Do you need a reason to visit Provence? No, I would go immediately perhaps avoiding July and August though!

Anyhow if you need a little persuasion, then here are 5 reasons to go courtesy of My Melange.

1. To experience art come alive.
2. The color purple.
3. Outdoor markets.
4. Hidden treasures.
5. Something original.

The scent of lavender along with honey, ripe fresh produce (whatever’s in season), and fresh baguette swirls together in the air of Markets in Provence.  Each day brings with it an outdoor market in a different region.  Vendors typically open around eight and end their day at one.  This not only provides you with delicious food, but a perfect setting for people watching and truly immersing yourself in a culture.

Any trip would not be complete, in my opinion, without a memento representing my time there or just something that captures the character and culture of a place.  Provence provides ample opportunity for finding just such a treasure with its many antique shops and flea markets.  Some particularly well-known are the Marché à la Brocante in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and L’ Isle-sur-la-Sorge in Vaucluse.  Whether your treasure be an 18th century armoire or for those more budget conscious a vintage straw hat, you can find it here along with an authentic piece of provincial pottery.

For more details and photos: 5 Reasons to Visit Provence

Enjoy the sights and scenes of Provence - video:

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Photo by Peter Curbishley

The Guardian has published a list of summer treats to visit in France. Here are some of our highlights.

Bouzigues, Languedoc-Roussillon
Bouzigues, half an hour west of Montpellier, offers a real taste of the seaside, French-style, with gorgeous oysters and sea urchins (oursins) plucked from the lagoon. At Chez La Tchèpe (+33 4 6778 3319) on the seafront, you pick your shellfish at the counter and it is cooked and delivered to your table with, say, a bottle of Picpoul de Pinet. The area around is a wildfowl paradise, with flamingo-intensive lagoons within easy walking distance.

Les Sables d'Olonne
This resort south of the Loire has a 12km stretch of golden sand. The vast expanse of sea, sky and sand has inspired many an artist. It's a great place for swimming, surfing and sailing (the Vendée Globe yacht race starts and ends here). Visit the seashell museum and the museum of contemporary art and local traditions. The covered market has an array of attractively arranged fresh fish, meat, fruit and vegetables. Salt marshes a few miles out of town can be toured by boat.

Bay of Agay
To enjoy the Côte d'Azur without crowds, tourist-trap beaches or bling, head to Agay, 40km east of Fréjus/St Raphaël on the D559. The town sits on the bay, with turquoise shallows and viridian pines complementing the gold-red volcanic rock of the last range of the Massif de l'Estérel.

The Vallée du Paradis campsite, in a quiet location at the back of the town, bordering the river Agay, is conducive to chilling out in the evenings with a glass of rosé. Agay has a year-round temperate climate, so you can enjoy all its attributes early in the season.

For the complete list, read: Readers' travel tips: the best of coastal France

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Paris is NOT the only place to visit in France. It may be your number 1 location but Paris is not typical France - you need explore to get a true flavour of France.

On the EconomyCarHire blog they suggest 5 Must-See Places Outside of Paris

1) Normandy
2) Lourdes
3) French Rivera
4) Disneyland Paris
5) Vineyards

Here are some excerpts:

Normandy: The historical region of Normandy in the north-west corner combines wondrous and dramatic coastline with evocative ties with World War II. Away from the shores, lush farmland, quaint French villages and friendly market towns lay in wait, as do the large bustling cities of Rouen and Caen. In addition, there’s a spattering of other things to see and do. Take a trip to the Caen War Memorial or the picturesque village of Giverny which lies on the banks of the River Seine, which is the home of Claude Monet. The garden of his home is said to be the inspiration of his famous water lily pieces, so naturally it proves popular with visitors. The Abbey of Mont Saint Michel, perched atop a 264ft high rocky inlet is another unmissable sight and the second most visited attraction in the country!

Vineyards: Last but not least, you can’t forget the country’s best produce; the famously delicious wine. A visit and tour of one or two vineyards, if not more, is pretty much an essential item on any itinerary. Wine tasting of course goes hand in hand, and if you time your visit right, you may stumble across wine festivals and have a go at squashing some grapes for the next seasons production.

