Janet Joanou Weiner

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a day-long event at a Huguenot museum in a region three hours north of us. Housed in the former home of Marie Durand and her brother, Pierre, the story behind the tiny Musée du Vivarais looms large in French Protestant history and hearts. The Musée du Vivarais During the early 18th century, the Durands held fast to their faith, despite heavy persecution by King Louis XIV. Pierre became a well-known preacher, specifically sought after

Anyone who has visited us in late fall will remember the glorious gingko tree shining brightly near our home, the Château de Planque. Sitting on the corner of our neighbor's property, the Domaine de Planque, its branches reach across the arch in the viaduct that spans the Planque bridge into town. The tree, the viaduct, and the bridge each play significant roles in The Huguenot Resistance Series. My husband captured this moment perfectly. Golden fan-shaped leaves float on the

Spring is slow in coming this year. Warming days tease and entice us to believe we have turned the corner. Alas, close on the heels of a blue sky sunshiny day, we awake to rain, chilly winds, and cloud cover. Yes, April showers bring May flowers (and if you're American, you add here: "And Mayflowers bring pilgrims.") It's true that so much rain, for weeks on end, has already brought forth abundant green beauty. And lots of pollen! View from our olive grove to Saint-Hippolyte-

The startling beauty of a pristine lake nestled against soaring Alps never fails to delight. Whether under a blanket of snow or bursting into the colors of spring, the stunning city of Annecy is truly a breath of fresh air. My husband recently celebrated a milestone birthday, so we headed to Annecy for a few days. We love this region where we first landed in France over thirty-eight years ago to attend language school in nearby Albertville. Our first visit to Annecy occurred

Lightning flashes, thunder booms, the atmosphere trembles, reverberating waves of energy. Rain pours down for days on end. Then, ah! The sunshine breaks through, and villagers emerge from houses, faces turned up like sunflowers soaking in life-giving warmth. Welcome to the wild winter weather of the Cévennes. After the rains... rainbows! These prismatic arches delight those who behold their beauty. We stop and pay attention as if we've never seen such a sight. "Look! A rainbo

Living in a small town dating back to the time of the Roman occupation of the south of France definitely provides interesting material for my historical novels. I'm grateful to live in such a history-steeped place. I only wish the walls and the trees would tell all the stories. Join me on a tour of several of the places in Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort that inspired the Huguenot Resistance Series. The Château de Planque First, let me present the Château de Planque, where I live and

Last month, I had the unusual experience of returning to the US for the second time this year. Usually, we go once and visit all four states where our family lives. This latest trip was for our niece's wedding in upstate New York. Such a delight to gather and celebrate in a beautiful area new to us. We had to fly through London, so on our way back we stopped for a few days to visit a good friend. Come join me on a whirlwind tour through these two unique places. Our reward for

I got in! And back out again! The fort of St. Hippolyte opened its forbidding doors to the public this summer. Once for a jazz festival that I missed. Then, for the Caminade , which I was fortunate to attend. Come enjoy a dramatic, comedic presentation of local history inside the fort that gave St. Hippolyte du Fort its current name. The word caminade comes from the Occitan dialect and means to follow a long path together, or simply, to walk. Every year a local group of writ

Summer in our little town brings scorching temperatures, scores of tourists, and a plethora of special activities. Join me for a tour of the sights and sounds of summer in St. Hippolyte du Fort. Locally grown summer flowers Our weekly open markets are at their peak, bursting with seasonal produce, flowers, local products, clothes, and so much more. White and yellow peaches, melon from Cavaillon—delicious chilled with jambon de Parma —yum! My home garden grows slowly this year

Recently, I attended meetings in the northeastern French city of Strasbourg in the region formerly called Alsace, now the Grand Est. Thankfully, there was enough free time to wander this incredible city, full of visual delights around every corner. Join me for a stroll or two through a town that reflects its varied heritage over the centuries. Originally independent, then French during the time of Louis XIV, then German after the Franco-Prussian War, then back to France at th

Here in the Cévennes, we are experiencing a chilly spring. A few days of sunshine tease that we're headed into warmer weather. We pull out short-sleeve shirts and lighter weight clothing, only to return to multiple layers the next day. As I write, I'm wearing winter flannel-lined pants and fingerless gloves. The fire in my wood-burning stove takes the edge off a bit. Despite the colder temperatures than usual, signs of life still burst forth. After an abundance of rain, some

We're in between deluges here in my little town of St. Hippolyte du Fort. The latest storm pounded down vast quantities of water so quickly that the already saturated ground could barely absorb it. Our Cévennes region is known for such events which are called an episode Cévenol. Flashes of lightning on the mountains behind our house and cracks of thunder that sound like they are just outside the window are part of the package. I love it. After the rains: Waterfall in the cen

I visited Scotland for the first time a little over a year ago and fell in love with the country and the people. The biggest percentage of my DNA is Scottish, possibly explaining the affinity. Cultural connections seem to exist in our very being that go beyond experience. And since God has put unique attributes in each culture, there is much to be discovered and treasured. Recently, I returned, traveling to new areas and deepening these connections. Come enjoy some highlights

I love that the French version of "Merry Christmas" includes the word JOY. Yes, that is the essence of this season. The baby in the manger is Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. That changes everything. Unique regional flavors characterize Christmas celebrations everywhere. Join me for a brief tour celebrating this festive season here in the Cévennes. Santons- "little saints" in the occitan dialect Throughout the Cévennes and Provence, homes and churches set up the crèche, a nati

Did you know that during World War II there was a significant Jewish internment camp in the south of France? I didn't! Not until I dove deep into research for my third novel did I discover this unsettling fact. Near Aix-en-Provence, just a two-hour drive from my home, I visited Camp des Milles recently. Join me for a sobering and informative tour. Camp des Milles, 1940s As war broke out across Europe, French authorities converted an abandoned tile factory to a detainment cent

Our youngest daughter visited recently... quelle joie! After spending time in our home and visiting spots in the south of France, we...

Drive a short distance down the road from my little town, St. Hippolyte du Fort, and you'll find this charming scene: Welcome to Sauve, with its rich history dating back to the 11th century. Come, wander with me across the river, through narrow cobbled streets, under stone arches, and past ancient buildings. If only these walls could talk! We enter the village by Le Pont Vieux, the Old Bridge, built between the 11th and 13th centuries. These dates cause my American head to sp

In the Cévennes region, we usually have scorching heat starting in June. Not this year! Temperate weather and intermittent downpours have...

I'm immersed in research for my next historical novel in the Huguenot Resistance series. The third book will take place during World War...

While there's never a dull moment around here, this past month has been extra eventful. Often, I feel like I'm living in a French film...