Tarik Koivisto

22 posts

Founder & Creative Director

Gallifet Art Center & Restaurant
Art & Culture

Gallifet Art Center & Restaurant

The Gallifet Centre d'Art & Restaurant unveiled a new exhibition, entitled "Materialistes" from 15 November - 1 February, 2025 featuring hand-crafted works exploring the difference between art and craft.  If you haven't been, the Gallifet, is a stunning 18th century hôtel particulier located in the heart of Aix-en-Provence's historic, Mazarin district and was opened to the public in 2010 by Nicolas Mazet as a cultural and art venue. These past two years, the charming owners, Nicholas ...

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36 Hours in Arles… Art Capital of Provence
Art & Culture Provence Travel

36 Hours in Arles… Art Capital of Provence

Arles is truly experiencing a renaissance. The first, visual clue is the rising height of famed architect, Frank Gehry's latest metal-clad museum masterpiece, that is in the works at the site of LUMA Arles. Luma Arles is a grand project driven by art patron and cultural maven, Maja Hoffman, the mastermind re-shaping the city's landscape, culture and art scene of this ancient roman city of Provence. I felt the exciting energy everywhere, from the construction ...

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My Favorite Beaches of Provence
Provence Travel

My Favorite Beaches of Provence

We are often asked of our favorite swimming escapes and beach recommendations, so we're sharing our top spots and hidden gems for a glorious day spent at the the finest beaches of Provence. We've also included our favorite off-the-beaten path spots for a seaside lunch to make your daytrip escape complete... cherry on top.Newly updated with our most recent discoveries, now is the ideal time to head to the beach and enjoy the ...

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Domaine des Masques
Gastronomy & Wine Provence Travel

Domaine des Masques

I must share one of my favorite, local wine domaines to take visiting friends and family just outside of Aix-en-Provence. The domaine is located directly on the Cengle, in a very dramatic setting nearly at the top of the majestic Sainte Victoire of Provence. Perched upon one of the most breathtaking natural sites in the region at 550 m altitude and down roughly 17 kilometers of bumpy gravel roads, you will find Domaine ...

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Iris Blooms of Provence
Provence Inspiration Art & Culture Provence Travel

Iris Blooms of Provence

Arguably, one of the most photogenic regions of France begins its bloom each year in May bearing fields of powder periwinkle blooming irises throughout the Trets' and Fuveau-area landscapes, right where I live. Passing through the region in bloom feels as if thousands of delicate butterflies were displaying their colors as they rest gently upon fields of brilliant green. These fields are complimented by the picturesque outlines of the Sainte-Victoire, Mount Aurélien ...

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In the Atelier: Valérie Casado
Artisans of Provence Behind The Design

In the Atelier: Valérie Casado

I discovered the work of Valérie Casado at Maison&Objet in Paris and was obsessed...plus she was living in Provence! I quickly asked her to collaborate with me for our Luxe Provence boutique collections and our artisanal candle. I had the pleasure of visiting Valérie's atelier several times to plan our design collaboration and discover her beautiful porcelain creations just outside the charming Provence village of Isle sur la Sorgue. Each of Valérie's pieces is ...

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Meet Marianne… Jamie Beck for Luxe Provence
Behind The Design Slow Fashion

Meet Marianne… Jamie Beck for Luxe Provence

Meet Marianne... the first-piece in our long awaited collaboration with Jamie Beck for Luxe Provence Lifestyle.What’s in a name?...Jamie named the dress "Marianne" after the French national icon who is a champion of freedom and democracy against all forms of oppression, a freedom she discovered for myself as a woman and a creator in Provence. You see her profile in all forms in France from official government documents to artistic masterpieces like ...

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Baumanière, Iconic Gastronomy Retreat
Gastronomy & Wine Provence Travel

Baumanière, Iconic Gastronomy Retreat

It at all started in 1945, when Raymond Thuilier purchased an abandoned and relatively, isolated provençal mas tucked into the protected hillside called the Baumanière. At the time, this area of Provence was considered "Le Val d'Enfer" or the valley of hell, due to the rugged shape of the surrounding limestone rocks and difficult to access location. Raymond was taken with the majestic property setting at the foot of the fortified hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence ...

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This Just In…Our Cassis Linen Dress
Behind The Design Slow Fashion

This Just In…Our Cassis Linen Dress

Celebrate the Good Life and wrap yourself up in our elegant, chic Cassis Linen Dress in Crisp White... Now available in our boutique for a limited time, while supplies last.The first release from our Luxe Provence Resort Wear collection, which features high-quality natural fabrics designed in Provence. Each collection reflects the relaxed, elegant chic South of France Lifestyle. Members of our new luxury Mediterranean Gold Subscription will receive avant-première pieces made "sur mesure" from ...

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Escape to Haute Provence
Provence Travel

Escape to Haute Provence

It's that special moment in Haute Provence that everyone dreams. Having had a warm winter this year, the lavender has already started to bloom a few weeks. A most magical sight to behold and a must-visit experience. THE place to view lavender fields in their full glory is definitely the Haute Provence region's famed, Plateau de Valensole. Each year, starting from mid- to late-June through most of July, this plateau of 800 km in altitude pops to brilliant life with unbelievable ...

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Weekend Escape at The Coquillade
The Good Life Provence Travel

Weekend Escape at The Coquillade

Of course, there's nothing I enjoy more than a beautiful weekend escape in Provence, especially with a group of gorgeous girlfriends.  There are so many stunning and distinctly charming micro-regions in Provence that it is a surprise to many who visit, and even live here. Most recently, we covered highlights from Les Alpilles region of Provence. This time,  I share a glimpse further north to the Luberon between Roussillon and the Colorado de Rustrel, part of ...

