The climate in Provence is not well-suited to cattle farming, so sheep and goats have roamed the hills and pastures in the region for centuries. As a result, Provencal markets are filled with an endless selection of goat (chèvre) and sheep (brebis) cheeses, and you can always find lamb in …

Provence is paradise…until you attempt to get cell coverage or WiFi access in some Provencal villages. One could blame the thick walls built with stones from Roman foundations, or the at times violent weather. However, the reality is that cellular network coverage is limited in some areas. Apparently, I should …

Wine and Olives “Tu es amoureuse des olives!” A six-year old’s description of author, linguist, sommelier and Mediterranean food aficionado Viktorija Todorovska. According to Todorovska, the young girl pegged her with such laser accuracy that she is considering changing the title on her business cards to read “Amoureuse des Olives.” …

The Provence Gourmet shares his recipe for two simple side dishes: gratins made with tomatoes and potatoes. If you are interested in cooking classes and learning about traditional Provencal meals, contact Gilles (Provence Gourmet) to find out about his classes. Easy side dishes to accompany roasted meats or fish or …

How do you test a hotel’s 5-star rating? Forget about checking for dust on picture frames — deliver a thunderstorm in the middle of a meal service. L’Orangerie’s terrace was brimming with lunchtime customers enjoying their market-fresh plats du jour and local rosés when the typically far-reaching view of the Luberon vanished …

This easy appetizer comes from Elizabeth Bard’s latest book, Picnic in Provence: A Memoir with Recipes. The recipe combines Provençal flavours of rosemary and olive into a delicious savoury shortbread. The author has permission to publish the recipe. I have a real affection for the sandy-textured cookies called biscuits sablés. …

The Modern Trobadors may travel through Provence with iDevices and digital cameras, but their goal is similar to their medieval brethren to share news about this diverse corner of France. Now, you can join them on a bespoke tour of Provence in 2016. Medieval troubadours were poets and musicians who …

Let’s just say it had been a few years since I had spent any time in Nice. My last visit was during an era when backpacks with external frames were acceptable, walkmans were hip, travel on $20 a day was possible and the Euro had not been invented. I was …

Sparkling azure waters, chilled pink wine, cicada-led symphonies and the market aromas of rotisserie chickens it is easy to see how one might get drunk on the sensory indulgence of Provence. Intoxicating PJ Adams grew up in California where she studied, before heading to the London School of Economics. Her …

seafood recipe comes from Elizabeth Bard’s latest book Picnic in Provence: A memoir with Recipes. The Monkfish (lotte in French) is prepared with fresh tomatoes and peas for a simple and elegant main course.