As I write this article in early October, the harvest season is still underway in Provence, but I can already tell you that the 2020 season will go down as one of the most memorable in history! Harvest Labour In particular, sourcing harvesters has been particularly problematic because of the …

Susan Gish may not have a long history of reading works by Marcel Proust, but she shares his love for the classic French cookie-cake = madeleines. She wrote the following, “All I knew was that I am addicted to them. Not all madeleines, just those from Christophe Madeleines in Aix-en-Provence. …

I don’t think I could survive without our Sunday Heirloom Farmers Market in Tuscon, especially these days when we need lots of good fruits and vegetables to keep us healthy and strong. But I also get great cheeses, fish, poultry, and meats there. It is a wonderful market. Although I have …

Provence’s diversified nature is what makes it the perfect source of inspiration for writers. For centuries, the South of France has been a getaway for writers and artists looking for creative inspiration. From rolling vineyards over pine forests to lavender fields, Provence can provide you with different experiences, whether you …

A debate is raging over what constitutes a “correct” salade Niçoise. To the purists, the rules are clear: no vinegar, no lettuce, no fresh tuna, and no boiled vegetables, like potatoes or green beans. If you add any of these, you will be labelled as a heretic and sent to …

Some things are just better in France, including dessert. There is no debating the fact that Vanilla Crème Brûlée sounds more appealing than Vanilla Burnt Cream. This baked custard is a classic French dessert.

Lively Lourmarin In August, the tiny villages of Provence swell with visitors from around the world and Lourmarin is no exception. At Café Gaby – if you are lucky enough to find a table on market day – you might hear German, Dutch, Chinese, Russian, and various forms of English, …

What about a savoury snack or nibble with a glass of rosé? This savoury quick loaf a Ham and Olive Cake is a great snack or pre-dinner bite. It’s often enjoyed by kids here in France when they get home from school for their goûter. In French, this is called Cake aux Olives et Jambon – yes they use the English word “cake.”

When most people think of the Côte d’Azur, they think of glamorous spots like Cannes, Antibes, and Nice—beautiful cities, all of them. But this glorious corner of France is also home to charming inland villages that are well worth a visit. Let’s look at a few. Gourdon, The Eagle’s Nest …

Olives from Provence In the Alpilles, near the Vallée des Baux, there is nothing that signals that autumn has arrived more than the olive harvest. The exact timing of the récolte depends on Mother Nature’s impact on the fruit’s maturity. Like every crop, farmers hope to get the timing right …