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Weekend Escape to Les Alpilles
The Good Life Provence Travel

Weekend Escape to Les Alpilles

Despite living in Provence for over four years now, I never grow tired of exploring and rediscovering the many, authentic and beautiful regions this area has to offer. Inspired by my return visit to the Les Carrières de Lumière last week for the Chagall Opening, I decided it was due time for a new feature on discovering the "Les Alpilles" region. I have since learned there's quite a lot happening at the moment, from ...

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Chagall Arrives in Les Baux March 4
The Good Life Provence Travel

Chagall Arrives in Les Baux March 4

After welcoming over 513,000 visitors for Michelangelo, Leonardo de Vinci and Raphael: The Giants of the Renaissance, the Les Carrières de Lumières in Baux-de-Provence prepares to launch their next ambitious artistic project devoted solely to Marc Chagall (1887 - 1985).  The Chagall exhibit marks the first time a Les Carrières installation is devoted to only one artist and is set to begin March 4, 2016 continuing through January 8, 2017. This is a must-see for visitors and locals alike. Les ...

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Truffle Season in Provence
Taste of Provence The Good Life Provence Travel

Truffle Season in Provence

In a little corner of paradise at Chateau Barbebelle, Rognes there lives a man called Alex who hunts for truffles every year. His humble, rustic house and gardens have been lovingly restored and made beautiful, right down to the gorgeous hand made tiles in his kitchen. The garden is dominated by a giant pig called Jeffrey. Jeffrey is six years old and his first five winters were spent sniffing out truffles and uncovering ...

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Culturespaces, Carrières de Lumières, Nimes
The Good Life Slow Fashion

Culturespaces, Carrières de Lumières, Nimes

Living in France now for over three years, I have had the opportunity to experience the many wonderful historic and cultural sites managed by Culturespaces, from the stunning Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux de Provence, to the incredible roman monuments and Arena of Nimes, Antique Theater of Orange and the latest addition, the Hotel de Caumont in Aix-en-Provence. What is Culturespace? Culturespaces was founded in 1990 by Bruno Monnier, its current chairman.  For 20 years ...

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Artichokes, Tastes of Provence
Taste of Provence Gastronomy & Wine

Artichokes, Tastes of Provence

What to do with those gorgeous artichokes, so photogenic but never sure if it's worth the effort? Here's a simple, delicious sounding recipe I found on Cooking Light that I'd like to try out tonight, especially inspired by the combination of artichokes + garlic... and a little wine. Why perfect! What you'll need: 2 whole garlic heads 4 medium artichokes 1/2 cup dry white wine 1 cup organic vegetable broth 1 tablespoon butter 1/4 teaspoon salt Chopped fresh parsley Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C. Remove ...

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Degaby Island Escape
The Good Life Provence Travel

Degaby Island Escape

As the spring earth warms, I am dreaming of escaping to the rugged, beautiful private Island of Degaby. It feels so far away, so enchanted and mystical with its rich diverse history, yet it's just minutes away from civilization from the Vieux Port in Marseille. Louis XIV had built a small Fort (completed 1703), referred to as "Fort de Tourville" in honor of Admiral Anne Hilarion of Chouhan of Tourville (1642-1701). Military quickly abandoned it and the island ...

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Sneak Peek Caumont Centre d’Art
Bastides, Interiors & Garden Design Art & Culture Slow Fashion

Sneak Peek Caumont Centre d’Art

Built in the first half of the 18th century, the Hôtel de Caumont is the work of Parisian architect Robert de Cotte, built under the supervision of Georges Vallon. Starting in July 2013, an extensive restoration program was launched to restore the Hôtel de Caumont to its former glory, while adding some special Provencal touches. The Hôtel de Caumont will be a center for art and culture, an elegant venue for Luxe Events here in Aix-en-Provence's ...

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Famille Sumeire Vignobles of Provence
Taste of Provence Gastronomy & Wine The Good Life

Famille Sumeire Vignobles of Provence

The Sumeire Family has lived in Trets next to the Sainte Victoire since the 13th century. This local winemaking family owns three châteaux in Provence, the region where the first vines were planted in France: Château Maupague, Château Coussin, and Château l'Afrique. We caught up with Annabelle Sumeire recently to visit the property and learn more about the story of their wines including César, which was inspired by local artist, César Baldaccini (1 January 1921 in ...

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Escape Along The Route of the Mimosas
Provence’s Passionate Pianist Jonathan Soucasse
Slow Fashion

Provence’s Passionate Pianist Jonathan Soucasse

Laura and I hit the streets scouting for local musical talent (such a good excuse) at the Hotel Gallifet, Maison d'Art et d'Histoire, in Aix-en-Provence last week and we certainly were not disappointed. Modern Jazz Pianist Jonathan Soucasse, offered us an intimate, passionate performance that was raw, awe-inspiring and fun. He blurs the lines between jazz, classic, contemporary and improvisation with amazing energy and talent. Jonathan achieved his diploma at the Conservatoire in Aix and ...

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The Incredible Mathieu Lustrerie
The Good Life Slow Fashion

The Incredible Mathieu Lustrerie

What an incredibly luxe day! Beautiful and talented photographer, Carine Demaria, accompanied us at the world-renowned chandelier atelier and museum of Mathieu Lustrerie in Gargas in the Luberon. The atelier, atmosphere and museum collection of chandeliers paired with vintage winning race cars is breathtaking. A stunning mix of classic and modern featuring his world-renowned pieces that have been incorporated into the most prestigious venues around the world, from the Louvre, to Versailles to nearly every ...

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