News

It is mid April but with temperatures well into the twenties it feels like summer here in the Provence.
Visitors to La Sentinelle are making the most of this glorious weather by enjoying their
breakfast on the terrace. From where they are seated they can observe the valley rapidly losing its wintry aspect with all the trees turning that wonderful tender green that carries the promise of another lovely Provencal summer.

Easter was once again a wonderful time at La Sentinelle. Just before the arrival of the Easter bunny we welcomed a party of 50 Dutch people. They very much enjoyed the wines being served as well as the home made snacks.

We also hosted the reading club that celebrated its two years anniversary. Their comment after two years around the table in La Sentinelle: “Many interesting discussions about very different books and many wonderful lunches to look back on” (Reading Club De temps en temps).

Soon it will be May first, a special day in France. It is a public holiday known as "Fête du muguet": traditionally a sprig of lily of the valley is given to loved ones to bring good fortune for the year ahead. It is a very old tradition dating back to the 16th century.
In the early 20th century, it became customary for men to offer a bouquet of lily of the valley to their sweetheart or wife as a token of their devotion. This would later extend to new mothers who would receive visits on 1 May from family and friends bringing bouquets of the flowers, as a good luck charm for the baby.
People also began to send cards on 1 May featuring images of le muguet to wish each other luck and love.
What a lovely tradition!