Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is widely considered a very nice, picturesque, and quintessential Provençal town, highly regarded for its charming, narrow streets, historic architecture, and vibrant, artistic atmosphere. It is famously associated with Van Gogh, who painted there, and serves as an ideal, central base for exploring the Alpilles region.
Not only is the village of St-Rémy incredibly charming, but it sits right at the foothills of the beautiful Alpilles mountains. St-Rémy has one of the most mountainous (and most beautiful) landscapes in Provence, France. There are a number of different trails you can hike near St-Rémy.
I've bought St-Rémy VSOP a few times now, and it never disappoints. For the price, it's honestly one of the best brandies out there. It has a smooth, mellow taste with hints of vanilla, oak, and a little caramel on the finish.
Few places match the perfection of St-Rémy-de-Provence
Everything is clean, with pristine stones and render, and simply acres of pastel shutters. It is the perfect marriage of an understated French aesthetic and gorgeous boutiques, shops, bistros, and cafes.
Saint-Rémy is known for its Van Gogh associations but also for much else: the well-preserved ruins of the Roman city of Glanum lie just outside the town. The triumphal arch and mausoleum, known together as 'Les Antiques', are among the best preserved legacies of Roman civilisation in Provence.
French locals are typically friendly and offer assistance when necessary. Most public areas are well-lit and populated, even in the evenings, significantly lowering the chances of encountering safety issues. Despite being a tourist hotspot, it doesn't often attract crime.
Enjoy France and its wonderful people to the fullest by mastering French etiquette and learning about these 10 common cultural faux pas Americans make!
The brand of St Remy was created back in 1886, and, as is Cognac, produced through a double distillation process and then aged in French oak barrels. However, St Remy brandy differs in the fact that the grapes are grown in regions other than Cognac.
In 2005 France's domestic intelligence network, the Renseignements Generaux, identified 150 "no-go zones" around the country where police would not enter without reinforcements. Christopher Dickey, writing in Newsweek, said the situation had arisen due to racism towards immigrants.
You'll want to match the local standards of dress, especially when you're in a country known for its regal fashion sense. To avoid looking like a tourist, you'll want to know what to wear in France. Our advice? Skip the baseball caps, white socks, sneakers, large colorful backpacks, and fanny packs.
Being too over-familiar can seem rude. This can range from using the informal 'tu' too soon (if in doubt, use the formal version of you 'vous') to divulging too much information, being touchy-feely or acting in an over-enthusiastic manner.
For safety and a better experience in Paris, avoid staying near major train stations (Gare du Nord/Est) and in parts of the northern 18th (Barbès, Marx Dormoy, Porte de la Chapelle) and eastern 19th (Stalingrad, Jaurès) arrondissements, especially at night, due to petty crime and sketchy elements; also steer clear of the very tourist-heavy Latin Quarter (overpriced) and the Champs-Élysées (impersonal), opting instead for more residential areas like the 11th for better value and local feel.
St. Barts has a reputation for luxury, A-listers, and designer shops, leading some to perceive it as snobby or pretentious, but many visitors find the vibe to be more "casual chic" with friendly locals and accessible options, especially away from the high-end hotspots, emphasizing that it offers a mix of effortless luxury and natural beauty. While some report snooty service, others experience warm welcomes, suggesting that the "attitude" can vary and isn't universally negative, with a focus on stylish relaxation rather than strict formality.
St-Rémy has one of the best markets in France, full of luscious fruits and vegetables, delicious cheeses and olives, chickens roasting on the spit, colourful tablecloths, and much more. You can spend hours exploring the streets and squares of the town, overflowing with vendors and their wares.
What is the best month to go to the French Riviera?
The south of France enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate, with mild, often rainy winters and hot, dry summers. May, June, and September bring warm, sunny days, with the sea perfect for swimming by September. July and August, on the other hand, are the hottest months, which is the perfect time to head to the beach.
