Stephanie Villegas

Born in San Francisco, California, Stephanie Villegas is a chef working and living in Provence. After a decade-long career in tech, Stephanie decided to follow her culinary passions and become a chef. She earned her culinary diploma at France's esteemed Ferrandi Paris and has worked in renowned restaurant kitchens from Paris to Provence. In 2022, she opened Laurel, a cooking school and private chef service located in the charming provençal village of Fontvieille.

With a mission to bring people closer together through food, her focus is on freshness and seasonality. As a Mexican-American, married to a Frenchman, living in Provence, you can be sure to find inspirations from around the world in her dishes.

On her table, you'll find ingredients you know, discover new ones and enjoy generous dishes of refined simplicity.

Explore Laurel here.

Luberon Authentic Tours introduces an Apéro Pétanque

July 15, 2026

Luberon Authentic Tours has introduced a brand-new experience to enrich your day in Provence: an Apéro Pétanque held on their newly built pétanque court at La Bastide des Amandiers. This relaxed and convivial moment invites you to unwind like a local—sipping a refreshing drink while enjoying a friendly game of pétanque in a beautiful, authentic …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Explore · Tasha Powell · Villages Towns and Cities

All Aboard! Why Take the Bateaux Verts Ferry to Saint-Tropez?

July 6, 2026

Whether you arrive by car, yacht, helicopter or ferry, Saint Tropez is worth a visit! However, arriving in Saint Tropez can mean sitting in traffic during peak seasons or during events. Tasha discovered an easy way to reach Saint-Tropez. Start in Sainte-Maxime or Port Grimaud and take one of Les Bateaux Verts. Electric Boats Good …

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 …

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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Holiday Cottages Near Toulon

Near Toulon and its Mediterranean beaches, Villa Bernice has 3 cottages available for holiday rentals. There is an apartment with two bedrooms suitable for 4 people and two studios for 2 persons.

Var
One Bedroom
Two Bedrooms

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Lourmarin Self-Catered Rental Apartments

Les Olivettes, once a Provencal farmhouse in the Luberon, has 4 spacious rental apartments only a 4-minute walk from the centre of Lourmarin.

Luberon
Vaucluse
One Bedroom

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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
Vaucluse
Three Bedrooms

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3 Luberon Holiday Rental Cottages

Looking for a tranquil, self-catered vacation home for two? Book your stay at one of the 3 cottages - maisonettes - at Maison Valvert.

Luberon
Vaucluse
One Bedroom

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Charming Farmhouse In The Alpilles With Private Tennis Court

Les Oliviers is a restored Provencal farmhouse near Eygalières in the Alpilles. This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home comfortably sleeps 6 to 8 people. Explore the Alpilles villages or enjoy the extensive property, private tennis court and pool.

Alpilles
Four Bedrooms

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Provence Marketplace

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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Rose et Marius Candles

The Rose et Marius founder combines the natural scents of Provence and her childhood memories into fragrances that take you on an olfactory journey. Those fragrances form the base notes for exclusive perfumes which infuse the scented candles. Buy these refillable candles as gifts or for your home.

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Scented Mini Candle Box Sets

Rose et Marius offers box sets with three (3) mini candles. These candle collections include signature fragrances such as "siesta in a sunlit home" and "early morning in the orange grove." These mini candles burn for approximately 25 hours in pretty glass containers.

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Balsamic Vinegar from Chateau d’Estoublon in Provence

Chosen by My French Country Home at Château d'Estoublon in Provence’s Alpilles, this tasty balsamic vinegar is made from cooked grape juice and red wine vinegar. This balsamic is a good mix of sweet and sour flavours. Aged for at least 60 days in oak barrels, it develops a smooth texture. Great for salads, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and seafood. Enhance your cooking with Estoublon balsamic vinegar.

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Sunny Provence in a Natural Scented Soap

All Rose et Marius soaps are palm oil free and made with 97% natural ingredients. They are formulated with poppy and olive oil from Provence. Scented with an exclusive concentration of orange blossom absolute from Tunisia and Turkish rose essence, this soap smells divine.

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French Linen Table Runner

A linen table runner that is the perfect combination of rustic and refined. The embroidered stitching enhances the neutral-coloured linen. Add this French Address runner to your collection.

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Hand-painted Kitchen Canisters

Add a touch of French lavender to your kitchen with these hand-painted glass jars. These air-tight canisters are designed with a Provencal lavender motif and are perfect for dry goods or even as a flower vase. The jar capacity is 0.4 gallons (1.5 litres) and made with transparent, sturdy glass and a wooden lid.

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Candles Fig Perfume from Provence

Rose et Marius combines citrus notes of fig leaves with Indian absolute for a summer in Provence into fragrance in this scented candle. Infused with exclusive perfumes, buy these refillable candles that burn for about 60 hours, making great gifts or additions to your home.

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Herbes de Provence in Pretty Canisters

These dried herbs are from Esprit de Provence. Grown in France, the selection includes Herbes de Provence, Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Garlic, Salt with Piment d'Espelette, and Salad Herbs. Buy the collection and make some Provençal recipes.

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Stephanie Villegas

Luberon Authentic Tours introduces an Apéro Pétanque

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

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

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

All Aboard! Why Take the Bateaux Verts Ferry to Saint-Tropez?

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

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

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