A Luberon winter institution

Winter in Provence has to be celebrated with a taste of the superb truffles this region produces. There are many local truffle fairs at this time of the year but one of the best is held just after Christmas in Menerbes in the Luberon. Here yesterday the crowds turned out in force to enjoy the stroll to the square at the top of this lovely old village, maybe to buy but certainly to enjoy a soft truffle omelette - the perfect lunch!

Winter lavender

Beautiful at all times of the year. Nestling low on the ground under a blue provencal sky, this lavender field on the Plateau de Sault is in its winter hibernation.

Night skies in Provence

The moon over the windmill in the pretty Luberon village of Joucas and sunset over the Roussillon.

Panoramic views

The Luberon area has some of the most superb wide open vistas. Here on a winter's day the sun shines across the valley with views towards the southern Alps in the far distance - with just a touch of early snow on the tops.

A real Provence experience

On the quayside of the Vieux Port in Marseille the fishermen lay out their catch every morning, all year round. Tourists and locals alike stroll in the sunshine choosing the best of the catch for lunch.

Superb mountain views

The Montagne de Lure sits at the end of the Vaucluse mountain range in Haute Provence. The views from the summit are just superb - right across to the northern Alps in the distance beyond the beautiful valley de Jabron below.

Cherry blossom time

All over the Luberon valley the cherry orchards are alight with fluffy white blossom. Against the blue, blue provencal sky this is just a delight and a real sign of spring time.

Primrose walk

A delightful spring walk by the River Aigebrun in the Parc Naturel du Luberon - primroses, ferns and hidden waterfalls