Artichokes are a harbinger of the warmer months ahead. It’s common to find purple artichoke – les petit violets in Provencal markets. These smaller artichokes are a purple globe variety, with a nuttier flavour than the larger green globe version. Since culinary historians believe that Catherine de Medici introduced the …

Deciding to go to Marseille for 24 hours, one night, we landed on November 1st as the best date for our schedule, but it is La Toussaint (All Saints Day), a public holiday (jour férié) and a busy time. However, we were lucky: the place I wanted to stay was …

It was a “bucket list” item to visit Nice during the annual carnival period. The Carnaval de Nice is a long-standing festival in this French Riviera city and one more reason to visit. While the dates shift slightly each year depending on when Easter falls, from colourful parades to “flower …

Almost every year, we put together a list (or a few) of favourite restaurants in Provence. Since this is Provence, there is practically no end of terrific dining options in the region. Chefs in Provence build their menus around seasonal, locally available produce, small-batch cheeses, ethically raised meats and Mediterranean …

Last year was so full of twists and turns that it sometimes felt like we have been meeting ourselves coming backwards, just trying to keep on top of it all. If you’ve been following us for a while now, you will probably remember that the year started with an engagement …

The relaxed atmosphere of the French Provencal lifestyle impacts the design of rooms and outdoor spaces. Provence style is distinguished by its natural harmony. Furniture Furniture in the Provence style should not go beyond classic shapes and pastel colours. Upholstered furniture with modern ergonomic solutions is allowed but in moderation. …

The brining process makes these roast chicken legs extra succulent, and the zesty lemon and herbes de Provence sauce elevate the flavour. The citrusy notes from the lemon harmonize seamlessly with the aromatic herbs, infusing the chicken with a burst of freshness and complexity. The symphony of flavours transforms this …

Below is a collection of things you can do while visiting Marseille. These are only some of my ideas for a day in the city or a few days. The list includes something for everyone from beachgoers to art lovers. Enjoy this fascinating city. Head to the Beach I was …

We only had a week in Villefranche-sur-Mer on the French Riviera, but we needed a lifetime. Born in Nice, Celine O’Donnell loves her city and has turned her passion into walking tours in Nissa la Belle. On a hot summer day, we joined Celine for a walking tour of Old …

In Provence, a sure sign of the changing seasons is the new varieties of produce in the grocery store. While it is not a wholesale change from one week to the next, regionally grown tomatoes are no longer prominent. Instead, apples, pears, green beans, mushrooms, carrots and colourful squash take …