Download Our Summer Menu Collection

Featuring 25 recipes from the South of France for summer weather, along with menu suggestions, all designed to make your cooking experience enjoyable. Download this PDF, which includes recipes for starters, main courses, side dishes, and desserts.

 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!

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Hotels Provence & Cote d'Azur · Stay: Accommodation & Rentals in Provence

A New Chapter in Provence: The Reopening of Mas de Guilles in Lourmarin

May 4, 2026
Tucked into the rolling hills of the Luberon Valley, the newly restored Mas de Guilles invites discerning travellers to indulge in a luxurious retreat. Surrounded by the breathtaking Provençal countryside, this boutique hotel reopened its doors in Lourmarin this spring, unveiling a seamless blend of historic allure and contemporary four-star sophistication. “A hidden gem, where …
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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Guided Holiday Tours

What is the TripUSAFrance Tour Difference? Founder Julia Shares Her Story

May 1, 2026
Julia Girard-Gervois leads TripUSAFrance, a boutique travel agency she founded in 2015 alongside her parents in France. Their vision is simple: invite guests to discover southern France as locals do, with warmth and genuine connection. From April through September, they run tours in Normandy and Southern France. The TripUSAFrance tour group sizes are small to …
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Keith Van Sickle · Local Food Producers · Taste · Wines and Spirits of Provence

Distillery Tasting Room Enjoying the Flavours of Provence in the Alpilles

April 27, 2026
Last year, noted St-Rémy restaurateurs Julien and Émilie Martinat decided to embark on a new adventure. They sold their restaurant and started a distillery dedicated to the flavors of Provence. Their Distillerie des Alpilles (the Alpilles are a local mountain range) launched its first product in June, a thirst-quenching pastis with local flavours like thyme …
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Architecture in Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

Enjoy an Architectural Visit to La Cité Radieuse in Marseille

April 20, 2026
If you are a fan of contemporary architecture, visiting Marseille should be on your list. This ancient city, established around 600 BC, is a dynamic metropolis with beaches, modern museums, old forts, and Le Corbusier’s La Cité Radieuse. The Marseille tourism office offers guided tours of the architect’s post-World War II housing project. In this …
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Inspire · Keith Van Sickle · What's On Provence & Cote d'Azur

Picasso, Kahlo, and The Little Prince at the Carrières des Lumières in Les Baux

April 17, 2026
The Carrières des Lumières (Quarry of Light) is one of the most remarkable venues in France. Described as “a magical sound and light show inside a mountain,” it’s a must-see for any visitor to Provence. This immersive show takes place in the Alpilles, at Les Baux-de-Provence, inside an old stone quarry, where art images are …
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Apartments in Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Stay: Accommodation & Rentals in Provence

A Charming Getaway: Short Holiday Stays in Villefranche-sur-Mer this Summer

April 15, 2026
Villefranche-sur-Mer, a seaside town on the French Riviera, is an ideal short summer escape. With breathtaking views, a mild climate, and proximity to Nice, it promises a picturesque retreat for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Experience the coastal charm of this French Riviera destination, perfect for anyone seeking a quick, memorable getaway. Even a …
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