
Airing Your Dirty Laundry, the Lavoirs of Provence the Place for Washing and Gossip
Kneeling on a garde genoux (wooden knee protector) by the edge of the public wash basin, local peasant-class women exchanged tidbits of town gossip as they worked tirelessly to brighten their laundry. Their weathered hands vigorously scrubbed away at stubborn stains as water sloshed against the shallow stone sides of the village lavoir in …
Kneeling on a garde genoux (wooden knee protector) by the edge of the public wash basin, local peasant-class women exchanged tidbits of town gossip as they worked tirelessly to brighten their laundry. Their weathered hands vigorously scrubbed away at stubborn stains as water sloshed against the shallow stone sides of the village lavoir in …

Mediterranean Cooking Classes with a French Pro at Cook’n with Class
One thing I dreamed about before moving to France was to attend a cooking class in Paris. Little did I know that my wish would come true — without leaving the little town of Uzès. Chef Eric Fraudeau of “Cook’n with Class Paris” has a cooking school right down the road — Cook’n with …
One thing I dreamed about before moving to France was to attend a cooking class in Paris. Little did I know that my wish would come true — without leaving the little town of Uzès. Chef Eric Fraudeau of “Cook’n with Class Paris” has a cooking school right down the road — Cook’n with …

These Chèvre and Mushroom Tartlets are a Crowd Pleaser
The base for these Chèvre and Mushroom Tartlets is versatile. Recently, I decided to experiment with the filling as the crust could not be easier to make. Using the same ingredients for the dough, I created a savoury filling using fresh goat cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano and mushrooms. Serve these tasty bites with a chilled rosé or white wine, and this might just become your go-to appetizer recipe!
The base for these Chèvre and Mushroom Tartlets is versatile. Recently, I decided to experiment with the filling as the crust could not be easier to make. Using the same ingredients for the dough, I created a savoury filling using fresh goat cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano and mushrooms. Serve these tasty bites with a chilled rosé or white wine, and this might just become your go-to appetizer recipe!

Provencal History Tale of The Sardine that Blocked the Port of Marseille
Do you know about the sardine that blocked the port of Marseille? As I was perusing local postcards at a local flea market in Provence, I came across a curious image. The postcard depicts an enormous sardine blocking the port of Marseille. The seller, taking advantage of my ignorance and …
Do you know about the sardine that blocked the port of Marseille? As I was perusing local postcards at a local flea market in Provence, I came across a curious image. The postcard depicts an enormous sardine blocking the port of Marseille. The seller, taking advantage of my ignorance and …

Understanding How a Wine Cork Gets from a Tree to Your Bottle
Contributor blog post by Jill Barth: The cork wine stopper is synonymous with preservation – not only of the wine in the bottle but of a way of life for cork farmers and the natural ecosystem of the forest. The process has been the same for generations because the system is a sustainable …
Contributor blog post by Jill Barth: The cork wine stopper is synonymous with preservation – not only of the wine in the bottle but of a way of life for cork farmers and the natural ecosystem of the forest. The process has been the same for generations because the system is a sustainable …

American Favourites for Lunch at the House of Cookies in Aix-en-Provence
“In your very comprehensive survey of Aix restaurants, I couldn’t find any mention of House of Cookies, rue Boulegon (but maybe it’s just my mistake!) It’s a lovely place, American vintage-oriented, and the owner, Laetitia, makes the best scones/muffins/ cookies/pancakes in Aix (she makes the cakes for Book in Bar!) You …
“In your very comprehensive survey of Aix restaurants, I couldn’t find any mention of House of Cookies, rue Boulegon (but maybe it’s just my mistake!) It’s a lovely place, American vintage-oriented, and the owner, Laetitia, makes the best scones/muffins/ cookies/pancakes in Aix (she makes the cakes for Book in Bar!) You …

Insider Provence Guided Market Tours with a Local
Sure the markets in Provence are tempting, but… Are you curious about in the ins and outs of working in a market in Provence? Do you want to taste the best Provencal ingredients and find out how they’re made? Would you like to eat breakfast at the market with the …
Sure the markets in Provence are tempting, but… Are you curious about in the ins and outs of working in a market in Provence? Do you want to taste the best Provencal ingredients and find out how they’re made? Would you like to eat breakfast at the market with the …

Seared Sea Scallops and Cauliflower Purée a Recipe
Completing a DIY home renovation in Provence is not necessarily for every couple. Ashley and Robin made their house transformation look easy. Now, with some time on their hands, they can enjoy their kitchen and entertain friends. This recipe for seared sea scallops on a cauliflower purée could be served …
Completing a DIY home renovation in Provence is not necessarily for every couple. Ashley and Robin made their house transformation look easy. Now, with some time on their hands, they can enjoy their kitchen and entertain friends. This recipe for seared sea scallops on a cauliflower purée could be served …

Provencal Lifestyle Discovery with Author Georgeanne Brennon
Books for Food Lovers Georgeanne Brennan’s CV of accomplishments in culinary and literary circles is awe-inspiring. This talented lady has written and co-authored over 30 books. She won the prestigious James Beard Award (Best International Cookbook) in 1998 for The Food and Flavors of Haute Provence. Her articles have appeared …
Books for Food Lovers Georgeanne Brennan’s CV of accomplishments in culinary and literary circles is awe-inspiring. This talented lady has written and co-authored over 30 books. She won the prestigious James Beard Award (Best International Cookbook) in 1998 for The Food and Flavors of Haute Provence. Her articles have appeared …

Join the Tourisme Gardanne Day Trip a Visit to Monaco
The Office du Tourisme at Gardanne is offering a day-trip to Monaco on Saturday 19th May. It’s an early start, 7:15, but then it’s quite a drive. Once there, there’s an organised trip round the Musée Océanographique and also the Palais Princier, followed by free time. 86 euros. Details on …
The Office du Tourisme at Gardanne is offering a day-trip to Monaco on Saturday 19th May. It’s an early start, 7:15, but then it’s quite a drive. Once there, there’s an organised trip round the Musée Océanographique and also the Palais Princier, followed by free time. 86 euros. Details on …