Lunch at the Only Michelin-Starred Restaurant in Cassis

While in Cassis recently, we thought we'd try the town's only Michelin-starred restaurant, which offered a remarkably reasonably set-price lunch. I wasn't aware then that La Villa Madie had gone through a series of crises over the winter and only weeks ago there was talk of it being sold. Click here to read more.

Skateboarding and Skating in Marseille

As Easter hoves into view, I'm exploring some more of the family-friendly activities and venues in Southern Provence, and took a look recently at the Palais Omnisports in Marseille - which has two ice-rinks and the largest indoor skate park in Europe. Well worth bearing in mind if you're here with kids because, even at this time of year, you can't always count on the weather. Click here to read more.

Everything You Need to Know About The Beaches Of Cassis

While I was in Cassis, I also did a tour of the beaches, where you can catch some rays and swim in some matchlessly clear water, in between enjoying the wine, scenery, market and all the other other attractions this pretty little town has to offer - though I can't promise they'll all be quite as secluded and peaceful in August as they were on a lovely sunny day in early spring.... Click here to read more.

A Trip to the Calanques of Cassis

The calanques of the Mediterranean run all along the coast between Cassis and Marseille, and though only one of them - Port Miou, pictured above - "belongs" to Cassis (the others all fall within the kingdom of its bigger neighbour), it turns out that this little fishing port is an excellent starting point to view them. So here's the first report from my field trip to Cassis last week - a guide to the three dramatic calanques just outside the town and how to get to them. Stand by for more on Cassis itrself, not to mention its excellent wines. Click here to read more. 

Joseph Garibaldi, Marseille's Modest Maestro

I have to admit I'd never heard of Joseph Garibaldi. But a new exhibition in Marseille opening this week spotlights this little known local artist, who spent his life lovingly capturing the city on canvas as well as the surrounding area. His paintings are gorgeously luminous, with shimmering Mediterranean blues and striking, unusual geometric compositions. But you'd never guess from paintings like the one above (Large Sailing Ship at Cassis) that he was a contemporary of Picasso. Click here to read more.

The Colourful Dyers' Street of Avignon

The rue des Teinturiers must be one of the prettiest - and most picture-postcard provençal - streets in Avignon: shaded by plane trees, paved with cobbles, fringed by a canal, lined with hip boutiques, bars and restaurants. During the Theatre Festival in July, it's buzzing. And it has a fascinating history. What's not to like? Click here to read more.