Many moons ago, before we had children, we lived in Nice and further west in Provence, too. I loved it: Provence is understandably the region of France that draws the most visitors, seeking sunshine, of course, but also that very special provencal style. It’s not until you live year round in a region that you understand the charm of each season, and I have to say that I love the quiet of the fall and winter in Provence.
These pictures are from one of my very favourite places in Provence, the Château de Moissac Bellevue that is featured in my book as the home to my friends Marie Christine and Louis Cavaglioni. The exquisite 18th century chateau has been perfectly restored to its former glory and is a breathtaking setting for a winter celebration.
I love the neutral colour palette of the Provencal winter. Outside the vines stand without their leaves, the sky is often low and grey. The dusty red ground is echoed in the terracotta roof tiles. And inside these photos speak of a very different Christmas palette, that of a Noël in Provence. Rich with the simple traditions of the thirteen desserts; with huge candles, olive branches and pared down nativity scenes.
Of course, Provence is enchanting at any time of year, and the good news is that whether you prefer the winter calm or the summer fun, you have the opportunity to win a week in a very special place to stay. My dear friend Vicki Archer is running a fantastically generous giveaway: a chance to win a week at her beautiful holiday house, Le Petit Bijou.
Here is how the giveaway works:
The prize is one week’s accommodation staying at Le Petit Bijou in St Remy de Provence. The week can be booked anytime throughout 2017 or 2018 depending on availability. That gives you plenty of time to get excited and plan the trip, book the tickets and pack.
To enter you must leave a comment and be a subscriber on vickiarcher.com.
Existing subscribers must leave a comment to enter. New subscribers will find the subscription box at the end of this post on VIcki’s blog.
(All that is required to subscribe is an email address and a click through on the verification email.)
And that’s it. Simple; subscribe and leave a comment.
Voila my friends, I hope that you enjoyed this little dip into the provencal festive season, and I wish you luck with Vicki’s giveaway. Thank you for reading me.
174 comments
Your posts always leave me feeling like there is a world where I could belong, if only I could find my way.
Living in South Africa in the Karroo region on a farm and reading your posts provide me with a new outlook and world….. Would be heaven on earth to visit Provence…… wish wish wish….
The photos are serenely beautiful.
I have spent several very happy Christmases in Provence. It was here that we bought our traditional Provençal Santons, which we chose individually and which grace our crib each year, it was also in Provence where Father Christmas arrived by boat, in Sanary Sur Mer, delivering little gifts for all the local children!
Wonderful post. Provence is my special place on earth. Thank you
When I visit your blog I am instantly relaxed and transported to somewhere I have never been, my senses are enhanced and I am sure I can smell lavender……
This is absolutely breathtaking. Everything!
I would love to go to Provence! Have been to France three times, but never there – it’s time!
Two words …continually inspiring!
Love both of your blogs and hope to vacation in Provence!
Provence is always a food idea!
Your photos really get me in the Christmas mood. And Vicki Archer’s blog is a daily treat!
So glad I found your blog, etc. I teach fashion merchandising in the US and am always looking for new information sources on French fashion (and I’m a bit of anything French myself)! Looking forward to following you!
Deb
What a wonderful place to be.
What a dream come true it would be to spend a week in Provence!
Provence is a magical place…..colour warmth adventures abound….
My two favourite blogs are Sharon’s and Vicki’s . I always look forward to reading you both and one day who knows maybe I will get to meet you. In the meantime, keep writing and photographing and I will keep reading. Merry Christmas to you both. Provence by the way is somewhere I have not been in a long time and would love to see again. Please choose me !
I love this blog!!!!
Sharon, honestly, it is one I always look forward to reading!!!!
I love reading your blog and would love visiting France Provence was always I my dreams.
Looking forward to following your blog. Thanks Sharon Santoni for the introduction!
Looking forward to following your blog. Thanks Sharon Santoni for the introduction! This is an original expressed thought.
