In a year marked by turbulence and an overall decrease in exports of French wine by as much as 5% in volume, Provence witnessed exports increase by nearly 6% in volume, making it the wine region posting the greatest growth abroad.  By comparison, Burgundy posted a 1.4% growth in the …

If you’re looking for a vegan or vegetarian dish to wow your plant-based friends, this take on a traditional terrine is an excellent place to start. Eggplant combined with some bright and flavourful spices make for a firm, tasty starter dish that is fantastic served on its own or with …

As in many parts of the world, hot summer months in Provence bring an increased risk of forest fires. Fire in the Olives If we ever needed a reminder that all it takes is a spark, our friends at Les Pastras lost 180 olive trees to a grass fire on …

Discover the Pays de Fayence The Pays de Fayence is only a 30-minute drive from Saint-Raphaël. The area is a quiet contrast to the busy Mediterranean coast. With its perched villages and unspoilt natural setting, this region of Provence remains anchored to the past. There are nine (9) hilltop villages …

Mille-feuille (pronounced meal foy), or thousand layers, is a rich dessert of several layers of crispy crunchy puff pastry layered with a pastry cream filling and/or fruit. In my version, I layered lemon curd, whipped cream, and ripe strawberries. If you do not have strawberries use other berries or even …

A book review by Mary-Jane Deeb of “The Lantern” by Deborah Lawrenson, Harper, New York, London, 2011. The Author Deborah Lawrenson is a British writer and journalist, issued of a diplomatic family, who spent her childhood travelling around the world, accompanying her parents and sister wherever they were posted. Before …

Bouillabaisse is Marseille’s signature dish. However, a bit like the city that proclaims to be its birthplace, bouillabaisse is a riddle. Is it a stew or a soup? Is it a noble dish or peasant food? Was it created by the invading Greeks or by hungry fishermen? Is it even …

A Gift from St Tropez Although nothing could replace a weekend on the shores of the Mediterranean in sun-soaked St Tropez, a gift box is always a treat. My French Country Home has put together a selection of top-quality products representative of the city that Brigitte Bardot chose as her …

The following recipe for lavender shortbread is my Provencal take on the Scottish classic. However, let’s start with an introduction to baking with fresh lavender. I love nothing more than throwing a handful of fresh lavender or any other herb into my baking. It takes me to simpler times with …

Since On Thursday evenings, between July 8th and August 19th, food and wine lovers have a chance to explore several vineyards near Aix-en-Provence on Thursday nights. 1 Domaine 1 Chef is a program that combines education, wine tasting, and delicious picnics or gourmet meals prepared by renowned local chefs. 1 …