Provence at a Slower Pace: Markets, Villages, and Time to Enjoy Them
A morning at the market. A conversation that lasts longer than expected. A village you meant to pass through, until you decide to stay for a coffee.
These are the moments I like to leave room for in Provence.
Having grown up in the region, I’m drawn to the familiar pleasures as much as the beautiful views: choosing ingredients, discovering an address, and taking time to enjoy the place I’m in.
Give the market a little time
A market can become the beginning of a day’s discoveries.
Browse before deciding what to buy. Notice what draws your attention. Ask about an unfamiliar ingredient, or choose something you would like to try.
If you have a kitchen where you’re staying, let your purchases suggest what to prepare later. Even a simple lunch can become part of the journey.
Leave space between destinations
It is tempting to fill a trip with every village and view you’ve heard about. But a crowded itinerary leaves little room for the unexpected.
Choose a few places you’re curious about and allow time to wander. You might discover an antique shop, a quiet corner, or a café where you want to linger.
For me, the Luberon holds a special appeal: villages, countryside, and the pleasure of settling into a place rather than continually moving on.
Let food be part of the experience
A cooking gathering, a tasting, or a conversation about a local dish can offer another way to discover the region.
Pay attention to what you enjoy. It might be a combination of flavors, a way of serving something, or the ease of a long conversation around the table.
These are things you can bring home without finding extra space in your suitcase.
Make room for everyday life
Our earlier French Moods journeys were built around small groups, local stays, food, and time together. That remains the kind of travel that inspires me.
Whether you travel independently or join a hosted journey, consider leaving part of a day unplanned.
You may find that the moment you remember best was the one you hadn’t scheduled.
Curious about a French Moods journey to Provence? Get in touch to hear about upcoming plans.
Comments