Download Our Spring Menu Collection

This seasonal collection features 19 recipes, including starters, main courses, side dishes, and desserts. Featuring seasonal ingredients such as artichokes, asparagus, lamb, and strawberries. Download this PDF, which includes for recipes for entertaining at this time of the year.

 Mary Jane Deeb

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Mary Jane is multilingual and decidedly multicultural. Born in Alexandria, Egypt to Slovenian-Levantine parents, Mary Jane grew up speaking French at home. Her studies and travels took her from an Irish school run by nuns to Washington, D.C., where she has lived since 1983 with her family.

This mother and now a grandmother is one accomplished lady with a doctorate in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins University. She is currently the Chief of the African and Middle Eastern Division at the Library of Congress.

Her career has included positions as the Editor of The Middle East Journal, Director of the Omani Program at The American University in Washington D.C. and Director of the Algeria Working Group at The Corporate Council on Africa.

Mary Jane taught at both Georgetown University and The George Washington University. She worked tirelessly for the United Nations Economic Commission for Western Asia, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), America-Mideast and Educational and Training Services, Inc. (AMIDEAST), and the US Agency for International Development in Lebanon during the civil war.

In her spare time, Mary Jane has published four mysteries: Cocktails and Murder on the Potomac which is set in Washington DC, and three others that are set in Grasse, Cannes and Nice: Murder on the Riviera, A Christmas Mystery in Provence and Death of a Harlequin. You can find Mary Jane's books here.

The beauty of Provence continues to inspire Mary Jane’s writing.

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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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