Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: The French Burger This is by no means a typical French burger. In French, burger meat is called “steak haché.” When you buy minced meat at your local butcher you’ll be suitably impressed when a large quality steak is indeed taken and minced! As …

I’m walking briskly through the streets at 8 am. The greys and blues of St. Remy compliment this time of day. I am a creature of habit. The sun will be hitting the terrace at Café de la Place soon. My morning coffee is waiting. Continue reading here to learn …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: No snow yet this year! The villages of Provence become quiet after the holidays. People tend to stay in, stoke their living room fires, and leave a pot au feu (stew) on the stove for many hours. There are fewer of the festivals that celebrate …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: These trees can be bought at the “Marché de Sapin” on Rue Carnot that is impressively open 7 days a week until Christmas! Today and tomorrow Avignon is particularly in the mood for some Christmas spirit. Carols are playing all throughout the town and …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Cover of 1953 “Rustica” magazine which covers mostly rural subject matter. Some great images of chickens! I personally love looking through magazines from a different era. What interests me in particular is the advertisements. I like to look out for what might be very …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker The photo is just an example of the great mix of treasures you’ll find at Carpentras. The Sunday antique market at Carpentras is my favourite weekly antique market. As you may already know, the town of Isle sur la Sorgue is the king of …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: December is upon us! I haven’t even begun my Christmas shopping. Oh my… The Christmas markets have already started here in Provence but now it’s getting serious. Stacks of foie gras and artian chocolates are piled high in the grocery stores, the smell of …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Marché de Sénas Artisanal Provence à Alsace Every year Robin and I visit the weekend-long Christmas market that takes place in Sénas. I love this market because it’s so different than any of the others in the small towns in the Bouches du Rhône …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: If you happen to live near to a walnut tree here in Provence that has yet to have been ravaged by squirrels… I suggest the very satisfying activity of foraging free food! There are many walnuts here in Provence; you’ll often find wild specimens …

Christmas Market in Fontvieille The last Sunday in November there has been for the past 6 years the Foire Gourmand au Gras. This annual market is not for the faint of heart. It’s here that many locals stock up on Christmas seasonal treats from the South West of France. The …