Read the full article:  5 Must-See Places Outside of Paris

Video: Celebrity Vineyards

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The TravelAfterKids Blog (my kind of life!) have an interesting article (and lovely photos) about the splendid city of Montpellier in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon. Many fly into the airport at Montpellier but how many take the time to explore the city? Don't miss the opportunity. Here is an extract from their article about the Top 5 locations in Montpellier:

1. Montpellier Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Montpellier) is a Roman Catholic cathedral, and a national monument of France. It is the seat of the Archbishops, previously Bishops, of Montpellier. Originally a church attached to the monastery of Saint-Benoît (founded in 1364), the building was elevated to the status of cathedral in 1536, when the see of Maguelonne was transferred to Montpellier. It suffered extensive damage during the Wars of Religion between Catholics and Protestants in the 16th century, and was subsequently rebuilt in the 17th.
2. The Musée Fabre: The museum was founded by François-Xavier Fabre, a Montpellier painter, in 1825. Beginning in 2003, the museum underwent a 61.2 million euro renovation, which was completed in January 2007. It is one of the main sights of Montpellier and close to the city's main square, the Place de la Comédie. The museum's national importance is recognised by it being classified as a Musée de France by the French Ministry of Culture.  On display are ceramics from Greece and the rest of Europe. Furthermore, the museum has a large collection of paintings from the 17th until the 19th century, with a large representation of the luminophiles movement. There are also sculptures by Antoine Bourdelle, Jean-Antoine Houdon and René Iché.
3. The Porte du Peyrou is a triumphal arch in Montpellier. It is situated at the eastern end of the Jardin de Peyrou, a park near the center of the city. The arch was designed by François Dorbay, after the model of the Porte Saint-Denis in Paris. Its construction was completed in 1693. Its rusticated surface is crowned by a Doric entablature, suitable to a martial monument. Its later panels in bas-relief and inscriptions glorifying King Louis XIV of France were added in 1715.
4. Tour de la Babote. A large medieval corner tower. In occitan, babota means an insect larvae or a silk worm chrysalis. The name is deemed to have unappealing connotations which some people believe is in keeping with the tower's appearance. Was it considered somehow more impregnable and threatening than the others. In 1739 the Sociate Royale des Sciences constructed an observatory.
5. The Place de la Comédie is the main focal point of the city of Montpellier. It is located at the south-east point of the city centre where in previous times the fortifications of the city were located. The square is first mentioned in 1755 and is named after the theatre located there, which burned down in 1785 and 1855. The Place became the main focal point of the city when, in the mid-19th century the main railway station was built some 200 metres south of it. At that time, a smaller train going to the nearby beach at Palavas-les-Flots also had its provenance on the Place. 

Read the complete article and admire the photos: Montpellier

Montpellier Video: Explore Montpellier

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It is that time of the year and the sun has come out! MyFrenchLife reports on its 65th Birthday - read on:

The first Festival de Cannes was held in 1946. The old winter casino in Southern France played host to proceedings, with father of French cinema Louis Lumière as its inaugural judge. Amongst the films on display were Walt Disney’s ‘Make Mine Music’, Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Notorious’, and Jean Cocteau’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’.¹

Over the next 65 years, the Cannes Film Festival would become synonymous with glamour, controversy, and some of the biggest stars and films ever made.

For many francophiles and French people, Cannes is a representation of old world elegance; the sort that Hollywood is desperately trying to recreate.

Each year, American film festivals try to dig up a more antique ambience, but revellers often find it lacking. With so much focus on box-office numbers, big budgets and wild special effects, the true essence of film can often be lost.

The stars of France and beyond

The red carpets of Cannes have played host to more than a few iconic pairs of shoes. In 1949, the A-List began to arrive, with Errol Flynn and Orson Welles among the attendees. Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, and Grace Kelly followed amongst a sea of equally famous French and foreign faces.

Read the complete article with photos of past stars: 65 years of a French icon: The Cannes Film Festival

Enjoy the 2012 Cannes Festival Video:

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Enjoy the countdown! Sorry Alan Freeman no longer available with the countdown.

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Gastronomy in France is a big thing! And at the top of the list is the nation's cheeses - just so many to choose from. The Carter Blog lists their top 5 cheeses - do you agree or do you have your own favourites?

France is a country with a fierce and iconic reputation for fine food. It has long been the breeding ground for some of the world’s top chefs, and constantly raises the bar when it comes to gastronomy and culinary innovation. One of Frances most famous and exquisite exports is its French Cheese. This article will at five of Frances finest cheese, so pour yourself a glass of wine and prepare to have your taste buds teased.

First up we have Bleu du Bocage, a wonderful blue cheese made from goats milk. Each wheel is aged for about three months before it is ready for consumption. It has a moist and creamy texture, and the blue/grey veins that run through it give this cheese a beautiful appearance. This is a cheese that perfectly combines the grassy flavours of the rind with sweet fruity flavours and a peppery kick. The Bleu du Bocage is best served with preserved walnuts and a glass of fine port.

