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!

Carol Drinkwater’s One Summer in Provence: Does It Mirror Life in the South of France?

March 23, 2026

Last year, Carol Drinkwater delighted readers with her book One Summer in Provence, A Season of Surprises. The subtitle hints at surprises ahead, beginning with a damp evening in England in 1976 and shifting to a warm summer morning at Celia and Dominic Grey’s vineyard in the Provencal countryside. We wondered if the novel draws …

Ashley Tinker · Provencal Recipes · Seasonal Menus · Taste

Try This Spring Menu it’s a Flavourful Canvas from Provence

March 20, 2026

Ashley Tinker curated our spring 2026 seasonal menu. She is a fine art photographer and talented painter with a boundless appreciation for the region’s natural beauty. Born and raised in Montréal, Canada, Ashley is drawn to the history, culture, and beauty of Europe. Ashley is a fine art photographer and painter. She moved to Provence …

Books on Provence · Inspire · Mary Jane Deeb

Book Review: Little Provence Book Shop, by Gillian Harvey

March 16, 2026

Published by Boldwood Books Ltd. (London) in 2024, Little Provence Book Shop by Gillian Harvey is a novel that pulls the reader into the sphere or rather, in this case, the bookstore. The two main characters are Adeline, a single mother who needed to “escape to France” with her daughter Lilli, and Monique, the shop …

Main Course · Poultry · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Quail in a Rose Sauce Pairing with Provençal Rosé

March 13, 2026

In French, “rose” means pink. It is also the word for rose, the flower, which brings me to this quail and rose sauce recipe. Inspired by Paris, the “City of Love,” and the famous song “La Vie en Rose,” I created the recipe found below for Quail in a Rose Sauce (Cailles aux Roses). You …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Stay Fit

Les Tours de Castillon is a Hike Through History in the Alpilles

March 9, 2026

I had been putting off packing and cleaning, so instead, I decided to hike the Les Tours de Castillon near Le Paradou in the Alpilles. This hiking route has been on my list for quite some time. It’s a short walk with minimal elevation gain, but it offers a glimpse into thousands of years of …

Artists Inspired by Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

Creative Inspiration in Provence: Visit an Artist’s Studio in the Alpilles

March 6, 2026

Meeting Ashley Tinker was a chance encounter. I had nine girlfriends visit Provence from Calgary, Alberta — yes, nine! It was crazy and fun. Ashley and her now husband, Robin, were caretakers at the rental. At that time, Ashley, a creative person, had just launched her blog “Curious Provence.” We try to visit her studio …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Expat Living and Real Estate

What France’s Tous Responsables Means – And Why It Matters to You

March 4, 2026

Whether you live in France full-time, part-time, or are just visiting, knowing how to respond to emergencies is essential. The French government’s Tous Responsables initiative promotes resilience and crisis preparedness, guiding citizens on their roles in managing emergencies. It emphasizes active participation in safety efforts. Below are the key highlights of this program. What is …

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1-Bedroom Apartment in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Le Beau Balcon is a sunny apartment on Rue Volti in the heart of the old town, the building is a short walk to shops and restaurants.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
One Bedroom

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Alpilles 2-Bedroom Rental Stunning Guesthouse

La Picholine is a completely renovated barn with two (2) large ensuite bedrooms in the centre of the quiet village of Mollégès in the Alpilles. It's a perfect well-appointed base for a holiday in the area.

Alpilles
Two Bedrooms

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Charming 18th-Century Farmhouse with Bed and Breakfast Rooms

Mas le Jas is a beautifully appointed Provençal farmhouse with two (2) comfortable bed and breakfast guest rooms. The Mas (farmhouse) is just a few minutes from the centre of Cavaillon.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Bed and Breakfast

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Seaside 2-Bedroom Apartment in Villefranche

A sunny waterfront apartment with panoramic views, Plage Privée, is on the top floor of a 1950s art deco building by the beach.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
Two Bedrooms

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5-Bedroom Country House Near Apt

Chez Manon is a private countryside location that is large enough for family gatherings and a relaxing place to unwind and explore Provence.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Five Bedrooms

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Provence Marketplace

Stylish Basket Bag for Summer Fashion

Introducing the stylish and compact Andale Basket Bag, measuring 18 x 15 x 8 cm (7 x 6 x 3 inches). This bag features a leather closure and an adjustable shoulder strap for added convenience. Sourced by My French Country Home, the bag is available in three vibrant colours: green, mandarin, and yellow. Additionally, it includes an interior pocket for better organization.

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Cotton Tote Bag with Lavender Design

This lightweight tote bag has a beautiful watercolour design of a flowering lavender field printed on the front. Each L'AUGUSTE Provence tote bag is unique and entirely handmade in Provence.

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Beautiful Ceramic Breadbaskets

Handcrafted in Uzès by Maison Pichon these ceramic breadbaskets are sold individually. Maison Pichon is an artisanal French ceramics manufacturer since 1802. Available in four (4) colours, these beautiful hand-made ceramic baskets are perfect for bread or simply decorating your table.

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Rectangular Linen Tablecloth Citrus Design

This gorgeous linen tablecloth will set a Mediterranean mood in your dining room. My French Country Home chose this citrus pattern for it's bold, playful colours. This rectangular tablecloth measures 170 x 250cm / 67 × 98″.

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Shower Gel Figs in Summer Fragrance

Made with olive oil from Provence and exclusive fragrances from the perfume capital of France, Grasse. These Rose et Marius liquid soaps are paraben-free and refillable. Try this soap the next time your shower with a scent that will remind you of a fig tree in summer. Found in beautiful 5* hotels and top-quality restaurants.

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Heart-Shaped Plates in Olive Wood

Add some flair to your next dinner party with these heart-shaped plates made with French olive wood. Sold individually, these plates are easy to maintain; wash them in soap and water and dry them immediately. Not suitable for dishwashers. They are sold by My French Country Home Box.

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Ginger Vinegar from Chateau d’Estoublon

Handpicked by My French Country Home from the renowned Château d'Estoublon in the sunlit Alpilles, this white vinegar blends grape must with zesty ginger juice. Its aroma teases with hints of citrus and blossoms, while each taste delivers a crisp, invigorating burst and a gentle warmth. Ideal for elevating vinaigrettes or adding flair to marinades.

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Premium Olive Oil from Chateau d’Estoublon in Provence

My French Country Home selected Château d'Estoublon’s exceptional olive oils from Provence. Picholine, Salonenque, Bouteillan, and Beruguette olives are carefully prepared in the center of the Alpilles. This special collection shows the skill and tradition of one of France’s top estates. Each bottle reflects the unique qualities of the Mediterranean land, making it a must-have for any kitchen.

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Bright and Beautiful Table Linens from Provence

Discover the Beaulieu linen collection features Provence's iconic sunflower in yellows and blues. This collection includes , napkins and table runners. Made with 100% cotton these products from Remember Provence are durable and easy to clean.

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Download Our Summer Menu Collection

David Scott Allen

Carol Drinkwater’s One Summer in Provence: Does It Mirror Life in the South of France?

Try This Spring Menu it’s a Flavourful Canvas from Provence

Book Review: Little Provence Book Shop, by Gillian Harvey

Quail in a Rose Sauce Pairing with Provençal Rosé

Les Tours de Castillon is a Hike Through History in the Alpilles

Creative Inspiration in Provence: Visit an Artist’s Studio in the Alpilles

What France’s Tous Responsables Means – And Why It Matters to You

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