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.

 J. Christina

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J. Christina is the author and hobbyist photographer behind Scribbles and Smiles, writing a personal travel blog from the Midwest. Christina (Christie) is married to John, a.k.a. Mr. Christie. Where Mr. Christie is right on-board with their travel jaunts around the world; sharing in their blogging endeavors. He supports, encourages, handles gadgetry and embraces the role of the in-house editor - hence, their bespoke pen name, J. Christina.

J. Christina's blogging journey began before the word blog was trending, writing about European travel destinations on share-sites, forums and online journals. After many years of intrepid travel, they thoughtfully opened their treasure-trove of European travelogues, artfully sharing with a worldwide audience. Intentionally sharing the joie de vivre through their words and images, so others can travel vicariously. J. Christina believes smiling with your eyes is a beautiful thing.

You can read their most recent dispatches from aboard an elegant European river ship, sharing the allure of Europe’s great rivers and their capital cities. Or, follow them through serendipitous discoveries in the Cote d’Azur, where J. Christina captures the essence of a perched medieval village.

J. Christina's work has been featured on France Today, Bonjour Paris and The Good Life France.

Enjoy the Scribbles and Smiles stories

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Artists Inspired by Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

Les Ateliers Ouverts: Forcalquier Artists Open Their Studios for the 13th Edition

July 13, 2026
If you love art and discovering interesting towns in Provence, add Forcalquier in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to your must-visit list. Discover the 13th edition of Les Ateliers Ouverts, July 23–27, 2026, when the town comes alive with art lovers. Organized by the Association Les Ateliers Forcalquier, this vibrant event brings together 75 artists and craftspeople—don’t miss …
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Keith Van Sickle · Restaurant Recommendations · Taste

Dining at Maison Favier in St-Rémy’s Prettiest Square

July 10, 2026
Place Favier is the prettiest square in St-Rémy-de-Provence, with beautiful trees that provide welcome shade in the summer. It is lined with a variety of restaurants, and my favourite of these is Maison Favier. Owner Jérôme Orlandini describes his cuisine as “creative, seasonal, local, and fresh, featuring a distinct Mediterranean influence. It spans everything from …
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Architecture in Provence · Books on Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

10 Magnificent Perched Villages in Provence by Steve Wilkison: A Book Review

July 8, 2026
A visit to a remote hilltop village in Provence 30 years ago sparked his fascination. Steve Wilkison has recently published 10 Magnificent Perched Villages You Must See When Visiting the Côte d’Azur, a book that uniquely combines stunning, original photography, practical travel tips, and insightful historical narratives, offering readers an immersive experience of these extraordinary …
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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Local Food Producers · Taste

For Cooks! Exquisite Premium Olive Oil and Vinegars from a Provence Wine Estate

July 3, 2026
Celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and rich legacy, the Château d’Estoublon is in the heart of Provence’s Alpilles. Surrounded by fragrant lavender fields and sun-drenched vineyards, the estate crafts premium wines, olive oils, and flavoured vinegars, all infused with a passion for quality and time-honoured tradition. Estate History The elegant Château d’Estoublon was built in …
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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

Exploring Provence: Why L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a Town Worth Visiting

June 29, 2026
In Provence, there are plenty of interesting villages and towns to visit. So, is L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue a town worth exploring? Absolutely! L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, often called the “Venice of Provence,” is a magical place. Its picturesque canals, famous Sunday market, antique vendors, old town, and ancient water wheels create an enchanting experience in Provence. In this article, we …
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