It is hard to beat French patisseries (pastry shops) for viennoiseries (croissants, pain au chocolate, and brioche) and their selection of tartes. Throughout France, pastry chefs make a culinary art with exquisite fruit tarts and classics like mille-feuille made with puff pastry and crème pâtissière. Below, we highlight five tarts …

Jane Satow is an American who has lived in France for 20 years. She has built a sterling reputation as a private chef (TV personality Stephen Colbert is a client) and runs cooking classes for small groups. These classes are held in a charming old building in the center of …

Provence’s Mediterranean climate includes warm, dry summers, mild winters, and soil well-suited for vineyards. It’s no wonder that the wine regions of Provence are well known for producing some of the best wines in France – and around the world. The following article overviews the Provence wine regions, wineries and …

Spring in Provence is a delightful experience with the promise of warmer days ahead and market stalls brimming with just-picked ingredients. As the daylight hours get longer and the temperatures rise, shifting from hearty winter meals to lighter seasonal options suits the local produce. We have been fortunate to collaborate …

The six of us were gathered around the island in Stephanie Villegas’ kitchen wearing olive green Laurel aprons. It was time for our group to stop the banter and pay attention to the chef; otherwise, we might not eat lunch. We were at Atelier Laurel for a hands-on cooking class …

We are thrilled to introduce our new and exciting service – Cooking and Conversation classes in my village of Fontvieille in the Alpilles. French Language Cooking Classes: In collaboration with Catherine, a certified French teacher with over 25 years of experience, our two-hour class provides a unique blend of culinary …

Private chef and cooking school owner Stephanie Villegas created the delicious 2024 spring menu that follows. This 3-course meal includes seasonal produce – peas, artichokes and berries – and mouthwatering roast chicken. Enjoy the taste of Provence this spring. Spring Delights Menu As the vibrant hues of spring bloom around …

Indulging in these fresh berry shortcakes with lemon verbena cream is a delightful experience. The texture of the spongy cake contrasts nicely with the smooth, flavourful cream. The sweet and slightly tart taste of the berries, coupled with the citrusy and aromatic notes from the lemon verbena, bursts with freshness …

Making mayonnaise at home may seem daunting, but it is a right of passage for a Provencal cook. However, after you have seen it made, you will realize that it’s just a matter of fresh eggs and a good whisk. Aioli is an excellent condiment with fries, of course, with …

This delightful tartine with pea hummus and cured ham seamlessly blends the fresh spring flavour of shelled peas and green onions with the rich, savoury notes of ham. Each component of this open-faced sandwich contributes to a harmonious blend of flavours, creating a mouthwatering experience that transcends the ordinary. The …