Our French Journey in Provence..
A magical renovation day with our fellow co-owners at Château de la Mothe Chandeniers. Every effort brings us closer to reviving its magic.
Susan et Brendan Fenton
Welcome to our blog, where Brendan and I, two Australians with a deep love for all things French—invite you to join us on our adventures in the beautiful region of Provence. When we’re not in Australia, we spend time at our Maison in the charming village of Mazan, soaking in the French way of life, working on our home’s renovations, and exploring the hidden corners of this stunning country.
Over the years, we’ve travelled back and forth between our homes in France and Australia, splitting our time between two worlds we adore. Our journey has been filled with adventure, from restoring our historic Maison to curating unforgettable experiences for our guests. And now, we’re excited to share those stories, insights, and travel tips with you.
Renovating Our French Dream
One of the most rewarding (and sometimes challenging!) parts of our life in Provence has been the ongoing renovation of our Maison in Mazan. Built centuries ago, this home has so much history and character and restoring it to its former glory while adding modern touches has been a true labour of love. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing stories from our renovation journey—what it’s like to renovate a home in France, the surprises we’ve encountered along the way, and how we’ve balanced respecting the old while embracing the new.
Exclusive Small Group Tours in May and September
For those who prefer a more structured experience, we offer small group tours in May and September. These intimate, carefully curated tours are designed to showcase the very best of Provence with a maximum of six guests. From leisurely market strolls to wine tastings in hidden vineyards, each day is packed with authentic French experiences that you simply won’t find in larger tours. Our guests love the personal touch and exclusive access that these tours provide, not to mention the opportunity to connect with like-minded travellers.
Your French Travel Itinerary Planner
In addition to sharing our own adventures, I’m also here to help you plan yours. As a travel itinerary planner, I specialise in creating personalised itineraries for guests looking to experience the best of France. Whether you’re dreaming of Provence’s rolling vineyards, the magic of Paris, or the charm of the Côte d'Azur, I’ll work with you to design a trip that suits your style and interests.
One important note: while I plan the itinerary, you have the final say on the bookings. This gives you complete control over your travel decisions, from accommodations to transportation. You can either manage the bookings yourself or work with a travel agent to finalise flights and other logistics—whatever makes you most comfortable.
What You Can Expect from Our Blog
This blog is your gateway to the heart of France, where we’ll share everything from renovation updates and travel tips to stories about our time in Mazan. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Renovation Diaries: Join us as we document the trials, triumphs, and transformations of our Maison in Mazan.
Travel Tips and Tricks: From navigating France’s train systems to knowing the best time to visit markets, we’ll give you practical advice to make your French holiday smooth and enjoyable.
Itinerary Planning: We’ll share examples of past itineraries we’ve created and give you tips on crafting the perfect French adventure—whether you’re looking for a quiet countryside escape or a cultural deep dive into France’s most famous cities.
French Culture: Discover the art of French living, from the best boulangeries to visit, to how to enjoy an authentic French dining experience like a local.
Australians in France
Brendan and I may be Australians, but our hearts are deeply connected to France. Every time we land back in Provence, it feels like coming home. We love nothing more than opening our Maison to guests who want to experience the beauty of this region with us, whether through our guided tours or as part of a carefully planned, independent trip.
We look forward to sharing our love for France with you, whether you're considering joining one of our exclusive tours, seeking help planning your own itinerary, or simply following along as we share tips, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments from our French adventures.
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