Stephens is Owner of Olives & Vines. Olives & Vines is a luxury holiday company based in the South of France offering stays at their beautifully designed holiday house and boutique hotel in Le Castellet.
With such a lot to see and do in Provence, it can sometimes become overwhelming trying to plan a holiday in Provence… especially if you have never visited before! To help you enjoy the perfect Provence vacation I’ve listed some top attractions and well as lots of useful information about the region. If you’ve got […]
Wow, what a Summer we’ve been having in Provence! With soaring temperatures, it really has been amazing for those of us who love to make the most of the heat of the summer. Still, there are times when even the most ardent heat lovers want to cool down for a bit. Luckily, there are plenty […]
Even in a country as devoted to eating as France, there is something special about feasting in Provence. Provence provides endless sunshine, the French Riviera, home to Cézanne and a colourful countryside. It is this landscape that defines the classical Provençal cuisine with mineral-rich sea and soil responsible for extraordinary flavours. Rocky hillsides are infused […]
Unlike any other European region, the beauty of Provence is that she generously provides a wide array of opportunities for leisure, which never fail to disappoint. From inhaling the sensual lavender lingering aroma to quaffing sweet Rosé under the stars, times here are as delectable as the warmth of the sun that drenches this archetypical […]
Provence is without doubt a popular destination in the summer and for very good reason. The abundant sunshine encourages everything to burst into life. There is a palpable buzz in the air as people make the most of the stunning weather and warm temperatures. The vines are in full leaf, the sunflowers and lavender in […]
For many holiday destinations there are a few ‘must do’ activities or specific places to visit. Here in Provence we’re lucky to have our very own destination venue – The Circuit Paul Ricard Race Track! This incredible complex and homage to motor racing was built in 1969 just outside of the picturesque village of Le […]
There are lots of reasons why Provence makes such a good holiday destination. Great food, lovely towns and vibrant cities set in a geographically beautiful landscape are just some. But one of the top reasons people visit is to enjoy the stunning coastline that meanders for miles and the sunshine and warmth which makes time […]
Easter… the word conjures up Spring sunshine, cute rabbits, fluffy chicks and chocolate. However, in the UK, the reality can also be the nightmare of a long school holiday break with torrential rain outside. So, give yourselves a treat and head south. Blue skies, balmy air, open spaces and even beaches await you in Provence….plus […]
With the Christmas holidays finished and the children back to school you might be breathing a sigh of relief and looking forward to a little bit of downtime! Not for long however… the school holidays keep on coming with February half term just around the corner, quickly followed by Easter and then May half term! […]
Feeling like you always have the same old Christmas celebrations? Or feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of tackling crowded supermarkets in-time to get all the trimmings to go with your turkey? Fear not! There is still time to make this a festive season to remember by treating yourself to a Christmas abroad. Even better, check […]
With only a few weeks of 2018 left we thought now was the ideal time to begin looking to the year ahead… where do we want to go and what do we want to do?? No, these aren’t self-help, philosophical questions of the kind we’re going to see many (many) of filling our social media […]
The south of France can be a truly wonderful destination to enjoy during the winter. Although Provence is more typically associated with the summer months, those in the know make a point of ensuring they take a trip or two during the Autumn and Winter. With the crowds largely gone, you’ll be able to enjoy […]
Autumn the best time of year to visit Provence? Quite possibly! For those of you who are looking for the perfect destination for an Autumn getaway, carry on reading to discover some of the highlights of this fabulous region in September, October & November along with details of some unmissable events that are well worth […]
Being able to speak another language is an enviable skill and one that many of us aspire to acquire at some point, particularly after a holiday abroad! A subscription to Babbel that never gets used and the well-meaning resolution to learn 50 words a day are often the first casualties for the many of us […]
Just one of the many delights of a Provencal summer are the long evenings which offer the perfect excuse to throw an informal al fresco dinner party. The heat of the day has given way to a comfortable heat, the air is deliciously scented and the air is filled with the song of the cicadas […]
Summer is here… now all you have to do is head south to embrace the best that France has to offer… Provence! Clear blue skies, aquamarine sea, crusty French bread, succulent tomatoes, garlic, olives ripening on the trees and the heady scent of lavender. If that weren’t enough to tempt you, then here are some […]
