Who?
Nancy and daughter Susan 

From?
Brownville, Canada

Why did you choose to visit Provence?

We wanted to take a vacation together in Europe. Considered Portugal which seemed a cheaper destination. Then Susan suggested France, because we speak the language. We picked two areas: the Loire valley and Provence. Susan chose Provence because it might be warmer there in April.

The right choice?

As far as weather is concerned: it was much colder than we anticipated. When the sun is out, it's beautiful everywhere, but when the Mistral picks up it can be brutal. We also had quite a bit of rain during our stay. Perhaps we should have come here later, but that was not an option with our schedules.

Any positive experiences?

Plenty: we loved the visit to Glanum, Les Baux-de-Provence, a winery in Beaucaire, the Gorges du Verdon, the market in Saint-Tropez and so much more. 

Apart from the weather, did you encounter other problems? 

We found it difficult to find things to eat. That may seem strange in France. I mean that we try to assemble our lunch from the local stores. But they appear to close at midday, just when we arrive. Sometimes later, sometimes earlier, depending on the region. We found that quite frustrating.

Any advice to visitors to Provence?

Prepare beforehand. Do your homework on the Internet, for example, about the places you want to visit, hotels or B&B's you want to stay at. Then, when there, ask your hostess for advice. You can get such invaluable information from them. 

Would you to return to Provence?

Love to, if we have the time. Then we would explore the region to the East, towards Nice. Another dream would be to spend some time in a village, renting a place there, sitting at a café, watching people, just being there. That would be heaven!

Read Previous Interviews: