We departed Lourmarin just as winter had arrived, with Christmas around the corner. The trees were almost bare, only a few remnants of their golden autumn gown still clinging to the branches. Temperatures had fallen, especially when the Mistral blew her cruel, icy breath down the Rhône Valley. There were …

“Les treize desserts” is an old Christmas tradition in Provence. Thirteen desserts are enjoyed after Christmas Eve dinner, traditionally representing Jesus and his twelve Apostles. Each guest must eat all thirteen desserts to guarantee good luck for the year to come. There must be a minimum of 13 desserts, but …

Never let winter end before enjoying a steaming mug of homemade hot chocolate with whipped cream! This recipe for lavender hot chocolate from the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm combines winter with a hint of summer. Plus, this cold-weather recipe is as simple as it gets. Dedicated to making quality …

Winter Festivals and Events in Provence Winter in Provence. What are the colder months like in the South of France? Is it a good time to visit? So many images of the Provence and the Côte d’Azur are summer scenes with ribbons of blooming lavender fields, glasses of rosé with …

There’s something special about entertaining during the holidays, especially for those who love playing host or hostess. So whether you have brunch, lunch or dinner guests, it’s festive to break out the best china, silverware, and crystal to honour your guests and celebrate your friendship—the French refer to creating a …

Citrus and the French Table Citrus has had a place in French cuisine, in decoration, and noble gardens since at least medieval times. As both written and iconographical sources have suggested, several species of citrus were consumed, traded and maybe even cultivated in the gardens of the medieval French elite: …

One of the more challenging aspects of moving to France for my wife was losing her garden. In Nashville, where we lived for almost twenty years, we had an acre of property with lots of room for her to plant multiple gardens. Here in Vence, we live in an apartment …

Included The owners of Riviera Experience, Shelley and Riccardo, are originally from southern California. However, living in Villefranche-sur-Mer for 20+ years and running their holiday rental company, they have a long list of favourite things to do in town and nearby. Guests staying in their nine (9) beautifully appointed apartments …

We recently invited friends Lee and Barbara to dinner to celebrate Barbara’s birthday. For a friend new to our circle, it was a delight to make a special dinner as a birthday gift. And, as I have often said, the gift of food is definitely one that comes from the …

2022 Holiday Gift Guide As December approaches, the countdown is on for holiday shopping. Discover our Holiday Gift Guide (2022) and Our Provencal Marketplace with products for the home (table, kitchen, and décor). In addition, we invite you to browse the selection of our favourite time-tested creations made with traditional …