Painting in Provence Sometimes when you meet someone, it feels like you have known them forever, which was the case with Tessa Baker. Warm and welcoming, Tessa is a talented artist who runs small-group painting holidays and workshops in Provence, Italy and beyond. She had invited me to join her …

A virtual cooking class and wine tasting class! On May 2nd, please join Susan Tipton, the winemaker of Acquiesce Winery, Susan Manfull, Editor of Provence WineZine, and David Scott Allen of Cocoa & Lavender for Cook, Drink, Learn #3. This is a fun and informative virtual food and wine pairing …

Almost indescribable, the scent of a fig tree full of almost ripe fruit is a fragrance that is both sweet and earthy, it’s summer in Provence. The scent is distinctive, almost arresting in the open air, however, in a closed space can be overwhelming. And, you can eat too many! …

Helen Bates and her husband, Niall, have lived in the South of France for 15 years after leaving their finance careers in London. They run a small property rental business in the heart of Cannes, offering affordable, stylish properties that offer everything you need for a holiday on the Riviera. …

If you could pick your last meal – what would it be? For my last meal on Earth, I would select a dish that is both humble and classic. I would choose a duck confit. There is something utterly delicious about obscenely crisp duck skin mixed with succulent duck meat. It …

The origin of the Apple Tarte Tatin aux Pommes is rooted in France’s Loire Valley in the small town of Lamotte-Beuvron. Born out of an unintended mistake in the kitchen, this tarte is the sweet result. At the time, the two Tatin sisters, Stéphanie and Caroline, owned and operated the …

Robin and I have only eaten in about a handful of Michelin star restaurants. They’re a special occasion. Eating in these restaurants, depending especially on the number of stars, is longer even than the usual French dining affair. Eating in a Michelin star restaurant is not just a meal it’s …

Fougasse is a flavourful bread that will transport you directly to Provence with the combination of cherry tomatoes and vinegary black olives. Serve it on its own with some olive oil or accompanying a green salad or hearty soup to fully enjoy this rustic bread. Book a cooking class, online …

My BFF Patricia Sands just published the re-release of her novel, The Bridge Club. The book is a celebration of friendship shared with eight women over a half-century… and counting. Celebrating Friendship Patricia and I met in Uzès five years ago at the instigation of our mutual friend, Carolyne Kauser …

An Ancient Greek Colony Long before the Romans conquered Gaul (France), the Greeks established a series of colonies along its Mediterranean coast. Marseille, the oldest city in France, was once the Greek colony of Massilia. It, in turn, established smaller colonies in the area around it. One of these was …