Parisian art, architecture, and fashion have shaped the country. However, it might be surprising to learn how the customs of countries bordering the Mediterranean have impacted the South of France. The Spanish influence in Provence is undeniable, from paella to corridas and ferias (horse and bull) sporting events. Barcelona is …

Cold ocean seascapes, giant icebergs, and barren tundra are far removed from Provence, exactly where Elizabeth Birkelund begins her novel. A Northern Light in Provence is a captivating tale that follows Ilse Erlund, a multilingual translator living in Greenland. Despite never setting foot in France, she embarks on a journey …

It’s hard to compete with a long list of magnificent, historically significant gardens in a country that includes gardens built for French royalty. The Palace of Versailles and its immaculate grounds are on your list of must-sees in Paris. Then there are the Jardins du Château de Fontainebleau south of …

Cavaillon is a good-sized city east of the Durance River in Provence with a deep history linked to local agriculture. Most visitors drive straight through Cavaillon on their way to the Luberon’s perched villages and Vaucluse towns, vineyards, and lavender fields without stopping, which is a shame. Cavaillon has lots …

The best thing about salads is their versatility. Some salads are delicate and meant to be eaten right away, and others are well-suited for transport to, say, a picnic or a potluck; some versions taste even better the following day. While many salads are typically cold or at room temperature, …

Stunning is the only way to describe Rosa Jackson’s cookbook Niçoise: Market-Inspired Cooking from France’s Sunniest City. Filled with over 100 recipes, this beautiful book salutes the simplicity of Nice’s traditional cuisine. Niçoise is more than a cookbook, cracking open the window into life in Nice through the seasons. The …

April 15, 2019, is seared in our minds as the day we watched images of Notre Dame de Paris in flames with a mix of horror and terrific sadness. Once the Paris Fire Brigade extinguished the flames and saved the rest of the cathedral from complete disaster. The fire started …

Lavender’s intoxicating fragrance is like a journey into a perfume bottle. So why not take that into the kitchen? The herb is a member of the mint family, and specifically grown culinary lavender is edible and adds a unique flavour to baked goods, desserts, and savoury dishes. The important thing …

Arles is a city that should be on every visitor’s itinerary while in Provence. There is Roman history, contemporary architecture, museums, shopping, gourmet food, and enough grit to capture your interest. It won’t take long to understand why Vincent Van Gogh found inspiration in this one-time Roman city or why …

We asked Celine O’Donnell, a bilingual walking tour guide who lives in Nice, France if she would select the 2024 Summer menu for Perfectly Provence readers. Celine decided on a collection of her favourite, typical Niçoise recipes – Pissaladière, Truccha, Salade Niçoise and Tourte de Blettes. We hope you enjoy …