I’m often asked why I called my blog ‘Shutters and Sunflowers’. To me they are both so defining of Provence and indeed much of France. Throughout this beautiful country many of the buildings whether historic or recently built are adorned …

Gracious, golden, shuttered buildings, cobbled streets, cathedrals, museums, fountains, chic boutiques, restaurants and on a busy Saturday, market stalls tumbling out along the winding alleyways and gently shaded squares. Each proud vendor jostling for trade, offering a profusion of locally …