In Provence, dreams can come true. Raina Stinson’s move to France in February 2018 was brave. She was on her own and spoke limited French. Nonetheless, Raina was pursuing her goal of becoming a full-time photographer, a vision she had since she was 18. Today, Raina is a professional photographer …

Certain foods are harbingers of the season. Asparagus, fresh peas, and morel mushrooms are culinary ingredients often associated with springtime. Sure, you can find all three during other periods of the year. But honestly, is there anything better than fresh asparagus in the spring? This recipe for seared and roasted …

This week has flown by to the extent that it feels like someone has been playing with time. Whereas the days slipped comfortably by last week, these last seven days have hurtled past, with so much going on that it’s been hard to keep up. It felt like I’d stumbled …

According to information from the Mairie in Aix-en-Provence, the long-running saga of this 18th-century square might be resolved soon. The ‘travaux’ should begin quickly and will last nine months. The square dates back to 1745 when the d’Albertas family, who lived in the large building opposite what was then a …

One of the joys of visiting Provence is visiting local artisans and learning about ancient crafts, still practiced and relevant today. Lavender Wands In Les Baux de Provence, Elsa Lenthal has reignited the age-old art of “fuseaux de lavandes” (lavender wands). Perhaps because replicating an old-fashioned fuseau de lavande is …

Today’s recipe is inspired by a meal I had years ago in Italy’s wine country – Montalcino. However, it could just as easily appear on a menu in Provence, where grapes are grown locally, and meatballs (boulettes de viande) are popular. The Italian dish, Polpettine con le Uve, not only …

Fall in Provence is a magical season. With the summer holidays over, the region feels calmer, and the seasonal colours make for stunning backdrops. Emily Durand, the founder of Your Private Provence, a small group tour operator, has designed an exceptional autumn adventure called “October in Provence,” which strikes a …

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition brings 34 life-sized photos of his Sistine Chapel ceiling, one of mankind’s most outstanding artistic achievements, up close for what organizers call a ‘never-before-seen perspective.’ The location in Marseille is the Palais de la Bourse, down at the bottom of the Canebière. It is the …

The owner of the much-loved French bistro-bar Café Brun in Antibes shares this delicious salad recipe with beets, feta, squash and quinoa. Nestled in the heart of Antibes Old Town between the Provencal market and Port Vauban. Café Brun was created in a former boulangerie in 2016. Café Brun celebrates …

The Beginner’s Guide to the French Riviera: Stop Dreaming & Start Packing, 2nd Edition by Mary Kay Seales The Second Edition to The Beginner’s Guide to the French Riviera, with updates on restaurants, hotels, and day trips from your base in Nice or Villefranche-sur-Mer, has everything you need to help …