Readers often ask us for recommendations about where to eat lunch in Aix-en-Provence. The truth is that restaurants change hands frequently, and every establishment can have an off day. However, navigating an unfamiliar destination can be tricky, so we offer a few suggestions. Below is a list of tried-and-true restaurants …
“The origin of the olive tree is lost in time, coinciding and mingling with the expansion of the Mediterranean civilizations which for centuries governed the destiny of mankind and left their imprint on Western culture.” ~ International Olive Council Olives of Provence If you like olives, wine, and beautiful vistas, …
For the past 11 years, I have guided tours through Provence. One of my tours, Edible Provence, offers two (2) cooking classes. Last year, I was very disappointed with one of the cooking class instructors I’d been using and needed to find someone new. While browsing the internet, I landed …
Running east to west in Provence’s Bouches-du-Rhône department, the Alpilles (“small Alps”) is a mountain range, protected park, and agricultural area. Its rugged, arid alpine terroir suits growing grapes and olives on its flanks. Below, we cover ideas for touring the Alpilles vineyards in Provence, many of which also produce …
The Alpilles (miniature Alps) run from east to west for 30 kilometres, starting at the edge of the Durance River and the town of Orgon to the western edge near Fontvieille. Although the Alpilles are not high, with a maximum height of 498 metres, they are dramatic with jagged limestone …
For all our time spent in Provence, I’m embarrassed to admit that we had never been to les Gorges du Verdon. And it’s not far from Lourmarin, only about an hour and a half, in the hills of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. We’d heard it was worth a visit, but what …
One of the life experiences I cherish the most is spending time along the Côte d’Azur. However, I must confess that I’m geographically challenged, so the more I visited, the more confused I became about something relatively straightforward. “Which seaside towns are below which hilltop villages?” To settle the question, …
One of my French students, Mary Katherine, wanted to visit the French Riviera during her immersion homestay in Provence. It was January, a lovely month to see the Côte d’Azur. It is not beach weather, but it is generally sunny and, with the proper layers, comfortable for touring around. Plus, …
Nestled just a short ferry ride from the glamorous shores of Cannes, the Lérins Islands offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the French Riviera. Of these islands, Île Sainte-Marguerite stands out as a haven of natural beauty and tranquillity. The Journey to Île Sainte-Marguerite The adventure …
Aix-en-Provence is a moderate-sized city in the Bouches du Rhône department of Provence. Home to Aix-Marseille Université (AMU) and several prestigious Lycées, the city has a dynamic vibe and a long history. Initially settled by the Romans in 122 BC, Aix is one of the most visited cities in Provence. …
Le Petit Bijou is a 1-bedroom apartment on Villefranche's waterfront. The apartment is fully outfitted, ideal for a Riviera holiday.
A delightful 3-bedroom holiday apartment at Domaine des Escavalins is an organic olive farm. Well-appointed and private, the gite has room for six (6) people.
Looking for a tranquil, self-catered vacation home for two? Book your stay at one of the 3 cottages - maisonettes - at Maison Valvert.
Les Olivettes, once a Provencal farmhouse in the Luberon, has 4 spacious rental apartments only a 4-minute walk from the centre of Lourmarin.
Featuring 20 recipes from the South of France for winter weather along with menu suggestions, all designed to make your cooking experience enjoyable. These multi-course menus are a celebration of Provence and its seasonal ingredients. We encourage you to try these dishes, create your own menus, and enjoy your culinary creations this winter.
Founded in 1948, La Maison Degrenne is focused on "art de la table," these delicate porcelain dessert plates are a perfect example. Sold as a set of 4 plates by My French Country Home Box, they represent the seasons; cherries for spring, sweet peach for summer, a ripe fig for autumn, and a vibrant lemon for winter.
My French Country Home is showcasing Maison Pichon braided ceramic baskets. These decorative pottery stands are beautiful decorations but equally practical on your kitchen counter for fruit or other objects. Available in two colours, the Maison Pichon products are handmade in Uzes.
Le Rob'Fresh is a lightweight cooler bag for bottles, lunch or even a picnic. The cooler bag weighs 300g (10 oz) and can hold 2.8 kg (6 lbs). Available in a collection of designs. The fabric is OEKO-TEX® certified, and the bags have an environmentally-friendly kraft gel pack. Le Rob'Fresh medium version is L 37 cm (14.5 in) x H 25cm (10 in) x W 10 cm (4 in). The bags are machine-washable (in cold). Price is 35€ + shipping.