Keith and Val Van Sickle are long-time residents of Provence, splitting their time between California and the charming village of St-Rémy-de-Provence. In this unique guidebook, Keith shares their favorite things to see and do, both the well-known and the insider secrets. An Insider’s Guide to Provence is designed as a companion to traditional guides like those from Rick Steves, Lonely Planet, and others. It takes a deeper look and offers a different perspective than a general guidebook. In this book you’ll find: Coverage of Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Avignon, the Luberon Valley, Nîmes, St-Rémy-de-Provence , and more , with a special focus on the area around St-Rémy. - A suggested one-week travel itinerary , plus a list of Keith and Val’s ten favorite things to do in Provence. - Restaurants with fabulous food, plus Keith’s don’t-miss local specialties. If you are vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-intolerant , you’ll find tips on how to find the foods that work for you. - Wineries with excellent wines, friendly tasting rooms, and English-speaking staff—even one that makes wine the way the Romans did! - A list of Provence’s tempting outdoor markets , by town and by day of the week. - The best Roman and pre-Roman ruins , including some that most visitors don’t know about. - How to explore Provence’s rich Jewish history , as the region was once the center of Jewish life in France. - Hiking trails with magnificent views, biking routes that everyone can enjoy, plus hidden picnic spots in the beautiful countryside. - Hundreds of links to useful websites and maps so you can find your way around. - Advice on daily living , such as how to negotiate French toll roads and pharmacies. - Insights into local culture (how many kisses to give someone), fascinating local history (the town that banned UFOs), and funny local expressions . - Provençal traditions like the annual transhumance, when thousands of sheep march through town. Or the festival of St-Eloi, where horses stroll about with flowers in their manes. And if you want to see young men in tight white pants, don’t miss course camarguaise! If you are looking for a guidebook like no other, An Insider’s Guide to Provence will help you make the most of this glorious corner of France. "An Insider's Guide to Provence is a must-have for every visitor looking for local advice. It's like Keith Van Sickle's Rolodex for the region. Full of a local's tips and amusing anecdotes, we loved this new regional pocket guide. This book includes favourites - restaurants, picnic spots, vineyards, walks - a list of things the Van Sickles do every time they visit Provence. Designed as a supplemental reference with hundreds of links to detailed articles, websites, and maps, the book is available in handy e-book and paperback versions."-- Carolyne Kauser-Abbott, Perfectly Provence "An Insider's Guide to Provence is a super add on to any general guidebook of the area. It shares with the reader the real Provence, which can only be known after years of exploring and by having local friends who are kind enough to share its secrets."-- Janine Marsh, The Good Life France . "Amazingly detailed and very helpful information"-- Janet Hulstrand, author of Demystifying The French "It was so refreshing to read An Insider's Guide to Provence . Keith's passion to share his local knowledge is infectious and allows us to feel local even before we arrive. Travellers today are looking to be more intimately informed and I'm sure that you'll love learning about Provence through Keith's storytelling and humour as I did. You will not be disappointed with this modern guidebook, so generously compiled with interesting information and practical recommendations—it is a bottomless treasure."-- Judy MacMahon, MyFrenchLife / MaVieFrançaise "If you're looking for an expert guide to show you the ins and outs of beautiful Provence, look no further. Not only does Keith share his insider travel tips for the region, he gives the reader all the necessary tools to explore this dreamy corner of southern France."-- Tuula Rampont, Belle Provence Travels "A must-have addition to anyone planning to travel to Provence"-- Patricia Sands, author of Love in Provence "If you want a delightful, informative, helpful, embarrassment-reducing guide to Provence, this is the book to read"-- Mark Greenside, author of (not quite) Mastering the Art of French Living "There's a wealth of practical information in Keith's guide to Provence. What I especially liked were not just the restaurant tips but also the background information on key sites, without it being a history lesson. It's the insider secrets that I really appreciated and found useful. I'll be using this guide every time I go back to France."-- Janice Chung, France Travel Tips "Keith loves, lives and breathes Provence, and his latest book shares his passion and knowledge of this most stunning region of France. It's is a must-re