Michel and Shirley

Michel and Shirley, live in wine country, in Windsor, California. They have a full family with two beautiful daughters and five amazing grandchildren. Michel's day job is as CEO of Chancellor Health Care, a company which provides housing and services to older adults.

Previously a co-owner of a popular French bistro called Bistro des Copains located in Western Sonoma County California. The Bistro was closed in early 2015, after nine years!

In 2008, after searching for years and visiting many houses they bought a 17th century stone village house in the medieval village of Sablet which is in the Vaucluse region of Provence France.

Please read about the Sablet House (available for rent) and follow their blog Our House in Provence.

Eating My Way Through Provence My Favourite Restaurants in Les Alpilles

August 4, 2025

If you really want to get to know a place, start with what’s on the plate. During my recent trip through Provence, I followed my appetite across markets, bistros, and white-tablecloth restaurants — and each meal felt like a little window into the region’s soul. The food wasn’t just delicious; it was rooted. Honest. The …

Books on Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

At Home in Provence with Recipes and Stories a Book by Jeany Cronk

August 1, 2025

When I met Jeany Cronk 11 years ago, she had embraced the lifestyle described in her book, At Home in Provence. The title reflects her journey of settling into life in Cotignac, a rural village in the Var, with a young family. Transitioning to this new lifestyle was not without challenges for Jeany and Stephen …

Explore · Our House in Provence · Villages Towns and Cities

Roussillon, a Village Not to Miss in Provence

July 30, 2025

We usually suggest that visitors include a trip to the vibrant, red-ocher-colored town of Roussillon. It is one of five villages nestled in the Luberon hills and classified as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (the Most beautiful villages of France). Roussillon is one of our favourite villages in Provence, just one hour …

David Scott Allen · Fish & Seafood · Main Course · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Simple Seafood Dish Shrimp in a Sweet Paprika Sauce

July 28, 2025

During our trip to Paris, I created this easy seafood dish after a trip to the Les Halles market. I used three vendors: Poissonnerie Chez Miguel for the excellent shrimp — their array of seafood was so fresh and beautiful (with thanks for allowing me to use the photo above of the shrimp); I bought …

Books on Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

Book Review: That Dark Spring by Susannah Stapleton

July 25, 2025

In the opening paragraph of That Dark Spring, Susannah Stapleton captivates readers with the mysterious death of Olive Branson. This eccentric British artist lived in Les Baux-de-Provence during the 1920s. Although the book is nonfiction, the truth remains elusive nearly a century later. Was Olive Branson murdered, or did she take her own life on …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Provencal Recipes · Soup · Taste

Summer Soup Gazpacho with Goat Cheese Recipe from Moulin Castelas

July 22, 2025

If you’d like to taste some of the best olive oil in Provence, look no further than the Moulin Castelas, situated just below the famous fortress of Les Baux-de-Provence. The olive mill and adjacent property are in the Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP) Vallée des Baux de Provence in the Alpilles. This recipe for a perfect …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Guided Holiday Tours

5 Reasons to Join a Goût et Voyage 2026 Tour in Beautiful Provence

July 18, 2025

Book a small group tour with Goût et Voyage for an adventure that satisfies your wanderlust and enriches your soul with cultural and culinary insights in Provence and beyond. Founder Martine Bertin-Peterson wants you to discover the Goût et Voyage destinations (Provence, Normandy, Umbria and Morocco), where each adventure is crafted to offer you a …

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Luberon B&B Absoluut Valvert

Exclusive and charming, this 5 room B&B is surrounded by nature yet is only a stone's throw from historical Bonnieux.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Bed and Breakfast

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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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Large Property Near Aix - Ferme du Val

Ferme du Val is a spacious seven (7) bedroom home, including a studio apartment that sleeps, 14 people. Available for short or long-term rental.

Bouches du Rhone
Seven Bedrooms

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Studio Apartment Minutes from Aix-en-Provence

Surrounded by vineyards, the air-conditioned studio apartment has a bedroom, bathroom, a small kitchenette, and a sitting area.

Bouches du Rhone
One Bedroom

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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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Provence Marketplace

Ceramic Baskets by Maison Pichon

Maison Pichon is known for its distinctive corbeilles tressées, intricately braided ceramic baskets made nowhere else. These delicate creations are meant to serve as fruit bowls but can also be dressed with dried flowers to make a centrepiece. Made by hand, each basket can take up to a month to complete.

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Jacquard Cotton Tea Towels Basil Design

These jacquard cotton tea towels with a basil design are made in Provence. Remember Provence selected the manufacturer for the high quality, absorbent fabric that is also quick-drying. Perfect for any kitchen or as a hostess gift. Sold in sets of three (3).

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Fall Recipes and Menu Collection

Featuring 25 recipes from the South of France for cooler fall weather along with menu suggestions, all designed to make your cooking experience enjoyable. These multi-course menus are a celebration of Provence and its seasonal ingredients. We encourage you to try these dishes, create your own menus, and enjoy your culinary creations this autumn.

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Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Alpilles in Provence

Château d’Estoublon located near Fontvieille produces an exceptional olive oil from olives grown on the estate in the Alpilles. Harvested and produced on the property, this premium olive oil showcases Mediterranean terroir, making it a must-have for any kitchen. Available in 4 flavours.

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Small White Cotton Handbag for Summer

Make your summer style effortless with this Small White Handbag by Tampico Bags from France. Made with durable cotton with elegant leather trimmings, this compact tote is ideal for carrying your essentials while maintaining a sophisticated, minimalist look. Sourced by My French Country Home it comes with a dust bag for added convenience and care.

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Table Runner Floral Design

Art de la Table is an art form. So instead of a tablecloth, use a pretty table runner in a bright blue floral design as your centrepiece. Available in 2 colours and 2 sizes, the traditional cotton print runner is quilted.

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Large White Cotton Market Bag

Produced by Tampico these bags are made in southern France. My French Country Home chose this bag made from pure cotton with round handles stitched in genuine leather. It is a tote is perfectly suited for your shopping or alternatively as a weekend getaway bag. Dimensions: 63 x 29 x 30 cm (24.8×11.4×11.8″)

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Small Cotton Pouch

Perfect for makeup, organizing your purse or storing precious items. This sleek 100% cotton pouch from L'AUGUSTE Provence is convenient for carrying your essentials. Fits easily into one of our matching cotton tote bags or can be used on its own.

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Kitchen Linen Collections – Aprons, Oven Mitts, and Pot Holders

Designed and manufactured in Provence, these quilted oven mitts and pot holders are heat-resistant with 2 layers of 100% cotton fabric and protective padding. Choose from a range of pretty Provencal patterns (lavender, olives, sunflowers, and contemporary designs) and round out the set with a matching apron.

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Download Our Winter Menu Collection

Michel and Shirley

Eating My Way Through Provence My Favourite Restaurants in Les Alpilles

At Home in Provence with Recipes and Stories a Book by Jeany Cronk

Roussillon, a Village Not to Miss in Provence

Simple Seafood Dish Shrimp in a Sweet Paprika Sauce

Book Review: That Dark Spring by Susannah Stapleton

Summer Soup Gazpacho with Goat Cheese Recipe from Moulin Castelas

5 Reasons to Join a Goût et Voyage 2026 Tour in Beautiful Provence

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