Summer in full swing

The summer concert is in full swing starting with the International Piano Festival at La Roque d'Antheron. A perfect way to spend a hot summer evening with picnic on the lawn before the open air concert.

And more beautiful views

Lavender now in bloom on the Plateau de Sault. Here a superb view with Mont Ventoux in the background - soon to be the high point of the Tour de France.

Stunning views

The lavender on the Plateau de Valensole today. Just a fabulous sight of beautiful colour stretching right to the horizon at the Ferme Anglevin.

Lavender is coming!

A little later than normal this year due to the cold Spring but the colour is just beginning to show in the lavender fields - the prospect of a glorious flowering soon to come.

Bouillabaise the traditional way

On the beach, cooked over an open fire and served on a cork platter. Fantastic summer lunch - but come hungry!

The blue waters of the stunning Lac de Sainte Croix

This beautiful lake in the Alpes de Haute Provence is the third largest in France. An artificial lake it enhances the stunning natural scenery of this lovely part of Provence and is renowned for the exceptionally pretty turquoise colour of the water, seen here especially where the Verdon river waters enter the lake at the end of the Gorges de Verdon.

Stones and Roses

The Chateauneuf du Pape appellation is one of the most famous names in the Cotes du Rhone area.  The reds, characterised by a dark robe as well as spicy, woody and peppery aromas are definitely wines for laying down but the lesser know whites too are exquisite.  In the vineyards you can see clearly the large river pebbles which soak up the sun’s heat during the day to warm the grapes at night.