Voltaire and the Vaccines
In 1734, Voltaire’s Lettres Philosophiques were published, in the eleventh of which he writes of the ‘mad and dangerous English, who inject smallpox into their… Read More »Voltaire and the Vaccines
Provence
A Stunning Secret
For at least two reasons, the Cosquer Cave near Marseille is amazing – firstly for what’s in it, secondly for the story of its discovery.… Read More »A Stunning Secret
Provence, Sweet and Deadly
“Such is the life of man – a few joys soon wiped out by unforgettable pain.” “Everyone knew it was impossible. Then along came an… Read More »Provence, Sweet and Deadly
The Walks of Provence
There’s nothing wrong with Nantes. We lived there for ten years and survived. But if you enjoy a good country ramble of the up hill… Read More »The Walks of Provence
Capers in the Commune
Readers of Truffle Trouble will know that it’s set in two villages, Bordumont and Sagnac, in the beautiful Luberon region of Provence. Both villages are… Read More »Capers in the Commune
The summit at last!
Last month I did something I should have done 25 years ago: climb the Ste Victoire. To live in Aix and not do that is… Read More »The summit at last!
Bonnieux the Beautiful
I’ve long harboured a wish to paint. When I visit museums of modern art, I inevitably get a moment – as I suspect many of… Read More »Bonnieux the Beautiful
Collecting the prize
At the end of last month, Sherry Morris came to stay with us, together with her partner Phil. I suppose you could say she came… Read More »Collecting the prize
A writer's fruit
When we bought our house many years ago, a couple of friends came round to visit. Although the husband conceded that it had potential, his… Read More »A writer's fruit
Through stupid eyes
You can never be too careful who you write about. In One Green Bottle there’s a passage which I thought quite inoffensive, where a couple of… Read More »Through stupid eyes