14 stunning photographs of Provence that will make you want to visit

Kate Lough talks to Milly Kenny-Ryder, creative force behind new travel book, Provence by Weekend Journals
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Kate Lough3 November 2017

It's not uncommon these days to find all your travel #inspo through Instagram, scrolling through influencer feeds and scouring hashtags.

But every now and again, there's nothing more delightful than picking up something physical - and beautifully designed - for your next dose of inspiration.

This is where London, foodie and influencer Milly Kenny-Ryder and her Weekend Journals. Hot on the heels of their Cornwall travel book, the team have now published a seriously beautiful guide to Provence that will immediately have you itching to book flights to the south of France.

Created with the design-conscious traveller in mind, readers will find everything from stylish off the beaten track guesthouses in Marseille to small town restaurants serving up traditional Provençal grub. Also included are more recognisable entries like the stunning Gorges Du Vernon, sitting side by side with tiny shops only a local would show you. This is the beauty of the Weekend Journals.

The journal is a collaborative effort between Milly, her husband Simon Lovell, the producer, and her brother Gabriel, who shot all the photography. All three have a personal attachment to Provence - and it's this love which shines through the pages.

The blush streets of arty Arles
Gabriel Kenny-Ryder for Weekend Journals

Here, we caught up with Milly to hear more about their latest project.

Your first journal focused on Cornwall, why was Provence next?

Cornwall and Provence are both areas of the world I had visited often as a child. Provence is where my maternal grandmother is from and has always been a second home for my family. It is the place where my most special memories have been made, from learning to swim as a child to getting married a few years ago.

What's your favourite season to visit?

It is a great destination all year round... the sky is nearly always blue in Provence, and I remember being completely amazed by the weather in January when I visited at that time of year. I recommend visiting out of season - May and September are usually lovely, balmy warm and much less busy.

Do you have any insider tips for beach days?

Avoid St Tropez and settle on the shores of St Maxime. La Reine Jeanne is a favourite beachside restaurant for my family with friendly service, the freshest local seafood, and it is located on a pretty stretch of beach.

The beach at Menton
Gabriel Kenny-Ryder for Weekend Journals

And what about new hotels?

There are a lot of wonderful luxury hotels on the Riviera and deep within the Luberon countryside, but it is tricky to find somewhere stylish and affordable. Les Roches Rouges in Saint-Raphaël is a great addition to the coastal hotels in the area; beautiful light bedrooms, two stunning pools overlooking the sea, and thoughtful chic details throughout.

If someone told you they wanted to visit a less well-trodden town in Provence, which would you suggest?

There are idyllic, quiet and picturesque towns scattered all over Provence. I love the unspoilt hillside villages on the border of Italy. I recently visited Gorbio with my grandparents, a tiny town with staggering views and an authentic way of life. Tourtour and Bargemon are both lovely towns for antique hunting and an evening drink. On the other side of Provence we were delighted to discover Céreste, the home of Scaramouche, a family-run artisan glacier.

A room at Casa Ortega guesthouse in Marseille
Gabriel Kenny-Ryder for Weekend Journals

For a fun city break, Marseille is a great option at the moment as there are so many creative restaurants and shops popping up. We were spoilt for choice when picking our favourite Marseille venues for the book.

How would you describe Provence in three words?

Aromatic. Bright. Inspirational.

So here’s next for Weekend Journals?

Perhaps another British destination, I think there is a real interest in exploring the less obvious areas of Great Britain at the moment, and I'd love to tell the stories of the some of the exciting ventures and venues on my own soil.

Provence by Weekend Journals is available to buy now here. Follow Milly and her travels on Instagram here.

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