Sue Aran

Sue Aran is an American who followed her dream of living in France. Since 2006, she has lived in a tiny village in the Gers department of southwest France. She owns French Country Adventures, which provides private, personally-guided, small-group, slow travel tours into Gascony, the Pays Basque, Occitanie and Provence. Fully bilingual, Sue is also a writer and photographer. In addition, she posts a quarterly newsletter about her life in France and contributes to several online and print magazines.

Book your French Country Adventures here!

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. …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Dessert · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Lavender Roasted Apricots for a Delicious and Quick Summer Dessert

August 15, 2025

Apricots are abundant in the Provence markets in the summer months. The delicious dessert with lavender-roasted apricots below comes from ElsaLenthal.com and has been republished with her permission. Apricots: Summer Stonefruit Apricots are stonefruit (Latin: Prunus sect. Armeniaca) related to plums. The fruit grows on a small tree, about the same size as an olive …

Artists Inspired by Provence · Inspire · Keith Van Sickle

L’Aix de Cezanne 2025 Photo Exhibition is a Must-See

August 11, 2025

It’s the Year of Cezanne (“Cezanne 2025”) in Aix-en-Provence, with a series of events, exhibitions, and site openings celebrating Aix’s most famous son. One of them, “Cezanne’s Aix”, opened in July, featuring an exhibition of over 200 photographs dedicated to the life and times of the great artist. Organized by the CEPPIA Foundation, it is …

Explore · Guest Post · Villages Towns and Cities

Nice to Monaco Day Trip: Tips & Tricks For Your Perfect Getaway

August 7, 2025

A day trip from Nice to Monaco is one of the most rewarding getaways you can experience on the French Riviera. If you are planning it in the near future, you’re in luck. Whether you’re seeking luxury, history, or simply breathtaking views, Monaco has something to offer – and it’s surprisingly easy to reach. There …

Gayle Padgett · Inspire · Shopping & Gifts

Discover La Botte Gardiane: The Ultimate Cowboy Boots—à la Française

August 7, 2025

These boots weren’t made for walking, but rather for horsing around on an actual pony. Recently, we visited the leather goods manufacturer La Botte Gardiane in the Camargue. La Botte Gardiane Mais oui, back in 1958, when the French boot-making company La Botte Gardiane began designing footwear, the intended customers were horseback riders, specifically the …

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

VIEW THIS LISTING

1-Bedroom Apartment in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Le Beau Balcon is a sunny apartment on Rue Volti in the heart of the old town, the building is a short walk to shops and restaurants.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
One Bedroom

VIEW THIS LISTING

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

VIEW THIS LISTING

Cotignac Farm House Holiday Rental for 6

The Old Farm House is a restored farm house in Coitgnac a delightful village in the heart of the Provence Verte in the Var. The home comfortably sleeps 6 people in a three-bedroom, two-bathroom configuration.

Var
Three Bedrooms

VIEW THIS LISTING

Les Vallons Holiday Home - Sleeps 12

If you are looking for a perfect holiday rental property, with a heated pool, Les Vallons sleeps 12 people in a fully restored hamlet.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Six Bedrooms

VIEW THIS LISTING

Provence Marketplace

Natural Soap from Provence with Fig Fragrance

Rose et Marius soaps are made with 97% natural ingredients (palm oil-free) and exclusive fragrances. Formulated with poppy and olive oil from Provence, this soap has a perfume that will remind you of a fig tree in summer.

Buy Now

Fig-scented Home Fragrance Diffuser

A beautiful glass diffuser perfumes your home with the heady Provencal scent of ripe figs in the summertime - like a siesta in the sun. This fragrance is created exclusively for Rose et Marius in France's perfume capital Grasse.

Buy Now

Home Diffuser Rosé Wine Fragrance

As the sun warms the temperatures in Provence, chilled rosé becomes a popular choice for the weather. Rose et Marius worked with an haute parfumerie in Grasse to craft a fragrance that captures the essence of this wine in a stylish glass diffuser.

Buy Now

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.

Buy Now

Linen Napkins from France

Chic linen napkins with an embroidered floral pattern are available in white or natural unbleached cloth. Manufactured in Northern France, they are sold in twos by French Address.

Buy Now

Lavender Field Sachet from Provence

Filled with organic lavender from France this version of L'AUGUSTE Provence sachets features a flowering lavender field. These sachets make great gifts as decorative objects with a lovely fragrance.

Buy Now

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″)

Buy Now

Stylish Cooler Bag from Provence

Le Rob'Fresh is a lightweight cooler bag for bottles, lunch or even a picnic. The cooler bag weighs 300g (10 oz) and can hold 2.8 kg (6 lbs). Available in a collection of designs. The fabric is OEKO-TEX® certified, and the bags have an environmentally-friendly kraft gel pack. Le Rob'Fresh medium version is L 37 cm (14.5 in) x H 25cm (10 in) x W 10 cm (4 in). The bags are machine-washable (in cold). Price is 35€ + shipping.

Buy Now

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.

Buy Now

Download Our Summer Menu Collection

Sue Aran

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

Lavender Roasted Apricots for a Delicious and Quick Summer Dessert

L’Aix de Cezanne 2025 Photo Exhibition is a Must-See

Nice to Monaco Day Trip: Tips & Tricks For Your Perfect Getaway

Discover La Botte Gardiane: The Ultimate Cowboy Boots—à la Française

About Perfectly Provence

Our Provence Marketplace

Explore Our Contributors