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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.

 Keith Van Sickle

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Keith and Val Van Sickle made their first trip to Provence decades ago, and it was love at first sight. After that, they came back every year until 2008, when they began a part-time life there, splitting their time between Provence and California.

Over the years, they’ve travelled all over Provence, seeing sights both well-known and obscure. Their French friends have introduced them to favourite restaurants and wineries and picnic spots and taught them funny local expressions (not all for polite company).

Keith now shares this local knowledge in his new book, An Insider’s Guide to Provence. Packed with the Van Sickles’ favourite things to see and do, it’s a must-have for anyone travelling to this glorious corner of France.

Keith previously published two books about the couple's experiences in Provence. One Sip at a Time: Learning to Live in Provence, and Are We French Yet?, both are available from Amazon.

You can see all of Keith’s blog posts at Life in Provence.

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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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