Provence from Fayence outwards

Provence pricier than Languedoc

People considering a property investment in the south of France should consider Languedoc. It's a bargain, according to Creme de Languedoc.

Go there and stay. Provence should stay a peaceful haven.

Millionaire Fair

Cannes will be riddled with millionaires looking for new Bentleys and gold-plated mobile phones.

Am I bothered? No, but I am amused by the hilarious translation on the Cannes Palais des Festivales website:

"The Millionaire Fair enjoys without precedent a success and gathers the main actors of luxury industry made of a hundred companies. The most luxurious cars, the watches, the most precious jewels, the most sumptuous residences, unique concept of living, unusual boats and all the most beautiful that the world can offer to himself, will be presented to the public in a muffled atmosphere. This is why the Millionaire Fair is the ideal event to form contacts and to allow the epicureans to find themselves in a luxury and exceptional place.

The Millionaire Fair became rapidly an inescapable concept through the world. The visitors and the clients enjoy an unique experience, entertaining even magic where we can appreciate music and all the entertainments proposed, while discovering all the new luxury products. In September it will be the turn of France to go into ecstasies over this spectacular abundance."

Rich they may be, but can they speak English?

Mons en Provence vs. Lanarkshire

I have got it all wrong. Instead of opting for a charrming, rural Mas in Mons-en-Provence, I should have invested in Lanarkshire (somewhere in Scotland for non-British readers), according to the Daily Record. Because of a 36% house price hike, "the massive increases mean the Lanarkshire town is rivalling places such as the Cote D'Azur in France as THE place to live." Except the sun. And the scent of lavender. And all the other things that Provence has to offer.

I am really not going to argue.

Noreva anti-wrinkle jam

I received a lot of enquiries about Noreva's Norelift anti-wrinkle jam resulting from a previous post which covered the alleged Provence company's amazingage-defying jam (e.g. Telegraph article). So, I decided to track it down, as a labour of love (not that I have a direct need myself). It proved incredibly difficult. Numerous searches later, I unearthed a French review of Noreva Norelift. The cross-sell refers another product altogether. Winos and Foodies comment trail reveals disappointed seekers for Noreva's cosmetic nectar: I picture time eroding their faces as they scour the globe for the marmalade. I sense an Internet spoof of epic proportions.

Then I find the company: Noreva is based in Auvergne. I find it is up for some kind of industry award - Cosmeeting.  I make contact with Noreva's product manager, Mlle. Baume, the one who said: "found that many women are fed up with popping beauty pills or capsules so we decided to come up with something new. Using a jam-like substance means we can give them the anti-wrinkle and antioxidant substances in a greater concentration." And here's the answer: "Notre produit est distribué en France et dans les réseaux des pharmacies. Vous pouvez donc vous le procurer uniquement sur le territoire français. Il n’est pas disponible sur Internet pour le moment." Aw, shucks.

Anyone in the Provence area, however, can purchase Noreva's gear at  Pharmacie Coutiere - Marmara Centre Commercial Champion 83120 Ste Maxime. I was hoping for something closer to Fayence.

Occitane en Provence - one of those great marketing accidents

I am grateful to mktg brainlog for finding an inspiring insight into how Occitane captured its audience - simply by adding "en Provence".

I will be adding "en Provence" to all my doings, posts and actions from now on. I picture Persil with added "en Provence". It's a bit like Eno with his "Africa in all of us."

General Motors "Top Executives" in Fayence?

CNN Money - The car manufacturer's vice chairman (make that senior), Bob Lutz, wants his cars 'just like a woman'. More: "What is the first thing that attracts you. Her ability to cook and keep house or is it the way she looks?" I hope that a) there is another Fayence in France and b) that Bob does not ask these questions too often in Europe.