Love being virtually transported to Provence each time I read one of your inspiring posts. Thank you!!!!
Can’t wait to visit Provence!
I simply can’t get enough!!!
Those romantic homes in the European world look so exquisite and inviting! All those candles inspire! And the food, I’ll start walking now!
Just to be able to steep in the “Old World” ambiance for a week in Le Petit Bijou is a “jewel” of an idea! I’ll brush up my French!
My dream has always been to go to Provence. Somehow your posts always transport me there instantly and the feeling of peace and beauty is overwhelming and wonderful. Thank you and I hope that you and yours have a very blissful Christmas.
I love your blog, it’s a definite stop and read in the rush of the day, and fills my senses with beauty and fragrance. C
What a wonderful gift you are sharing! Thank you Sharon and Vicki for the opportunity.
Love your blog and the photos are beautiful! I would love to return to Provence. I’ve been to France a few times but only had one day in Provence. Thank you for this opportunity!
How beautiful!
A dream for sure. .that of waking in Provence. ..
I thoroughly enjoy both of your blogs. Inspiring to say the lest. Hope I can visit Provence in the near future
I import french antiques and love to shop for treasures in Provence, what heaven to have a business that brings you here. I always take the train from paris and that my anticipation grows as the train speeds through the countryside to this magic location.
Antoinette
Bonjour Antoinette,
I really also enjoy and it makes me feel good when someone else shares the same feelings when the Paris tgv is arriving in Provence.
You must love the magic of Isle sur la Sorgue
when shopping for your antiques….
I wish I could be there for the holidays this season.
Claudia
If only I could snap my fingers I would be there in an instant! What a fun trip it would be.
I have been to St Remy once before and have always wanted to return. It’s absolutely magical! I would love to stay in Le Petit Bijou!!
Celia
I lived in Italy for almost two years and never got to explore France, other than a trip to Paris. I would love to get the opportunity to visit Provence!
My husband and I took 14 years to build our French Normandy style je on the shores of Lake Ontario in upstate New York. THe planned project was three years. But life happens. job changes, family responsibilities etc. we named our home Le Petit Bijou sur la lac (and I was thrilled thereafter to learn the name of the guest house on St Remy. I have never been to France but it is the top of my bucket list. MErci for this opportunity!
Hello Vicki, everything without exception is a joy to see and read – I look forward to my special afternoon ‘ping’ and there you are with more treasures.
Today it is your stunning flagged Hall with simple Christmas trees and THE most wonderful aloof four legged friend – priceless.
Thank you so much for sharing your life with us.
Felicity
Arundel
Enjoyed the blog today. Just calmed down and enj [yed the beauty of words and scenes. I love Provence and all of France.
I love both your blog and Vicky’s! Would love to stay at Vicky’s beautiful home in Provence. A dream come true!
I remember when you first posted pictures of your gorgeous “Le Petit Bijou” – I poured over every detail and dreamed of being there. I would love to see that dream fulfilled! Thank you so much for this giveaway, and for all of the beautiful inspiration you bring us each day.
So Sorry Sharon! Just realized I was in the wrong place! That does not change my many thanks for YOUR beautiful inspirational blog – I “lurk” for each and every post and subscribe as well. Thank you for the daily dose of France!
Beautiful and inspiring my dining room decorating. Thank you.
Love the photos and inspirational messages. Your blog truly takes me away to a magical place. Provence captures the essence of a beautiful life…a trip of a lifetime!
Wow, how generous! Love, love, love her place from your photos. Thank you so much for the offer. One day I will live in France but for now visits will have to do:)
I’ve been a long time subscriber and your posts are always a welcomed sight in the inbox. Love the Provence region…and although I haven’t been to every portion of France yet, it’s up there in my favorites. Thanks for the opportunity,
Janet
Provence us my passion!
Beautiful photos! Look forward to your posts with great anticipation! Always so inspiring!
I am transported to a world which hardly seems real every time I see a post. Thank you for that moment of calm and peace.
