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PROVENCE: GEOGRAPHY MATTERS
“Provence” has more efficacy as a "brand" than as a place. One rarely if ever hears any residents of the Vaucluse say that they live in "Provence." The word is heard frequently in its adjectival form: provençal.
As geography, the term "Provence" suffers abuse. The French consider contemporary 'Provence' to take in three administrative department:
- Vaucluse
- Bouches-du-Rhône
- Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Confusion pops up due to the administrative region PACA: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
When "Provence" is employed for the department of the Var (Toulon, St, Tropez) or the department of the Alpes-Maritime (Côte d'Azur) or even the five departments of the Languedoc-Roussillon, it is the "brand" asserting itself.
This is a regional distinction that Peter Mayle buys into 100% in his book Provence A-Z. In fact, if Mayle had been 'geographically-correct,' his iconic best seller would have been titled "A Year in the Luberon."
The Luberon and the Comtat Venaissin, referred to as the “Comtat,” are the two large regions within the Vaulcuse,
Tag Archives: Menerbes
Ménerbes: Le Mas du Magnolia (au lieu d’un Gite)
From the gardens of Le Mas du Magnolia, the perched village of Ménerbes appears as a large ocean liner floating in a sea of forest green vines, its bow elevated as if in a salute to the far-flung valley below. … Continue reading
Ménerbes: A “Pianocktail” With the Mellifluous Voice of Margeaux Lampley, Once of Oakland, California
Margeaux Lampley Chirping Out the Lyrics Below with Racey Gilbert on Drums (r.) “I should hate you But I guess I love you You’ve got me in between The devil and the deep blue sea” For jazz enthusiasts in … Continue reading
Ménerbes: Brown Foundation Fellows Program at the Dora Maar House Fetes its Summer Residents
Perched on the hillside of Ménerbes, stands the large proud serene edifice of the Dora Maar House. Stretching out before it is a panoramic of manicured geometric shapes – countless lush tones of green – of vineyards and farm land, … Continue reading
Ménerbes: Wait Goes on for Buyer of Iconic Café Owned by New York Food Maven Eli Zabar, and for Pedestrians
November 15 marks the beginning of the winter season in the Luberon when numerous hotels, restaurants and cafés close, opening up in mid-March or early April. In Ménerbes, its principal café has been shuttered for nearly three years. Once a … Continue reading
MENERBES: DORA MAAR AT PASCAL LAINE GALLERY JUNE 23 – JULY 5
An exhibition of DORA MAAR “de Picasso à Ménerbes,“ presented by Laura Pecheur and Pascal Lainé, runs from June 23 to July 5 at the Galerie Pascal Lainé, Rue Sainte Barbe in the center of Ménerbes. Open from … Continue reading
PHILIP HUGHES: THE LIGHT OF THE LUBERON
From his house in Ménerbes, the British painter Philip Hughes infuses his canvases with the searing light of the Luberon, illuminating the contrasts of the rich verdant valley nestled among impassioned rugged mountains. His landscapes are inspired by the soothing … Continue reading
LUBERON WINES: ONE-STOP SHOP
Getting around the Luberon appellation for tastings at the far flung wineries can eat up days as well as gas. A good place to begin your research for Luberon wines is at the wine shop and wine bar at the … Continue reading