Provence from Fayence: Provence Guide

Bird flu

With the recent confirmation of bird flu cases in France, I remind people that pastis (readily available in Provence) contains elements of the hard-to-acquire chemicals that are used to counter bird flu.

Provence wine

We have compiled a list of Provence vineyards. Lovingly put together from a number of sources, it's a reasonably comprehensive compendium of the better-known Cotes de Provence wines and, in particular, those with websites. It is organised by location to enable the liquid enthusiast organise visits as part of their stay in Provence.

Olive Oil

How they make olive oil in Provence (courtesy of Olivier de Provence).

Cote D'Azur podcast

I am so excited by the Thomson Cote D'Azur podcast. It's a marvellously cheesy overview of all the favourite tourist spots in Provence, packaged up with tasteful quasi-french backing muzak by the leading UK tour operator. It concentrates on St. Tropes, Grimaud and Antibes. Thankfully, the furthest north it goes is Grasse: the villages perches like Fayence and Montauroux are left unscathed.

The Times was less than impressed: "the information on their podcasts is bland brochure-speak, devoid of the detail you would get in a guidebook -- like having an advert whispered in your ear."

Kosher Provence

At last - some quality material for Jewish needs in Cannes. "The good news is that there are a handful of kosher places to eat, supermarkets stock a variety of kosher products and there's also a shul and a butcher." Mind you, I have already discovered the perfect kosher ratatouille.

I really feel that Go Provence is offering value to all the world's communities: Irish, Jews, Nigerians and, of course, Americans. My reward will come in heaven, I expect.

Cycling in Provence

I am touched by the tale of Kenneth Alstrup - recently deceased - who achieved his goal of touring Provence on a pannier cycle after his retirement. My Provencal retirement dream is to tend my olive trees in Mons.

Provence for the Irish

The Irish are coming, for sure. Provence gets top billing.

"Ah Provence," they say, "all herbs and sunshine... And indeed there's much more. Provence is, of course, also celebrated for its dazzling lavender fields, its cuisine, its artists, its sheer pizzazz....It's a vast chunk of the country, stretching from the Hautes-Alpes in the north to the Mediterranean coast in the south, and from Arles in the west to Monaco and Italy in the east. And what a chunk it is: snowy peaks, sandy beaches, pine groves, villages perching on impossibly craggy slopes, Michelin-starred restaurants - and more than a good dollop of style."

A sound, broadbrush introduction to Provence for the novice with lots of links.

Books about Provence

I have finally succumbed to some mild commercial pressures and am exploiting Amazon's database to present some of the best books about Provence. This includes absolutely the three best guide books, a selection of best sellers and a suite of books about provencal cuisine.

Over time, I'll be building a list of the classic works of fiction - my three for starters is hardly credible.

Cannes Carlton up for sale

Shame. You are for sale. I'd be in the market, but am mortgaged to the eyeballs.

S. .