The Lost Children Author Susan McDonald Shares Her Writing Incites and Inspiration

The Lost Children is Susan McDonald’s debut book in a series set during wartime France, inspired by true stories, locations, and events from World War II. We enjoyed speaking with Susan about her novel, research, and writing process, and we invite you to read her responses below. Read our...

Literary Escape to Magical France: 6 Books for a Summer Reading List

Let the scent of lavender and the bustle of French boulevards spark your summer reading wanderlust. These six books whisk you away to Provence, Paris, and the French Riviera during WWII. To order, click on the book titles or covers. Romantic Fiction Carol Drinkwater: One Summer in Provence, A...

Need a Luxury Escape to Provence? Hotel Capelongue Delivers

Our vacation in Provence began with an overnight flight from North America to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, followed by the TGV to Avignon. As we wound through the Luberon Valley, our driver pointed out the famous perched villages. We caught a fleeting glimpse of Lacoste and its...

Top 23 Questions People Ask About Lavender in Provence

The Romans first introduced the lavender plant to the South of France in approximately the 2nd century B.C.E. Although lavender grows throughout the Mediterranean region, it is one of Provence’s most iconic symbols. To better understand the role lavender plays in this region, we answer the top questions people...

Exclusive Interview: How S.L. Immersion Is Changing Language Education in France

There is something to be said for immersion in a culture and language that challenges you to speak. Years ago, after graduating high school with the required level of French, I spent a year in Quebec City. It was my sink-or-swim situation to be understood by my French-speaking landlady....

Download Our Spring Menu Collection

This seasonal collection features 19 recipes, including starters, main courses, side dishes, and desserts. Featuring seasonal ingredients such as artichokes, asparagus, lamb, and strawberries. Download this PDF, which includes for recipes for entertaining at this time of the year.

Explore Provence

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Road Trips South of France

Top 23 Questions People Ask About Lavender in Provence

June 8, 2026
The Romans first introduced the lavender plant to the South of France in approximately the 2nd century B.C.E. Although lavender grows throughout the Mediterranean region, it is one of Provence’s most iconic symbols. To better understand the role lavender plays in this region, we answer the top questions people ask about lavender in Provence. Lavender …
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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Guided Holiday Tours

Want to Understand Olive Traditions? Book Curated Travel to Provence

May 15, 2026
Martine Bertin-Peterson, the founder of Goût et Voyage LLC, runs small-group tours in Provence, Umbria, Normandy, and Morocco. Creating unforgettable travel memories, Martine serves as the escort for all Goût et Voyage culinary travel adventures. These tours bring together her lifelong passions for travel, cooking, and culture. In Provence, Umbria, and Morocco, olives and olive …
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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

The Reasons Why Visitors Choose Avignon, France, and Some Stay Longer

May 11, 2026
Maureen Steinberg grew up amid the sun-soaked energy of Southern California, spending years in the lively sprawl of Los Angeles. In 2020, she set out for something entirely new, trading LA’s endless buzz for Avignon’s gentle rhythms, a picturesque gem in France. That leap from the West Coast’s largest city to Avignon’s charm must have …
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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Guided Holiday Tours

What is the TripUSAFrance Tour Difference? Founder Julia Shares Her Story

May 1, 2026
Julia Girard-Gervois leads TripUSAFrance, a boutique travel agency she founded in 2015 alongside her parents in France. Their vision is simple: invite guests to discover southern France as locals do, with warmth and genuine connection. From April through September, they run tours in Normandy and Southern France. The TripUSAFrance tour group sizes are small to …
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Tastes of Provence

Provencal Recipes · Seasonal Menus · Stephanie Villegas · Taste

Get a Taste of Provence’s Spring Delights Menu with Seasonal Produce

Private chef and cooking school owner Stephanie Villegas created the delicious 2024 spring menu that follows. This 3-course meal includes seasonal produce – peas, artichokes and berries – and mouthwatering roast chicken. Enjoy the taste of Provence this spring. Spring Delights Menu As the vibrant hues of spring bloom around us, so does our eagerly …
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