She has been dubbed as being a ‘master of photography,’ creating dreamy fashion photographs that are ‘almost like a painter’s’. She is known as a ‘legend in her own lifetime’ and one who unites all the clichés of modern photography. Who are we talking about?

The French photographer Sarah Moon of course, who, according to The Independent, has “the power to bewitch”.

For such a ‘bewitching’ photographer, who, for more than 35 years, has created some of the most ‘heart-stoppingly beautiful fashion imagery’, there could not be quite as a bewitching location than the Cote d’Azur to complement her alluring fashion photography and do her images the justice they deserve.

Until 12 February 2012, those fortunate to be on the Cote d’Azur will have the chance to see the international photography legend’s work at an exhibition in Nice, titled ‘1 2 3 4 5’.

130 pieces of her artwork, ranging from 1986 – 2000 will be on display at the exhibition, which, according to Sarah Moon, is aimed at inviting the public into her ‘personal universe’, in a ‘dream world from reality, where the evanescence of beauty, time and uncertainty are recurrent themes.’

The award-winning photographer, who started her career as a model, as had her work published in the top fashion magazines, including Vogue, Chanel, Comme des Garcons, Harper’s Bazaar, Nova and Cacharel.

Her photographs, the artist admits, have been inspired by many facets of life, including her friends, family, the landscape, personal feelings, nature, and, of course, fashion.

Read full post

Most different regions within a country has its own accent and speaks its own colloquialisms and dialect. In France, French is the official and most widely spoken language, but Alsatian, Arabic and Breton are other languages are also spoken regularly.

In the province of Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azur in the south of France contemporary citizens preserve a distinct regional character and maintain their own language. As well as speaking French, approximately thirty per cent of locals in the Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azur region speak a romance language, known as Occitan.

Occitan comprises of many dialects taken from different areas of south-central France, including Languedoc, Limousin, Auvergnat and Gascon.

Inaugurated by the Romans, this Latin-derived language was less influenced by Germanic dialects than it was in the north of France, and despite being increasingly influenced by French; the structure of Occitan is closer to Spanish. It was not until the 1300s when Occitan began to wane from being the most commonly spoken language in the region of Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azur.

Although today French is the most widely spoken language in the south of France and one that regular visitors to the country are eager to learn. It goes without saying that one’s experience of a country would be made significantly more enjoyable if one could understand and speak the local language.

And where could be a more authentic, pleasurable and atmospheric place to learn French than in the city of Nice on the Cote d’Azur?

‘Franglish’ is an English/French language exchange course that takes place every week at various venues across Nice. Approximately 30 people attend the course each week, of all ages and abilities.

Read full post

If you have ever visited Saint Tropez the chances are you are almost bursting to return. Its Roman history, medieval ports and France’s finest eateries, all set against a backdrop of stunning verdurous hillsides; make Saint Tropez an addictive place to visit.

Although as a trip to Saint Tropez can put a serious dent in your bank balance, a return visit may not be as impending as you would like. Although fear not, fellow Saint Tropez lovers, as to help you cope with those cravings to be back in this mesmerising French Riviera town, download the ‘Saint Tropez’ app onto your smartphone.

The ‘Saint Tropez’ app is available for iPhone or iPod and includes seven films, numerable high-definition photos, film extracts, reports and archives about Saint Tropez, as well as maps enabling you to zoom right up to your favourite landmark, boutique or club in the world-famous town.

There are also puzzles and quizzes related to the area, its history and modern pleasures, meaning your knowledge on the area remains fresh in your mind until your next visit.

This fun and interactive app is suitable for all ages and the three to four minute films bring you insight on the best places to visit in Saint Tropez such as La Ponche, the Gendarmerie, the Jean-Reveille jetty, Place de l’Ormeau and the Annonciade Museum.

Read full post

The Cote d’Azur is almost as synonymous with producing some of France’s most exquisite wines as it is with being an inspirational place for artists and a paradise for high-end glamour.

600 years before Jesus Christ, wine was being grown in this area of France. Given its history that began ‘Before Christ’ and its global notoriety at producing ‘only the best’, the Cote d’Azur is literally brimming with vineyards.

We take a look at three of the most impressive vineyards in existence on the French Riviera.

Domaine Tropez

The Domaine Tropez estate was created in 1996 by local winemaker Gregoire Chaix’s grandfather, a man passionate about vineyards and wine. Covering some 36 hectares, the Domaine Tropez comprises of different parcels scattered around Provence.

The vineyard includes many different varieties of wine, with perhaps the most important one being Grenache, which produces one of the finest and elegant wines the region has become renowned for.

For more information on this truly great French vineyard visit its website domainetropez.com.

Chateau Minuty

This grandly impressive chateaux and vineyard is one of the 23 properties in the area of Provence to be distinguished as being a “Cru Classe Cotes de Provence”, which, even if you don’t speak any French, you can guess the title is highly esteemed and sought-after!

Situated between the hillside villages of Ramatuelle and Gassin, Chateau Minuty, which was built in 1955, overlooks the Gulf of saint Tropez and is positioned perfectly to make only the best vin in France. The harvesting of the wine at Chateaux Minuty is all done by hand and the wine is so lovingly nurtured here that it is hardly surprising that the liquid produced at Chateaux Minuty has the reputation of sitting on only the finest of tables on the French Riviera.

Visit chateauxminuty.com for more details on this outstanding French Riviera vineyard.

Read full post