With Valentine’s Day just two days away, we thought this post by Ashley Tinker was well-timed for any romantics who are considering popping the big question. Whether you are in the South of France on February 14th or not, here is her post on the 8 best proposal spots in Provence. …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Mimosa and Sea Urchins Despite it being February, the coast of France bordering on the Mediterranean becomes bright yellow during this time of year. Synonymous with the Mediterranean, I’ll never forget when I was in Italy during International Women’s Day. It’s the custom there to …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Arts de la Table, Bastide We are blessed here in Provence to have the best ingredients when it comes to producing scents (and eating!). Grasse is the perfume capital of the world; not surprising considering the endless fields of lavender, roses, fruit blossom and wild …

Creamy potatoes and artichokes with a delightful spicy kick from fresh roasted Cumin. A unique and satisfying soup that will leave you well sated.

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: December Events in Provence 2017 Snow in Provence! For once we might get a white Christmas! There are many Christmas markets this month in Provence. This is the time to binge on delicious nougat, foie gras, pink champagne and oysters. Yes, that is basically a …

November in Provence. Bring on the chestnuts! We’re currently in Corsica and it seems that roasting them in your front yard is the thing to do. Love it. Are you in the holiday spirit yet? The massive amounts of high-quality chocolate boxes at the supermarkets are tempting me… Has anyone …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Life in France as an Expat Part II Life as an immigrant in another country is never easy. A friend of mine recently managed to mix up the French work to cook “faire cuire” with to drive “conduire.” This resulted in her explaining to …

By Ashley Tinker: I was recently invited to a full day gourmet cooking class at Jean-Marc and Alice Villard’s cooking school in their home at Maubec. #Joblove !! haha. Maubec is located in the Luberon, about 45 minutes from Avignon an hour from Aix en Provence.an hour from Aix en …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Octobre en Provence With the grape harvest long done due to a very dry summer, locals are concentrating on the olive harvest this month. You’ll drive by olive groves and see wooden ladders hidden among the trees. Furthermore, the olives vertes cassées made by many …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: I recently participated in a cooking class held by Jean Marc Villard of French Cuisine cooking classes in Maubec. Jean Marc, passionate about local produce, started the class by taking us to Naturellement Paysan, the local farmers cooperative in Coustellet. …Continue reading here for details …