Relaxing in Provence Sometimes it takes me a while to get round to doing something and this week I finally decided I would go and try out the Spa at Montbrun Les Bains. I say finally as our lovely neighbour had mentioned it to me three (3) years ago, just …

Local Author and Guide Jean-Pierre Cassely is a recognizable public figure in Provence and beyond. Cassely worked for France 3 television for a decade and currently has a daily France-Bleu Provence radio slot called Provence Insolite (Unusual Provence). More recently, Jean-Pierre Cassely collected curious landmarks in two guidebooks Secret Provence and …

French Holiday Traditions In France, La Chandeleur falls on the 40th day of the Christmas Epiphany season on February 2nd. Also known as Candlemas, this holiday is celebrated in Provence with the making – and eating – of crêpes. La Chandeleur is the culmination of the Calendale, the festive holiday …

Valentine’s Gift Idea The next My Stylish French Box ships to points around the globe in February. These beautiful parcels contain curated collections of made-in-France products. Indeed, to some Valentine’s Day is a bit of a gimmick when that lady in your life is special 365 days a year. However, …

Rose et Marius is a luxury perfume house and home décor brand based in Aix-en-Provence. Founder Magali Fleurquin-Bonnard named the company after her grandmother, Rose, and as a tribute to Provence. Fleurquin-Bonnard’s inspiration for the exquisitely designed product line originates from childhood memories, at the family’s country home in Puget …

Cooking Class in Provence The ladies came from Louisiana and Alabama to celebrate a milestone birthday in Provence. They were busy with activities that included a visit to Saint-Paul-de-Mausole and the antique stores in Isle sur la Sorgue. Along with the cultural and shopping activities, theses food lovers wanted to …

Though Marseille is technically the capital of Provence, it feels more Mediterranean than French.  The vibrant port city is also wonderfully cosmopolitan due to the many cultures that have washed up on its shores throughout its 2600 years. It boasts the biggest Armenian community in Europe, has the continent’s 3rd …

By David Scott Allen: White Wine Pairing As you may recall from my reviews over time, I have become a big fan of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc. It is one of those wines that says “special occasion” to me. Thus, I decided to treat myself for my birthday and get a bottle. …

Traditional Provencal cuisine used hyper-local ingredients, picked from the potager (kitchen garden), foraged in the hills, and hunted nearby. In a region where dairy and beef were only available for the wealthy, ingredients such as coconut milk, curry and lime definitely were not part of any cook’s pantry. Today, Provencal …

There is no need to explain that the 4th of July is a big holiday in the United States. Even for non-US residents, social media is awash in red-white-and-blue recipes well in advance of the celebration. This holiday is often a day when friends and family gather for lovely meals …