David Scott Allen

David Scott Allen is the author, photographer, and cook behind Cocoa & Lavender, a weekly food blog based in Tucson, Arizona. Passionate about travel, he especially enjoys eating traditional foods and learning local customs, whether in the United States or around the globe.

David's first trip to France took place when he was 14, and he returned as often as possible thereafter. However, it wasn't until his 50th birthday that he finally made it south to Provence. The beauty, history, charm, warmth, cuisine, and - of course - the rosé wines captured his heart. He shares his Provençal recipes here on Perfectly Provence, and his food and wine pairings monthly on the Provence WineZine.

David is a firm believer that sharing a meal with friends around the table is one of life's greatest pleasures. And if it happens to be in Provence, all the better!

Winter in Provence a Seasonal Menu For Dinner with Good Friends

December 18, 2024

Winter in Provence unveils a serene, understated beauty. The villages quiet down—tourists have departed, fields lie fallow, and root vegetables are tucked away in cool, shadowy cellars. The land rests after autumn’s final harvest while the frost-kissed garrigue glimmers in the winter light. Tendrils of smoke curl from chimneys as locals transition into the colder …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Dessert · Fruit Desserts · Pies & Tarts · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Holiday Baking: Festive Cranberry Tart Recipe from Provence

December 16, 2024

Do particular foods make you think of the holiday season? For me, the appearance of cranberries in the supermarket is a sure sign that Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities are around the corner. The cranberry tart recipe below is from Moulin Castelas, a beautiful olive plantation and mill near Les Baux de Provence. Moulin Castelas Olive …

Explore · Guest Post · Villages Towns and Cities

Hilltop Chapelle de La Menour is One More Reason to Visit Menton

December 13, 2024

Wow is the word for Notre Dame de la Menour, 800m high in the wild mountains inland from the Riviera coast. It began as a Romanesque chapel linked to the defensive walls—you can see the nearby ruins. The chapel was rebuilt in the 17th century and oriented correctly to the east. It was refurbished in …

Beatrice Carrot · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions

Creating Holiday Magic a Provencal Christmas Creche with Adorable Santons

December 11, 2024

St Francis and the Provencal Creche The traditional French nativity scene that represents the story of the birth of Jesus is essentially a Provençal tradition, but it has a long history that began in Italy. In 1223, in Greccio, St. Francis of Assisi is said to have created the first reenactment of the birth of …

Christmas & Holiday · Dessert · Provencal Recipes · Tasha Powell · Taste

Impress Your Guests with a Stunning Seasonal Edible Pavlova Wreath

December 9, 2024

Since December is a festive and somewhat decadent time, I made a wreath with a series of mini meringues. Once the meringues were made and decorated, I combined them into a larger wreath shape. The result was a delicious edible pavlova wreath with “pull-away” meringues. While this recipe has a few steps and ingredients, it …

Explore · Learning French · Stay Fit · Virginie Van Der Wees

Hiking Mont Sainte-Victoire in Provence and Learning French

December 6, 2024

David joined Virginie and her family for a French immersion homestay in July. He wanted to incorporate some sporty challenges while learning French so Virginie suggested hiking to the summit of Mont Sainte Victoire. David wrote the following bilingual text as an exercise to test his written French. Find out more about French immersion holidays …

Christine van der Linden · Hans Zeegers · Inspire · Shopping & Gifts

Discover the Fragrant Charm of Grasse: A Day in the Perfume Capital of the World

December 5, 2024

When you find yourself on the stunning Côte d’Azur, set aside a day to explore the enchanting town of Grasse, renowned as the perfume capital since the 18th century. Nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, this picturesque region boasts the perfect climate for cultivating fragrant flowers essential for perfume production. Grasse the Perfume …

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2-Bedroom Penthouse in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Extremely private, the Waterfront Penthouse 2-bedroom, 2-bath holiday rental with a panoramic view is a very romantic place.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
Two Bedrooms

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Sablet Village House Holiday Rental

A beautiful stone house in the middle of Sablet, within walking distance of boulangerie and more. This wine village is known for its Côte du Rhone wines.

