St. Cecile les Vignes. There will be daily excursions with time to shoot photos and explore on your own, then a chance to share your images in the evening.  We will leave the excursions and sharing optional, but will provide these opportunities.  If you have a friend or spouse that isn't interested in photography, there will be plenty for them to do as well.  Included in the tour is transportation, lodging, daily breakfasts, and some additional meals.  We also plan to do some wine tasting :-) 

Space is limited! We have been travelling to Provence for several years and know which lavender fields are the most spectacular.  If visiting a lavender field in Provence is on your life list, I invite you to seize this opportunity.  Please contact me for more details.

Leonard Blair and Gig Street New Release

Leonard Blair and Gig Street's latest CD, 'Nice and Streetly' has finally and recently been released.  I, like many others have been patiently awaiting their latest collection of music.  Don't worry Gig Street fans, you won't be disappointed!  In my opinion, this is their best compilation of Jazz cover tunes and original work since the first Gig Street release.  Songs include: 'Jambalaya' , 'Bye Bye Blackbird' , 'Via Con Me' , 'Makin' Whoopee' , ' Cry Me A River' , and ' Blue Monday' among others.  This talented sax musician is quickly being discovered by the general population, and is no longer one of the best kept secrets in Provence.  There are a very limited number these CD's available in the US.  Contact me for details if you are interested in acquiring a copy for yourself.