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The Rosa centifolia is not a rose native to Provence. Its origins lie elsewhere in Europe. However, Provence — and more discreet rural areas such as the Pays de Fayence — has played a decisive role in shaping how this rose is cultivated, valued, and transformed. Thanks to a favorable climate, preserved agricultural land, and proximity to historic perfume know-how, Rosa centifolia has become an integral part of the Provençal landscape and fragrance heritage. Table of contents

When people ask me what Provence looks like, I often hesitate. Not because I don’t know the region well — quite the opposite. The difficulty comes from the fact that Provence cannot be summed up in a single image or atmosphere. It’s not one landscape, but a succession of very different ones, sometimes encountered within just a short drive. Over time, I’ve realised that this diversity is what shapes the experience of Provence most deeply. More than beauty itself, it’s the cont

Buying a villa in Provence is often guided by emotion — architecture, light, views, and the promise of an outdoor lifestyle. For many international buyers, the property feels complete the moment they step inside. What is less obvious is that, in Provence, a villa is rarely a finished product.Most properties are bought with the idea of adapting, improving, or renovating them over time — sometimes subtly, sometimes more significantly. Understanding how the garden, land, and ext

Buying real estate in the South of France follows a clear, structured, and legally secure process, supervised by a notary and governed by strict timelines. In practice, the purchase usually takes two to three months, moves through well-defined legal steps, and offers strong protection for buyers — provided the process is properly understood and anticipated. This article explains how buying property actually works, step by step, focusing on the concrete reality foreign buyers

When people ask me what a Provençal garden really looks like, I rarely give a short answer. Not because it is complicated, but because it cannot be reduced to a single image. Over the years, walking through gardens across Provence, I’ve come to understand that a Provençal garden is less about design trends and more about a relationship with the land. It is shaped by climate, soil, and time — and above all, by respect for what already exists. Here, we don’t impose a garden. We

I’ve often been asked what Provence feels like outside the summer months.And every time, my thoughts drift to January mornings in Tanneron, when the air is crisp, the light is low, and suddenly — almost unexpectedly — the hills turn yellow. The first time I discovered the mimosa in bloom here, I wasn’t prepared. Provence in winter is usually calm, muted, introspective. Then, just after the New Year, Tanneron lights up. Not loudly. Not dramatically. But with a quiet confidence

For centuries, perfume has been associated with luxury, elegance, and emotion. Yet behind some of the world’s most iconic fragrances lies a discreet Provençal town whose influence extends far beyond its size. Grasse  is not simply linked to perfume — it is where modern perfumery was shaped, refined, and passed down through generations. Understanding why Grasse is considered the perfume capital of the world means exploring a unique combination of geography, history, agricultur

If you’re wondering when and where to see lavender fields in Provence, the most accurate answer is this: late June to mid-July, in specific inland areas of Provence, away from the coast.This short window is when lavender is in full bloom and at its most photogenic — before the harvest begins. But lavender in Provence is more than a beautiful landscape. It follows a precise agricultural cycle, grows only in certain conditions, and is deeply rooted in local life. Understanding

Provence rosé is so appreciated because it captures something rare: sunshine without heaviness, flavor without excess, and elegance without effort . It tastes like warm days, long lunches, salty air, and time slowing down — and that feeling is not accidental. It comes from a place, a climate, and a way of living. The first time I truly understood Provence rosé, it wasn’t during a tasting room visit or a technical explanation. It was at lunch.A simple table, light bouncing off

One of the most common questions pool owners ask us is simple: how long does a pool liner last? While it is tempting to look for a precise number of years, the reality is more nuanced. A pool liner does not age according to a fixed timeline — it ages according to how it is used, maintained, and exposed to its environment. From our experience, understanding how a liner ages is far more useful than focusing on when it was installed. Table of Contents Average Lifespan: A Useful

When pool owners contact us about a liner replacement, they often expect a straightforward cosmetic intervention. In reality, our experience tells a different story. Replacing a pool liner is very often the moment when deeper technical issues reveal themselves — issues that, if ignored, can compromise the entire pool system. In short, and this is something we see regularly in the Var: a pool liner replacement is the ideal opportunity to assess the pool as a whole, not just wh

This is one of the first questions I’m asked by American clients — often very early in their project, sometimes even before they start looking at properties. The answer is reassuring, but it also comes with important nuances.American citizens can enter France without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days.That said, the rules change completely as soon as the idea shifts from visiting  France to living  here. Information accurate as of March 2025. In this article, I’ll explai

Owning a swimming pool in Provence is one of the region’s greatest pleasures. With long summers, warm evenings and bright Mediterranean light, a pool becomes the centre of outdoor living — for family time, entertaining guests, or enhancing rental appeal.But as years pass, even a well-maintained pool eventually shows signs of wear. Renovation becomes an opportunity not only to repair, but to modernise, improve efficiency and increase the value of the property. Here is what hom

Most visitors discover the Verdon Gorges from above — standing at a viewpoint, walking along a trail, or gliding quietly across the water by kayak or electric boat. These perspectives are beautiful, sometimes breathtaking.But they all share the same limitation: you remain an observer. Canyoning offers something fundamentally different. It invites you inside the gorges, at water level, following the natural path carved by time itself. It is not about speed, performance, or adr

The Verdon Gorges are among the most impressive natural sites in southern France. Known for their dramatic limestone cliffs and striking turquoise waters, they form a vast canyon carved by the Verdon River, on the border between the Var and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Easily accessible from many parts of Provence, the Verdon Gorges are an ideal destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and travellers looking to enrich their stay with a memorable excursion. Table of

For many visitors, Provence begins as a holiday destination. Sun-drenched landscapes, charming villages, local markets and long lunches under the shade of plane trees leave a lasting impression. But for an increasing number of Americans and British visitors, Provence becomes something more: a place to imagine a different way of life. What makes Provence so appealing is not just its beauty, but the balance it offers. A Mediterranean climate, easy access to nature, rich cultura

Moving to Provence is not just a property decision — it’s a lifestyle shift. The region’s light, rhythm, traditions and quiet sophistication attract thousands of international buyers each year. Yet settling here comes with its own cultural codes, practical considerations and local expectations that are worth understanding before making the leap. This guide outlines the essential things foreign buyers should know to settle comfortably and confidently in Provence — and to enjoy

In Provence, renovating a villa is more than a cosmetic upgrade — it is a strategic decision that enhances value, comfort and long-term investment potential. Whether you are restoring a centuries-old bastide or modernising a holiday home, thoughtful renovation can significantly increase rental appeal, reduce maintenance risks and strengthen the future resale value of your property. This article explores why renovation is such a smart choice for international buyers and homeow

For many international buyers, a private pool is one of the most appealing features of owning a villa in Provence. The climate, the outdoor lifestyle, the long evenings — everything invites you to enjoy your own swimming area.But in France, private pools come with a specific legal framework. Nothing complicated, but enough rules that a new homeowner can easily overlook something important. This article offers a clear overview so buyers know what to expect — and how Var Villas

Purchasing a property in Provence is often more than a financial decision — it is a lifestyle choice. Between apartments and villas, future buyers explore many options, yet the villa remains the preferred path for those seeking comfort, space, and an authentic Provençal experience.This article explains the main reasons why villas stand out in this region and how Var Villas Management supports buyers throughout this important journey. Table of Contents A lifestyle that truly r