Gilles Conchy is the Provence Gourmet and he shares his version of Artichokes Barigoule. The artichokes hearts are braised in a white wine broth along with a few other vegetables for this simple dish.

Before spending time in Provence, I had never heard of a buyer’s agent. To a North American with the benefits of a transparent residential real estate market, the concept seemed vague and excessive. In Canada, we have Multiple Listing Services (MLS) which serves two purposes; “Unilateral offer of compensation by a …

Nutmeg is self-admittedly not a patient person. She develops a plan, does not appreciate too much external input, and certainly is not thrilled when there is a proposed change. Living in France, with life at a slower pace, has helped with her natural inclination somewhat. Although, Ginger is certain that …

Celebrated Fruit – Cavaillon Melons Nutmeg barely tolerates melons, in her opinion, the green honeydew version found in airport “fruit salads” should be outlawed. Watermelon and its variations without seeds or in ghastly yellow only belong on a picnic table with many children around. The orange cantaloupe is the only …

Monaco is truly blessed when it comes to its climate and location. These two factors combined create some of the most aesthetically-pleasing scenery in the world with verdant vegetation atop hills and craggy rock faces. It is the gateway to the French Riviera and Provence, whose scenic roads have been …

The following guest post is by Paul Shore the author of “Uncorked My Year in Provence.” Find out more about his book on pétanque and expat living here and visit his website here. Le Cercle in Saint-Paul de Vence International travellers and those who have relocated to live expat lives in …

There is no question that the food in Provence ranks highly in culinary circles for its “farm-to-table” style. The Mediterranean climate and arable soil are favourable towards the popular “eat local” philosophy. Produce found at authentic farmers’ markets follows the seasons, and fresh fruit arrives in waves during the harvest …

Sun shades are a quintessential part of Provençal life. No holiday in the South of France would be complete without a top-class meal on the terrace of a bistro under elegant shade sails, or enjoying an aperitif during the last warm rays of the evening light beneath the sun shades …

Most people (read tourists) go to l’Isle sur la Sorgue for one of two reasons: The Sunday market – one of the largest in the region The 300+ antique stores and dealers Very few would go because they were expecting Venice in Provence. Ginger and Nutmeg had only visited for the …

Expat living is not for the faint of heart. Surrounded by a new environment, comfortable routines are gone, and even mundane daily tasks require extra consideration and effort. Where to grocery shop? What are the best schools? What about health care? Add a foreign language and different cultural norms to …