It's almost spring, and the Bitneys have returned for another season in Provence amid the olive trees, orchards and vineyards. With the renovations of their villa almost done, there is now time to learn more about the land they want to live in...

Great sights lie within easy reach: the magnificent Roman Pont du Gard; Aix-en-Provence, where myriads of fountains blow water into the air; Arles, where Van Gogh painted his greatest masterpieces; and there are even unexpected festivals along the way.

For Gordon Bitney, this also becomes his own personal journey: adapting to another culture, learning French and finding his legs on a bicycle. His wry sense of humour about himself and others brings a measure of fun to every page. He says, “How can you resist a place that gets three hundred sunny days every year?”