Vaucluse
Three Bedrooms

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Cotignac Farm House Holiday Rental for 6

The Old Farm House is a restored farm house in Coitgnac a delightful village in the heart of the Provence Verte in the Var. The home comfortably sleeps 6 people in a three-bedroom, two-bathroom configuration.

Var
Three Bedrooms

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Malaucène: Charming B&B and Guest Cottage

Bed and Breakfast with 5 bedrooms and a private cottage is located just a few minutes from Vaison La Romaine.

Vaucluse
Bed and Breakfast

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Les Vallons Holiday Home - Sleeps 12

If you are looking for a perfect holiday rental property, with a heated pool, Les Vallons sleeps 12 people in a fully restored hamlet.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Six Bedrooms

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Provence Marketplace

Canadian Herbes de Provence

Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm 2024 blend of Herbes de Provence are in stock. This dried herb mix (oregano, savory, thyme, rosemary, basil and lavender) what you want for seasoning roasted vegetables, dry rubs, or marinades. Note: Shipping in Canada only.

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Perfume Diffuser Rose’s Sun Water

This stylish glass bottle contains a fragrance created in Grasse exclusively for Rose et Marius. The 7 sticks perfume your home with a floral bouquet of jasmine, rose, orange blossom and vanilla. "Just like a summer day in Provence."

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Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Alpilles in Provence

Château d’Estoublon located near Fontvieille produces an exceptional olive oil from olives grown on the estate in the Alpilles. Harvested and produced on the property, this premium olive oil showcases Mediterranean terroir, making it a must-have for any kitchen. Available in 4 flavours.

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Lavender Sachet from Provence

L'AUGUSTE Provence organic lavender sachets are decorative objects with additional wellness benefits and the delicate scent is soothing.

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Small White Cotton Handbag for Summer

Make your summer style effortless with this Small White Handbag by Tampico Bags from France. Made with durable cotton with elegant leather trimmings, this compact tote is ideal for carrying your essentials while maintaining a sophisticated, minimalist look. Sourced by My French Country Home it comes with a dust bag for added convenience and care.

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Provencal Table Linens in an Elegant Design

Discover the Roussillon linen pattern a new collection in a pretty Provencal motif includes tablecloths (of different sizes), throws and cushions. Made with 100% cotton these products from Remember Provence are durable and easy to clean.

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Candles Fig Perfume from Provence

Rose et Marius combines citrus notes of fig leaves with Indian absolute for a summer in Provence into fragrance in this scented candle. Infused with exclusive perfumes, buy these refillable candles that burn for about 60 hours, making great gifts or additions to your home.

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Spring Menu Collection

Spring recipes from Provence is organized by course, from starters to desserts. We have featured menus crafted by our favourite food enthusiasts who have shared our love for Provence for several years. This spring recipe collection brings many of those delicious dishes together in one place. These menus, spanning multiple courses, are a testament to their connection with the region and the use of seasonal ingredients.

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Small Cotton Pouch

Perfect for makeup, organizing your purse or storing precious items. This sleek 100% cotton pouch from L'AUGUSTE Provence is convenient for carrying your essentials. Fits easily into one of our matching cotton tote bags or can be used on its own.

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Download Our Fall Menu Collection

David Scott Allen

Winter in Provence a Seasonal Menu For Dinner with Good Friends

Holiday Baking: Festive Cranberry Tart Recipe from Provence

Hilltop Chapelle de La Menour is One More Reason to Visit Menton

Creating Holiday Magic a Provencal Christmas Creche with Adorable Santons

Impress Your Guests with a Stunning Seasonal Edible Pavlova Wreath

Hiking Mont Sainte-Victoire in Provence and Learning French

Discover the Fragrant Charm of Grasse: A Day in the Perfume Capital of the World

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