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.

2025 Provence Fall Festivals and Events

September 5, 2025

Fall Events and Festivals in Provence As the temperatures drop in Provence during the autumn, restaurant menus move towards heartier dishes. Enjoy slow-roasted meat (lamb, wild boar, bull (taureaux), rabbit, fowl) with herbes de Provence and seasonal root vegetables. These recipes pair well with well-balanced red wine blends from the Rhône Valley. Fall Recipes Inspired …

Keith Van Sickle · Taste · Wines and Spirits of Provence

Taste the Passion for Pastis in St-Rémy from Distillerie des Alpilles

September 3, 2025

For years, Julien and Émilie Martinat ran the popular Chapeau de Paille restaurant in St-Rémy. It drew broad acclaim for its delicious Provençal dishes, such as le grand aïoli, and was named by The Wall Street Journal as one of the 10 unmissable restaurants in Provence. But after decades in the restaurant business, the couple …

French Decor & Gardens · Guest Post · Inspire

L’art de vivre méditerranéen : inspirations pour un intérieur à la provençale

September 1, 2025

This guest article by the team at Herman & Arnal was previously published in English. You can read it here. Il y a dans l’air du Sud quelque chose de différent. Une douceur qu’on sent dès qu’on ouvre les volets le matin, que la lumière filtre doucement à travers les branches d’un olivier. Ici, le …

Keith Van Sickle · Restaurant Recommendations · Taste

Aux Envies in St-Rémy a Restaurant with an All-star Team

August 29, 2025

There’s a new restaurant in town, and it’s a winner. Aux Envies opened in the spring and has hit the ground running. It is situated on a small square in the center of St-Rémy-de-Provence, and its outdoor terrace, shaded by trees, is an inviting place to dine on a warm summer evening. An Experienced Team …

David Scott Allen · Main Course · Pork · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Almost a Classic! My Recipe for Pork Tenderloin in a Mustard Cream Sauce

August 26, 2025

Do you have go-to recipes that you can practically make in your sleep? I have been tweaking this recipe for pork tenderloin in a mustard cream sauce for decades. When I say tweaking, the beauty of this recipe is that there are six (6) ingredients, and it’s easy to make and almost failproof. Recently, I …

Artists Inspired by Provence · Books on Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

Cezanne à Château Noir, a book by William Drea Adams and Thierry Maugenest

August 21, 2025

The authors of Cezanne à Château Noir are passionate admirers of Paul Cezanne’s art. The book centers around Château Noir, a private estate located on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence, near Le Tholonet. This stunning location offers views of Mont Saint-Victoire and continues to inspire artists even today. After visiting Château Noir three years ago, William …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Hotels Provence & Cote d'Azur · Stay: Accommodation & Rentals in Provence

Staying at Domaine La Pierre Blanche is Pure Provencal Magic

August 18, 2025

Arriving at Domaine la Pierre Blanche feels like entering a private country home in Provence. This boutique hotel, with 15 rooms, is tucked away from the road, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Bouches-du-Rhône region. Whether you believe in magic or not, staying at Domaine la Pierre Blanche is an unforgettable experience. …

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Sablet Village House Holiday Rental

A beautiful stone house in the middle of Sablet, within walking distance of boulangerie and more. This wine village is known for its Côte du Rhone wines.

Vaucluse
Three Bedrooms

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6-Bedroom Villa a Provencal Farmhouse Sleeps 12

Mas de Grivet is an elegant, well-equipped family home that sleeps 12 in six en-suite bedrooms. Whether you're spending the holiday with extended family or a gathering of friends, this gorgeous property is a wonderful place to enjoy your stay in Provence.

Alpes de Hautes Provence
Luberon
Six Bedrooms

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Bonnieux - 3 Bedroom Village Apartment

Bonheur en Bonnieux a 1300-square foot, 3-bedroom/2 bathroom, the newly-renovated apartment is located in the village center.

Luberon
Three Bedrooms

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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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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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Provence Marketplace

Provencal Table Linens in an Elegant Design

Discover the Roussillon linen pattern a new collection in a pretty Provencal motif includes tablecloths (of different sizes), throws and cushions. Made with 100% cotton these products from Remember Provence are durable and easy to clean.

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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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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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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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Summer Recipes and Menu Collection

Discover the art of hosting in the relaxed Provence style, focusing on simple, fresh ingredients and conviviality. This seasonal collection features 20 recipes, including starters, main courses, side dishes, and desserts. Featuring seasonal ingredients such as tomatoes, figs, goat cheese, and chard, this Summer Recipe Collection helps with ideas for easy entertaining.

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Hand-Crafted Decorative Ceramic Sunflowers

Available in six (6) different colours these durable ceramic sunflowers are suitable for indoor or outdoor settings. Made by hand in Uzès by Maison Pichon these sunflowers are sold individually. Maison Pichon is an artisanal French ceramics manufacturer since 1802.

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Mortar and Pestle Made with Olive Wood

This Mortar and Pestle is produced by Bérard France. Made with olive wood from Provence, it is ideal for grinding herbs, seeds, and spices. Buy one for yourself or as a gift.

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Provencal Market Basket

My French Country Home sourced this classic French market basket. This basket is great for shopping, picnics or days at the beach. Made from palm fibre with leather straps, you can even use it as a handbag!

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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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Download Our Fall Menu Collection

Michel and Shirley

2025 Provence Fall Festivals and Events

Taste the Passion for Pastis in St-Rémy from Distillerie des Alpilles

L’art de vivre méditerranéen : inspirations pour un intérieur à la provençale

Aux Envies in St-Rémy a Restaurant with an All-star Team

Almost a Classic! My Recipe for Pork Tenderloin in a Mustard Cream Sauce

Cezanne à Château Noir, a book by William Drea Adams and Thierry Maugenest

Staying at Domaine La Pierre Blanche is Pure Provencal Magic

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