There are lots of different melons, from the ubiquitous cantaloupe to the fabulously expensive Yubari King. And the best of them all comes from a small town in Provence called Cavaillon. Melon de Cavaillon has a history that goes back to the days of the Avignon Papacy. The popes needed …

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 …

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 …

Recognizing the importance of gastronomic tourism as a travel segment, Provence Tourism launched a food-focused celebration two years ago. Marseille Provence Gastronomie (MPG2019) was an incredible series of events including local markets, cooking demonstrations and even a record-breaking cooking class led by Michelin starred chefs. Building on the previous success, …

I’m always on the lookout for interesting spots in the Alpilles, and I’ve recently found a new one! Les Gourmandises de To is an Epicerie Gourmande in the countryside between Saint Remy de Provence and Les Baux de Provence. I visited a couple of days ago after the market in …

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 …

Marcel and I have been working with Hamish and Veruschka, of Lorgues Coffee Roasters, on their new website for some time. We love their passion and dedication to providing the yummiest, freshest coffees and teas. Each week they can be found at local markets, and Tuesdays are a home game …

An hour from glamourous St. Tropez on the French Riviera, and about the same distance from the chic city of art and water Aix-en-Provence, Lorgues sits in the heart of the Var. There are many reasons to visit Lorgues, but freshly, roasted coffee was not one of them until recently. …

Nice Food and Drink The French Riviera city of Nice did not lack options for entertainment, but now there is one more to add to your list, a visit to the Gare du Sud. This new marketplace, which opened in May 2019, is a stroll from Place Masséna. The transformed …

Nothing Without Almonds Le Roy René factory needs some 200 metric tons of almonds annually for the production of calissons d’Aix and nougats. As almonds are one of the key ingredients in these typically Provencal sweets, a reliable supply chain is critical to the operation. In 2016, 300 almond trees, …