As always a beautiful and inspring post! I do have a question. Would love to know more about the tradition of the 13 desserts? It sounds simply delicious.
And what a give way from Ms. Archer. A dream come true…
My daughter has been following your blog and loves it and highly recommended that I start following you too. She always tells me that you live her dream life so I am very excited to get a glimpse into her dreams!
Ahhh, Provence!!! So many happy memories, family, friends, food, drink… sigh…
What a dream come true. I am a color person and live with beautiful color all around me yet when I see these pictures I seriously wonder if I’ve made the right choice. The neutral palette is simply exquisite maybe it’s time to try a room of neutrals.
Thank you for the inspiration.
To be in such a beautiful place with my wonderful husband would be a most delightful holiday for us to share together. We would be grateful for this opportunity. Thank you.
I certainly loved the one trip I had to Provence a few years ago – staying in Arles and St Remy. I long to spend more time there. The markets overflow with great food and fresh flowers. I’d love to experience it in the winter as well.
I have been following both of your beautiful blogs for quite a while. So inspiring and such a treat! I must have been French in another life;) I adore all things French! I look forward to the possibility of a stay in “Le Petit Bijou.”
And yes, the winter time images could not be more lovely or serene. Thank you both⚜✨
Coincidently, a friend and I were commenting just yesterday about how harried and downright frazzled we get during the holidays. We bring it upon ourselves by caving into the commercialism that has devoured Christmas. Then I opened your email and saw the four photos above and each spoke to me. The first – reverence for the reason we celebrate. The second – celebrations don’t have to be huge affairs. The third – give homage to Him. And the fourth – simple and honest is the way to go. Thank you, dear Blogger friend, for grounding me with your truth and peace. A very merry Christmas and must joy for 2017!
Provence, always holds a special place in my heart. It would be a dream comes true to visit back there again.
Devine morning indulgences, these messages, the still of the dawn and cappuccino perfect. Thank you.
Beautiful photographs as always, thank you for sharing the magic of this beautiful region of France, one which holds such a special place in my heart. I follow both you and Vicki, actually met Vicki whilst living in Provence myself so would be thrilled to be able to stay in her gorgeous little maison. Happy Christmas to you all!
Every time I France, I buy a new Santon. Now I have quite a collection that I love to display to remind me of Provence. Thank you for the beautiful post about a beautiful part of the world. Joyeux Noël!
Bonjour,
Enjoy your blog so very much. What a lovely giveaway! Am now following on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. Hope your Christmas is wonderful!
Sharon I just love Vicki’s site, another beautiful Persian treat, I can not wait to dive into browsing it. I escape to Paris with each post, thanks to you and now Vicki. I’d love to visit and live the life even if just for awhile, Paris is so inviting. Until then, I remotely visit and live the life daily.
Merci
I have long dreamed of visiting France – and Provence would be my perfect choice!
After a very long lifetime as an artist, I know that I would find amazing and beautiful inspiration in Provence.
Sharon Santoni was in Kansas City at Nell Hill’s last year…I bought her book and love following her blog. Following Vicki Archer’s will be delightful, as well, and a week in Provence would be magical!
I am so inspired…as an art teacher and a passionate Francophile, I am so appreciative of your ideas, visual images and joie de vie! I dream of a trip to Provence…sooner than later! Joyeaux Noelle!
Oh my – those pears look delicious, even if they are not for eating.
Hope I win the week in Provence.
This looks like a dream, very storybook!
What a romantic geteway!!!
Your words make me very happy that we are going to Provence this year for Christmas and New Years. We have been there before at the end of summer. We would love to go when the lavender is at its peak, sun flowers everywhere and all the sights and buzzing of the bees.
Your words transport me to the calm beauty waiting to be explored.
Provence sounds lovely in the Winter. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I have been to St Remy and love the whole area. Bought our Santons for the Crèche and am reminded of the beauty of Provence every time I open the Christmas decorations.
