Provence from Fayence: Provence Guide

Provence food offered in US

Provence food offered in US schools for $2.50
In the UK, we have Jamie Oliver berating the government to do a better job on school nosh. In Marblehead, Massachusetts - where I lived for a year - Provencal grub is being served up once a month under the banner "Provence: "Cuisine of the Sun".

I am particularly pleased to see Soupe au Pistou on the agenda: a white bean soup with marinated tomatoes and pesto. I generally add some red kidney beans and some french beans (haricots verts). It has been a favourite for years.

With the moral bankruptcy and empty words currently associated with politicos around Europe, it is great to see some initiative from we, the people.

Truffles at centre of crime

Truffles at centre of crime epidemic in Provence
Great article about truffles in Provence. 10 per cent of all the truffles harvested in the 2004-5 season have been poached by gangs armed with guns, wire-cutters and night-vision goggles, and, of course, chiens truffiers - truffle-hunting dogs.

Herbes de Provence - hearty praise from Toledo, Ohio

The versatile mix of herbs gets a big lift from Ohio: Provence classics covered include Pissaladiere or the artichoke variant, lamb chops and grilled squash. I was always amused by the American pronunciation "urbs" (silent "h") - I now realise that it is we Brits who mistakenly articulate the "h" and that "urbs" is closer to the original.

Wines of Provence

From the Sunday Times, a well-written and informed narrative of a round trip in the wine producing areas of Provence. We understand the pooh-poohing Provence wines get outside Provence, but there are nonetheless some classics (& I agree with the Sainte-Roseline pick). The issue I think is that good old rosé just doesn't taste great away from the scents of lavender, thyme and the click of the cicadas, as you sit under a vine-clad terrace quaffing the chilled local brew. Drinking it under a grey, rain-laden sky in London fails to cut the mustard.

Aerial photography of Fayence and Provence

Great find by Résidence Les Marronniers. For lovers of Fayence, here is a direct link.

Audibergue in snow: sunshine and

Audibergue in snow: sunshine and clear blue skies - just 20 mins from Mons and an hour from Cannes
The good looking fellow with the astonishing ski technique is the author. I trust folk will enjoy the view. Audibergue - what Holly and Sophie call "bogey-berg" - is the final outcrop of the southern alps. From Mons, you cut up to the Route Napoleon - taking in the astonishing views across to Escragnolles - turn right at Seranon and wind through alpine scenery and chalets to the 1,650m mountain.

What's amazing is that you can see Cannes - an hour away - and the whole panorama of the Alps. Spectacular! Windy too.

Seranon - behind Mons, on

Seranon - behind Mons, on the way to Castellane
Remember all the snow at Christmas. I love the valley on the Route Napoleon between Escragnolles and Seranon - especially this curious little chapel.

The mountain in the back is Mont Lachens, ca. 1,700m, the biggest peak in the commune of Mons.

Paris-Nice cycle race passes right through Fayence

I am prompted to vent my feelings about cycling, following the publication of a detailed route map through Provence. I remember seeing the same race with mild interest on Belgian TV last year, masses of cyclists traversing my route to and from Nice airport (near Fayence and Montauroux), and sighting the Leclerc supermarket we all know and love.

I just don't understand it myself - the French enthusiasm for dressing up in lurid, heavily branded high-tech stretchy gear and struggling up mountainous terrain. The reward, no doubt, is in heaven. OK, so they look fit. Even stranger, surely, is watching it. The chance of seeing a bit of "overtaking" or a "wipe-out" must be remote. Still, if the transport workers are on strike, how else do you get around?

When the blur of yellows and greens - sponsored by Peugeot - whizzes past Fayence, I shall be playing tennis in London: in the men's doubles final. Go on, Lance.

The Times attempts to cash in on Provence holiday season

A rather sad website, largely free of content with a few links. I did like the cheese site, though, but shame there are only 127 listed.

Provence gets a dump: Nice under snow

At last, Nice suffers a white out and here's how...