Next up we have a fine Brie, Brillat Savarin. Be warned, this is not the healthiest of cheeses, but it is the most delicious Brie available. Brillat Savarin is a Brie with cream added to it, this gives it the most rich and creamy texture you could imagine. For the best tasting Brillat Savarin, look for the ones aged by Maison Mons.

Read on to find about the other top cheeses: Top 5 French Cheeses

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Arc de Triomphe
Pont Alexandre III
Seine
La Tour Eiffel
Musée du Louvre
Notre Dame
Sacre Coeur
Moulin Rouge
Champs-Élysées
Grand Palais

More enjoy our selection of Top 10 Places in France

Did you know we have over 100 Videos of France on this site? Check out our Videos of France

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Typical Les Landes style at a very attractive price! Lovely summers and mild winters make this area popular. Snap up this bargain!

Town: Moustey
Department: Landes
Region: Aquitaine
Price: € 187,200

Chalet wood types including Landes entrance covered wooden terrace overlooking vast peasant living room with fireplace, the kitchen is open plan.

More Photos and Details: Les Landes Property

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The following video is a presentation on tourism in France. It includes descriptions of French festivals, historical monuments, theme parks, gardens, Perpignan and more!

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Join Rick Steves on a journey through the delightful region of Burgundy. Not just vineyards as you will see!

My favorite corner of France is Burgundy, a region overflowing with edible, drinkable, scenic, and floatable delights. Its rolling hills and a handful of sleepy villages have given birth to the superior wines and fine cuisine that say "French."

The city of Beaune, snug within its medieval walls, makes a handy base for exploring the region. You'll feel comfortable right away in this prosperous and popular town, where life centers on the prestigious wines grown in the picturesque vineyards all around. Medieval monks and the powerful dukes of Burgundy laid the groundwork that established this town's prosperity. The monks cultivated wine, while the dukes cultivated wealth.

Beaune's real charm is the town itself, which is especially vibrant on Saturday, the market day, when colorful stands fill the square. There is one must-see sight in town, the Hospice de Beaune, a medieval hospital. Six hundred years ago, concerned about the destiny of his soul, one of Burgundy's wealthy sons attempted to buy a ticket to heaven by building this charity hospital. Rich and poor alike came here to die (or occasionally get better). The colorful glazed tiles on its roof established the classic style repeated on ancient buildings all throughout Burgundy.

Read more of the article about Burgundy Wine, Barging, and Beyond

Rick Steve's Barging through Burgundy Video

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The land where Spain and France meet the Atlantic is Basque Country. Compared to their more stridently Basque neighbors across the border in Spain, Basques living in France seem more integrated into French culture. Nestled in the Pyrenees, St.-Jean-Pied-de-Port has an endearing energy, with its mix of day tripping families and determined pilgrims using the town as a springboard for the time honored pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in NW Spain, 500 miles away. Visit Bayonne on the coast to feel the region's urban pulse. The cathedral marks the town's old center where tall, slender buildings, decorated with typically Basque green-and-red shutters, tower above narrow streets

Check out some Basque properties in Pyrenees Atlantiques and Gascony

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Spacious villa with pool set in 2400 m2 of attractive garden.In beautiful calm spot with marvellous views on edge of village.

All for just 295,000 euros!

Town: Quillan area
Department: Aude
Region: Languedoc - Roussillon

Lots more photos and further details: Aude Villa

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Great New Find: 3D Travel Tours at PanoramicEarth.com. If you go to this location:
http://www.panoramicearth.com/Europe/France
you can view all the 3D Panoramic Tours in France. At the last count over 20 tours to enjoy.

Saint-Paul or Saint-Paul-de-Vence is located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur in southeastern France. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is well-known for its modern and contemporary art museums and galleries.

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It seems a shame that the French Authorities are making a visit to a major attraction so difficult! A storm is brewing ... !

Cars have been banned from the foot of Mont-Saint-Michel in northwest France. People coming to the country's most visited tourist site now have to park their vehicles three kilometres from the historic mount, walk one kilometre, then take a shuttle bus to the entrance. It's the latest stage in a long-running project to turn Mont-Saint-Michel into an island once more. But it's getting a mixed response from tourists!

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Surprise, surprise! No restaurants from France feature in the World Top 10. A bad day for Gastronomy in France!

A post in Paris By Mouth reveals: Last year’s highest ranked Paris restaurant Le Chateaubriand, which fell this year from #9 to #15, was surpassed by L’Atelier Saint-Germain de Joël Robuchon (now #12). While Alain Passard, Pierre Gagnaire and Pascal Barbot continue to jockey for position at the far end of the Top 20, Alain Ducasse was kicked off the list entirely, not even making the Top 100.

