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.

An Insider’s Guide to Provence (2026 Update) by Keith Van Sickle

January 26, 2026

In 2021, Keith Van Sickle published An Insider’s Guide to Provence, and he has now released an updated edition. This book serves as a supplementary reference material rather than a traditional guidebook. Comprehensive travel guides, such as those from Fodor’s, Lonely Planet, and Rick Steves, cover all aspects of travel, including accommodations in Provence. However, …

Books on Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

Patricia Sands Explores ‘The French Effect’ in her Latest Novel

January 23, 2026

Patricia Sands released her 13th novel, The French Effect, a captivating story of leaving a Canadian ski town for Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera. Filled with pain aux raisins, road trips, and dancing, it’s ideal for adventure seekers or those craving a holiday escape—like an extra treat in a baker’s dozen. In The French …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire · Learning French · Living in Provence

Feel Good French: Navigating New Beginnings with Déborah Pham van Xua

January 19, 2026

Deep in the heart of France, Déborah Pham van Xua is transforming how individuals over 50 and retirees embrace new beginnings through language. Her program, Feel Good French, opens doors to a more connected, fulfilling life by breaking down language barriers with empathy and expertise. In a recent conversation, Déborah and I discussed my own …

Books on Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

Inside Pizza by Ézéchiel Zérah — A Beautifully Crafted Celebration of Pizza Culture

January 16, 2026

When someone suggests pizza for dinner, do you think of your favourite toppings? Are you a purist who prefers classic flavours, or do you enjoy trying exotic options? Ézéchiel Zérah explores these questions in his book Pizza: Histoires – Reportages – Recettes. Accompanied by striking photographs from Jean-François Mallet and a talented team of artists, …

Explore · Guest Post

Things I Wish I Knew Before Spending a Month in Provence

January 14, 2026

I’ve been slow-travelling full-time for over five years now, spending at least a month in each place I visit. And while I’ve explored everywhere from Thailand to New Zealand and beyond, there was something about Provence that felt entirely different. I’d been to France many times before, but Provence stood apart. I knew it would …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

Musée de la Mode et du Costume: A Fashionable Visit to Arles, France

January 12, 2026

What do you do when your partner is away? You could make plans with a friend to do something a bit cultural that your partner has no interest in seeing. My husband had returned to Canada at the same time as my friend was also solo for a period, so we planned an outing to …

Inspire · Learning French · Provencal History & Traditions · Virginie Van Der Wees

Immersion en Provence : découvrir Glanum et pratiquer le français à Saint-Rémy

January 9, 2026

Avez-vous déjà envisagé d’apprendre le français pendant vos vacances ? Virginie Van Der Wess vit en Provence avec sa famille et propose des séjours en immersion totale dans la langue française. Située près de la magnifique ville d’Aix-en-Provence, Virginie organise des séjours sur mesure adaptés à chaque client. Dans ce cas précis, Jon et sa …

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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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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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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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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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Apt: One Bedroom Rental Apartments

The apartments have lounge and dining areas with fully equipped modern kitchens. The bedrooms are bright and airy with modern bathrooms.

Luberon
Vaucluse
One Bedroom

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Provence Marketplace

Quilted Tote Bags in Provencal Fabrics

These large tote bags come in a range of Provencal fabrics. Whether you choose lavender, wild flowers or one of the other two patterns these sturdy bags are light yet strong enough to carry all the necessary accessories and even a laptop. The bags are made with printed and quilted fabric and have solid handles.

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Beeswax Candles in a Traditional Pillar Shape

Handcrafted in Apis Cera's workshop in Provence, Ambroise is a 100% pure beeswax candle pillar produced in a custom mold. A cylindar-shaped candle gets it's name from Saint Ambrose (c. 340 – 397), the archbishop of Milan, who was the protector of beekeepers. Sold in a set of two (2) candles they burn for approximately 36 hours.

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Travel Journal – Côte d’Azur

A beautiful journal for your adventures on the Côte d’Azur. This travel journal from My French Country Home features watercolour prints on the cover and throughout its 128 pages. Size: 14.5 x 20.5 cm, made with recycled paper.

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Botantical Sensitive Skin Toner

Grown at Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm, this toner includes distilled damask roses and lavender blended with a note of chamomile – a year-round favourite for hydrating and nourishing your face. Especially beneficial for mature and sensitive skin as it helps to heal and balance redness and irritation. (Shipping in Canada only).

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Naturally Beautiful Beeswax Candle

Some things start at the beginning and one example is Origine a gorgeous 100% beeswax candle that is shaped like a behive. Produced in the Apis Cera atelier in Provence this candle burns for approximately 100 hours. Beautiful designed this handcrafted candle is made with 100% pure beeswax and has a cotton wick.

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Rectangular Linen Tablecloth Citrus Design

This gorgeous linen tablecloth will set a Mediterranean mood in your dining room. My French Country Home chose this citrus pattern for it's bold, playful colours. This rectangular tablecloth measures 170 x 250cm / 67 × 98″.

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Glass Pitcher for your Table

Fill this pitcher with water, lemonade or your favourite cocktail, and it will brighten your table. Made in France by a long-standing glass manufacturer, the bee pattern is a nod to Emperor Napoleon.

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My French Country Home Box

Because travel is not always possible, you can still give beautiful artisan keepsakes from French manufacturers with My French Country Home Box, a curated subscription box.

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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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Download Our Winter Menu Collection

Stephanie Villegas

An Insider’s Guide to Provence (2026 Update) by Keith Van Sickle

Patricia Sands Explores ‘The French Effect’ in her Latest Novel

Feel Good French: Navigating New Beginnings with Déborah Pham van Xua

Inside Pizza by Ézéchiel Zérah — A Beautifully Crafted Celebration of Pizza Culture

Things I Wish I Knew Before Spending a Month in Provence

Musée de la Mode et du Costume: A Fashionable Visit to Arles, France

Immersion en Provence : découvrir Glanum et pratiquer le français à Saint-Rémy

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