Reflections of winter in Provence

The beautiful light of Provence continues throughout the year. Here the winter sun in the village of Roussillon, the reflections of the water in the River Sorgue at Fontaine de Vaucluse and the stunning colours of the cherry trees before leaf fall.

Summer concert time

Two superb concert festivals have just opened in Provence. The International Piano Festival at La Roque d'Antheron and the International Chamber Music Festival in Salon de Provence. What better way to spend a summer evening than a concert under the stars at both of these lovely venues.

Superb concert in Oppede le Vieux

For the second year, the old church in the ruined medieval village of Oppede le Vieux has hosted three fabulous concerts. Yesterday a mixture of pieces from Verdi, Handel and Mozart were just wonderful. A not to be missed summer concert in the Luberon.

Its that concert time of year in Provence

The concert season is in full swing in Provence starting this week with the superb Chamber Music Festival in Salon. This festival gathers together artists who are the very best in their field for some superb musical evenings in lovely historical locations. The Chateau de L'Emperi and the Abbaye de St. Croix are just two of the venues.

Fabulous lavender everywhere

The fields of the Plateau de Valensole bursting with colour. Its summer in Provence

Marseille always lovely, always interesting

The Vieux Port in the winter sunshine - lovely as ever. And the morning fish market and local shops always interesting whatever the time of year.

Spring flowers in the Alpilles

A delightful stroll through the olive groves in the Alpilles area near St. Remy. Spring flowers in the meadows under a blue provencal sky.

Cherry trees in bloom - its definately spring time!

Cherry trees out everywhere throughout the Luberon valley - a sure sign of Spring.

Mediterranean skies

A bright day over the Mediterranean to start the New Year with a lovely rainbow over the coast at Marseille

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.

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

And now the vines

Beautiful reds, golds and oranges at the Domaine de la Verriere in the Parc Naturel du Luberon.

Golds of Autumn everywhere

Here a host of plane trees make a cathedral of gold on the road towards St. Remy in the Alpilles. What a picture.

Memories

In different locations, often in the remotest places are to be found these descriptions of events during the Second World War. Resistance fighting took place all over Provence and the Chemins de la Memoire with their moving accounts of local battles, sometimes with loss of live, give us a real insight into the events of the time.

The red ochre of Roussillon

The beautiful ochre cliffs in Roussillon in the Luberon in the late afternoon sun. Stunning colours. No wonder this lovely spot attracts so many visitors each year to this charming provencal village.

Art art art

The village of Lacoste and the open day of the Savannah College of Art's annual exhibition. Art in all shapes and sizes.

Music music music

Another one of Provence's must do events, the international piano festival at La Roque D'Antheron has just come to a close.  This lovely setting is home to some superb concerts on the open air stage. What could be better than to be here listening to music on a summer's evening.

More unexpected sights

One of the superb series of portraits from the Walther Collection at the Espace Van Gogh in Arles. Just one of the many fascinating exhibitions which are part of this superb photography event held every year in July and August. A 'must see' event of the provencal summer.

Unexpected sights

High in the hills above the Luberon valley in the pretty village of Murs on a truly blue sky provencal day, this imposing chateau stands proud on the hillside.