Among the younger Paris chefs, Bertrand Grébaut and his restaurant Septime snuck onto the extended list at #87, but there was no love for David Toutain, Daniel Rose or Gregory Marchand.

This Year's Top 10

1. Noma, Denmark (no change)
2. El Celler de Can Roca, Spain (no change)
3. Mugaritz, Spain (no change)
4. D.O.M, Brazil (up 3)
5. Osteria Francescana, Italy (down 1)
6. Per Se, USA (up 4)
7. Alinea, USA (down 1)
8. Arzak, Spain (no change)
9. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, UK (new entry)
10. Eleven Madison Park, USA (up 14)

For the full results and analysis: The World’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2012

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The French elections at the weekend could have a big effect on the French moving to London according to a report in Euronews - extract here:

Some wealthy French citizens may be preparing to swap croissants for full English breakfasts with a move to London if Socialist candidate Francois Hollande becomes the next president of France.

It is less than a week to go until the election, and one of Hollande’s proposals is more tax on annual incomes over one million euros.

There are already around 300,000 French citizens living in England’s capital, but some of those who decide to leave France if Hollande wins may go to Brussels or Switzerland instead.

Read the full story here: Wealth tax could cause exodus from France to London

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1st for French Property have launched their first app (application) to run on Smartphones.

You can access all the latest French Properties for Sale – the latest properties are updated hourly. In addition you can view videos about the popular French regions, access our Twitter and Facebook feeds.

You can download the app “1st for French Property” on Google Play (Android Market). Alternatively when you browse to our home page (http://www.1st-for-French-Property.co.uk) on your mobile where you are offered the option to download our app or go to mobile version of the website.

In addition, you can access a mobile version of the site via http://www.1st-for-French-Property.co.uk/mobile.

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I like Cheese, I guess most people like cheese. And where is the home of good cheeses? Well France must be right up there! Would you relocate because of your love of cheese?

Interesting post from David Lebovitz's blog about cheese. Here is an extract:

I’m not going to say it’s the top reason I live here, but one of the main reasons that I live in France is because of the cheese. It’s not just that I like cheese – which I do very dearly – but it also represents something that France has held on to, and still defies modernization. You just can’t make Comté or Bleu de Termignon with a machine. Each is made in a certain region, with milk from certain pastures, then molded and ripened, then sent to a skilled fromager to be offered to customers.

If you go into a French supermarket, there are plenty of cheeses to choose from. But traditional fromageries survive in Paris because of the personal service one gets. Not every neighborhood is lucky enough to have a good fromagerie close by, but there are a good number scattered around Paris, and every outdoor market has a cheese merchant, lording over large tables covered with straw mats, with rounds, triangles, crottins, and slabs of cheese from across France

Although people do buy cheese at the supermarket, I like the one-on-one discussion with the vendor, who will verbally joust with you, until they find the right cheese for you that day. I often hope there’s a line because it gives me a chance to see what others are ordering because most shops and I like to overhear the discussions they have about what cheeses they bought a few days before, and how they liked them, and what’s best at the moment.

Got the taste for Cheese, read the full article here: Fromagerie Pascal Beillevaire

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One of my favourite locations in the South of France - the fortified city of Carcassonne. Today the South of France blog publishes an excellent commentary on the history with some stunning photographs. Here is an extract ....

Carcassonne is a fortified city in the South of France. It was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997.

The Sarrasin occupation provided inspiration for one of the best-known legends of the Middle Ages…

The emperor Charlemagne laid siege to Carcassonne, then ruled by the Sarrasin king Ballak, who was succeeded after his death by his wife, “Dame Carcas”. The town had already been under siege for 5 years when famine overcame the last of its defenders. So alone Dame Carcas kept watch from the ramparts. To give the illusion that the city remained well guarded, she made straw figures and dressed them as soldiers and fired arrows at the besieging army.

All that remained in the town was a little pig and one sack of wheat. Dame Carcas fed the pig with all the wheat and then threw it from the ramparts! At the sight of such a well fed fat animal, the amazed assailants concluded that the inhabitants had plenty of food and probably weren’t going to surrender any time soon. Charlemagne called off the siege in despair. But before the huge army had quite disappeared Dame Carcas rang the bells of the city to celebrate victory.

Full article and Photos of Carcassonne: Carcassonne City

Video Exploration of Carcassonne:

Property near Carcassonne

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