Provence, known for its scorching summers, may not seem ideal for ice production. Yet, between 1650 and 1885, many ice houses (glacières) were ingeniously constructed in the region. This historical innovation, born out of necessity, is a testament to the resourcefulness and some royal assistance. Ice Production Provence’s Glacières In …

Provence is magical in the spring, making it a great time of the year for touring. The weather is pleasant but not too hot, and plenty can be seen without worrying about the summer crowds. While it may not be lavender season, these spring flowers are in bloom: poppies, wisteria, …

If you are in the Alpilles this summer, head to the centre of St Remy de Provence to Espace Hôtel de Lagoy. This elegant space was once a private mansion named in honor of its owner, Jean-Baptiste Florentin Gabriel Meyran de Lagoy (1764 -1829). The Marquis de Lagoy was a …

Parisian art, architecture, and fashion have shaped the country. However, it might be surprising to learn how the customs of countries bordering the Mediterranean have impacted the South of France. The Spanish influence in Provence is undeniable, from paella to corridas and ferias (horse and bull) sporting events. Barcelona is …

Cold ocean seascapes, giant icebergs, and barren tundra are far removed from Provence, exactly where Elizabeth Birkelund begins her novel. A Northern Light in Provence is a captivating tale that follows Ilse Erlund, a multilingual translator living in Greenland. Despite never setting foot in France, she embarks on a journey …

It’s hard to compete with a long list of magnificent, historically significant gardens in a country that includes gardens built for French royalty. The Palace of Versailles and its immaculate grounds are on your list of must-sees in Paris. Then there are the Jardins du Château de Fontainebleau south of …

Cavaillon is a good-sized city east of the Durance River in Provence with a deep history linked to local agriculture. Most visitors drive straight through Cavaillon on their way to the Luberon’s perched villages and Vaucluse towns, vineyards, and lavender fields without stopping, which is a shame. Cavaillon has lots …

The best thing about salads is their versatility. Some salads are delicate and meant to be eaten right away, and others are well-suited for transport to, say, a picnic or a potluck; some versions taste even better the following day. While many salads are typically cold or at room temperature, …

Stunning is the only way to describe Rosa Jackson’s cookbook Niçoise: Market-Inspired Cooking from France’s Sunniest City. Filled with over 100 recipes, this beautiful book salutes the simplicity of Nice’s traditional cuisine. Niçoise is more than a cookbook, cracking open the window into life in Nice through the seasons. The …

April 15, 2019, is seared in our minds as the day we watched images of Notre Dame de Paris in flames with a mix of horror and terrific sadness. Once the Paris Fire Brigade extinguished the flames and saved the rest of the cathedral from complete disaster. The fire started …