After the cold days of winter, spring arrives with a light touch: green vegetables start to grace the markets and rich foods give way to lighter, zestier dishes. Vibrant colours and flavours excite the palate. The first asparagus spears make beautiful salads, fresh chevre and local bread turn simple salads …

Jane Dunning is addicted to France. “I’m a real Francophile and have stayed in more than one hundred towns, cities, villages and hamlets in France. Twenty-two of these have been in Provence, the shortest for one night, the longest for four months.” The Dunnings’ four-month stay was as acting caretakers …

Poolside yoga and gourmet food in Provence, how I wish I could be there! La Belle Vie Yoga Retreat (Fall 2018) combines a talented group of yoga instructors, experienced foodies, and a beautiful venue, into a magical Provencal experience for the first time. All levels of yoga experience are encouraged …

With over 369 million French speakers around the globe why not celebrate? Since 1970, when the Niamey Convention was signed, International Francophonie Day (website) is celebrated every year on March 20th. There are 77 countries in the world where French is the language of record, or in some cases like …

Recently, Lynne Alderson (Aixcentric) wrote a book review on Passion for Provence: 22 Keys to La Belle Vie a book written by Gayle Smith Padgett that was published in November 2017. We were intrigued by the tale of a couple of American transplants who spent their honeymoon in Provence and …

Relocating to the South of France is often a lifestyle choice, for those seeking a milder climate and slower pace of life. However, it is not every couple who willingly choose to spend their semi-retirement years managing a boutique, 5-bedroom B&B in a new country. In December 2010, Jane and …

Sweet canistrelli cookies are a Corsican specialty, which are available in many different flavours. Although the recipe comes from Corsica the cookies are easy to find in Provence, from grocery stores, to markets to specialty shops.

Calisson d’Aix is a specialty candy from Aix en Provence made with almonds, melon and citrus paste. The actual origin of the recipe is most likely from Italy. The following recipe does not follow the same exacting industry standards, but is a fun “Sunday project” with a sweet result.

Learning a second language is never easy, and as a uni-lingual adult, the long “road” to mastering French is daunting. Even native French speakers agree that there are more exceptions to the language’s rules than necessary, and let’s not even begin to talk about verbs. Marina Depoorter is the founder …

It took over 600 years to open this luxurious bed and breakfast in the heart of Avignon. La Divine Comédie is a jewel of a guest house with five suites and a magical garden, the successful outcome of the owners Amaury de Villoutreys and Gilles Jauffret’s vision. They purchased the …