Would love to go again. Thanks for this opportunity.
What a lovely gesture! Thank you Vicki for your generosity. It would be very special to stay in your beloved Le Petit Bijou.
Blessings…
Your photos are magic and accentuated
by your prose.Loved seeing photos of
Chateau de Moissac after your lovely
article and video of your friends’
chateau. The neutral décor promotes
the beautiful architecture.
What a generous giveaway. I love reading your blog. It inspires me so. What a dream it would be. Thanks for the chance.
You live a life that inspires me often!
I have always loved seeing photos of Château de Moissac Bellevue. Are you posting more of them in holiday decor? I would love to come stay as I haven’t been there in 25 years. On my bucket list when I retire. How generous of you to offer a week stay to your supporters. As a long time follower, I am always anxious to open your posts.
St. Remy in the Winter has been a wishing desire for a very long time. Le Petit Bijou would be the icing on the cake!
Always inspiring, ever creative.
Sharon, my husband and I have been very blessed to be able to travel to parts of France many times. We LOVE it all!!! However, we have never stayed in a village and live as the French do as opposed to doing the touristy things. We would love the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the French lifestyle and, maybe, even make some future friends!! Thanks so much for presenting this giveaway!!!
The soft neutral palette of Provence in winter is lovely and your photos and words transport one there. In our area, the Pacific Northwest of Canada, there are no chateau’s. We have beautiful mountains & trees that are currently covered in snow, unusual for us, and of course the ocean. Christmas is wonderful wherever one lives in our world!
Provence … that would be a wonderful vacation for us. So kind of you! Love your posts! thank you ❤
Perfection! It doesn’t get any more beautiful than this!!!
Only in my happiest dreams ! We just finished building a French country home and it is where my heart lies! I love your post on Provence and the opportunity to win a weeks stay in this awesome region of the world!
“Count me in!!!!”
St. Remy is special tranquil place in the world. We all must cherish and protect these wonderful places. Thanks for the opportunity and best wishes to everyone to win!
Your photos for this newsletter are just so gorgeous! I especially loved the staircase filled with old candlesticks. Such a calm yet festive look. Now, I’m off to sign on to Vicki’s website. What a lovely week of Heaven it would be to be the lucky winner of a week at Le Petit Bijou. I particularly love that area of France.
Have followed both your blogs for several years now. You are my inspiration in so many things! Would absolutely adore a week in Le Petit Bijou!
I can only echo the comments so far – how on earth will you choose?! Can we all come! What I can I offer you in return – some gardening perhaps or other things that may need doing around the place … Joyeux Noël in any case – Debs
Vicki,
Your most generous offer would be my delight.
I will have to pay close attention to your fashion advice so I will look French chic, like you. Well, almost.
Stephanie
Oh the joy to be able to see and stay in Provence it would be my first time too! Hope to visit and be your guest!
I enjoyed watching the transformation of Le Petit Bijou and the incredible results. A “Petit” slice of heaven in Provence! As an Interior Designer, I understood the challenges, the thought process and the many decisions that needed to be made to create such a charming place. No detail was left undone. It’s so rewarding to see one’s vision come to fruition.
We also love Provence. Would buy a home there if it weren’t so far. So visiting from time to time is the only way.
Your posts always leave me feeling like I’ve taken a little holiday. This one in particular is like peeking into a fairytale of splendor!!! I’d love a holiday in Provence at Le Petit Bijou-pure bliss!
How magnificent and inspiring. A chance of a lifetime.
Love all of your posts and would love to come stay at your home in Provence with my hubby.
Hoping to visit Provence next year. It would be such a treat to win! Love your posts and Vicki’s!
My husband and I spent a week in Provence for our honeymoon and we have always wanted to go back to such a special place. How amazing it would be. Your blog always takes me back to that month in France.
Thank you for the infusion of beauty.
Very excited for this opportunity!
A most magical place, must visit during the holidays. Merci
Visiting France is on my bucket list. I would love to make this the time that I check that off!
