WINTER IN VAUGINES...

In the autumn and winter months in this corner of Provence, there are fewer crowds, lower prices and autumn colours: golden vines, rustling leaves—like New England, but closer to home. 

Vaugines and the surrounding area are ideal for cycling, mountain-biking, hiking and recharging in nature every month of the year.

The gite is also a place to recharge your batteries if you're hungry for peace and quiet... but still want easy access to the historic cities of Aix, Avignon or—on the coast—Marseilles and Cassis.

It might rain - although that's pretty rare - it might be cold, but above all it's likely to be sunny and dry! It snows rarely, and the leaves of autumn still "hang around" well into December. 

Most days, we'd get the chance to sit outside, even if it means wrapping up warm, and we often have Christmas lunch on the terrace. 

Talking of Christmas, it is - of course - the season of Christmas markets.

The photos above were all taken on December 5—cold but sunny! Have just had a coffee outside!