Vicki,
What a precious and generous gift to offer the lucky winner!!!
It certainly sparked my interest to see what you are all about….thank you!
Cathy
I have just met you and your blog this morning. And pleasantly surprised at what you offer in thoughts and pictures. I will be a loyal subscriber! And, then, to discover a chance to win this trip you offer. Oh, my, wouldn’t that be something!!!!!
A dream vacation… thank you for sharing. Thank you also for being an exquisite example of a life well lived. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. Rié
Absolutely stunning! I hope to spend a Christmas in France one day. For know I will experience it through your lovely photographs.
Thank you Sharon for sharing Vicki’s site and giveaway. I’m looking forward to her exploring her website.
As always I loved your photos this week. I’m also intrigued by the 13 desserts you mentioned and was also wondering what the nutty nougat bar was in the food photo.
Thanks again for the sweet indulgence your letter offers each week.
Merry Christmas
I love those tall candle holders and the beaded velvet ornaments.
Simply Beautiful! I would love to visit.
Always enjoy reading your blog. Your authenticity and simple style creates the exact image I have in my mind of France. Thanks for sharing your world with us.
like everyone else I always wanted to live in france…but some are just lucky and some are not…blessings to all who are going or have lived there..
well that is the most fabulous give away ever!!!
Thank you for blessing your readers with your narration of life in a beautiful part of the world.
What a beautiful holiday post! I love pic of the basket and compotes with fruit and goodies for snacking at the holidays. A trip to Provence would be simply wonderful!
Wow! I’m going to pull out my French/English dictionary and start practicing my French..crossing my fingers. It will take me just a few minutes to pack…..
Thank you for introducing me to vickiearcher.com. I enjoyed watching a number of the videos and look forward to more. The first photo you have, with all the candles, is amazing! How long did you leave them lit? So very beautiful! Thank you for the opportunity to win a trip to France. I am learning French and look forward to getting there some day. Merci beaucoup!
I’d love to meet your fabulous looking canine. I would do my best not to miss our doggies while visiting yours.
Oh for the chance to spend more than one day in beautiful Provence! I have all my fingers crossed!
My stay in Province was shortened due to a
thief and I never got to see all that was
there for me! Oh how I would love to visit once again!
Provence would be amazing….thank you for the chance to win!
Carolyn
I would love to win this trip! Thank you for the opportunity!
Dovey
The neutral colors of Provence are the best key to have a relaxed decoration.
Your blogs take me back to the faraway magic of France! Oh to see this place in person would be a dream come true!
Gorgeous photos! I wish I was there.
beautiful…
My one visit to Provence changed my life. It infused in me a simpler, more elegant way of life and oh, what an impression it made on my seventeen year old daughter traveling with me, who now, at age 31, is living her dream of owning her own “Potager.” My joy comes from seeing her thrive and knowing her inspiration came from a trip we took together 14 years ago to Provence.
I read about Provence as a child. Now I realize these articles were written by MFK Fisher, whose writing I still enjoy. I look forward to visiting some day!
Your photos and essays are both beautiful and inspirational. Thank you for brightening my world.
Provence…this is what dreams are made of.
A beautiful part of la belle France that I have not had the pleasure of visiting – yet!
Thank you for sharing.
thank you for introducing me to Vicki Archer. her blog is incredible. I have subscribed and I would love to go to Provence someday….and I can definitely go next year if I win………. hint hint.
Drool, drool! Who wouldn’t want to win this! The place is just stunning. I had to show hubby the picture of the staircase with all of the candles. We do some up our staircase every Christmas, but nothing like this grand display. New follower!
Just discovered your blog. And now a chance to spend time in Provance!
Oh how exciting! My family and I want to go to France in 2018, maybe we have just found some accomodation ;). I love your blog and Vikki’s too!
yes please, provence here I come!!
If only in my dreams…..
With dreams of a week in Province, I’ll be following you, Vicki!
Oh, I so look forward to come to Provence, the beautiful countryside, the people, the many French dishes, the beautiful homes and the French language. I love it.
How beautiful it would be to visit Provence! One of our bucket list destinations!
I can smell the Lavender now. Oh, how I would love to visit.
So excited for the Noel in Provence!
My uncle was wounded in France at Normandy. I’ve always wanted to see it. It looks so beautiful in pictures..
Vicki,
I so enjoy your blog. And your pictures are fabulous. Especially these, so soothing and relaxing. Hope your holidays are filled with family and fun.
Jan
Provence is always a good idea.
I receive so many emails but when I see one from My French Country Home I always stop and read them. The pictures are just beautiful and always remind me just how much I love Provence.
Wow how amazing that would be!
I LOVÉ Provence in the fall and I have always wanted to visit St. Rémy. I will be happy to subscribe as I love having blogs like this to read to keep me connected to ma belle France so near and dear to my heart.
I too crave the light, pace and colors of magical Provence! Your photos are so appealing and your stories are beckoning. Hope I get the chance to see it all in person!
I hope Santa comes down the chimney with the news that I have won this fantastic prize. He would be my favourite man for eternity.
I love the candles on the staircase! So quiet, so elegant, so festive.
Beautiful, inspirational photos…..thank you for the giveaway…
I was lucky enough to be sent on an assignment to Provence during early summer. OMG. Bliss. But to visit it in Winter would be wonderful. Just the light alone must be magnificent. As we see in your posts from Normandy France is very special, it takes your breath away
A dream come true!
Years ago I spent a wonderful two weeks in Provence on a sketching trip. That sketchbook is my favorite…full of wonderful memories. Your website makes me feel as though I have returned! Thank you.
To be able to experience Provence would be a dream come true!
What a dream, this is just what we need. Thank you !
Provence is magical anytime of year, but to experience the very essence of this exquisite region of France, I’ll aim for the fall. Yes, please!
I have loved your blog for years Sharon, thank you for inspiring me to make my life beautiful in simple ways. And thank you to Ghetto and Gibson for always making me smile. Merci. Namaste.
Carolyn
I have loved your blog for years Sharon, thank you for inspiring me to make my life beautiful in simple ways. And thank you to Ghetto and Gibson for always making me smile. Merci. Namaste.
Carolyn
I have never been to Provence. It is one of my life long dreams. Thank you for a beautiful website where I can dream.
That would be a dream come true!
Oh Oh Oh Pick Me Please!
I have been subscribed to Vicki’s website for a few years now and love it’s simplicity. Thank you
Oh Oh Oh Pick Me Again Vicki!
I left the wrong email address above!
I’ve closed my eyes and I’m already there. I start by taking a stroll around the beautiful gardens. Sipping tea at the outdoor table while my eyes are drawn to the water trickling down the canal.
Then meandering through the house, gliding up those amazing stairs to the amazing blue room. Yes I’m already enjoying my blessing!
Your photos take my breath away. Living in Arizona we don’t have the opportunity to see what you capture with your camera. Thanks! Wonderful giveaway.
I love this blog. So glad I found it.
I have been dreaming of visiting France for many years!I love all things French and have been decorating my home in the country French style.Would love to stay at your chateau. It is gorgeous!
Carolyn Shook
What a thoughtful giveaway! I love traveling and this would be a special place to visit!
We would love have information regarding renting your gorgeous property. Looking forward to retirement and dream to find such a spot to celebrate !
Beautiful pictures, allows me to close my eyes and dream!
After three years of intense cancer treatment I have been looking for places to feel beautiful and like a woman again. Finding your blog has been a lovely way of helping me to recover and discover that again. Thank-you
Dear Cheryl, It is an honor to provide this for you. Thank YOU~ I hope your treatment is going well and either over or soon to be with much success. Xx Sharon
My mind and soul are French. I need to get there to stay alive !!!!!