
Harvesting the Saffron of Provence in Cotignac
Jean Leclerq and his partner Sabine are a dedicated couple who own a special place hidden in the hills behind our little village of Cotignac. They have started our first “Safranière,” a small Saffron farm growing the most valuable spice on earth. We were lucky enough to join them one …
Jean Leclerq and his partner Sabine are a dedicated couple who own a special place hidden in the hills behind our little village of Cotignac. They have started our first “Safranière,” a small Saffron farm growing the most valuable spice on earth. We were lucky enough to join them one …

I’ve found my chocolate heaven in Provence!
Contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer: I make no bones about it – I love chocolate & last night sat with a glass of wine & my latest purchase from the wonderful ‘Chocolatier’ La Cour aux Saveurs in l’Isle sur la Sorgue. Back in February I was staying there (in …
Contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer: I make no bones about it – I love chocolate & last night sat with a glass of wine & my latest purchase from the wonderful ‘Chocolatier’ La Cour aux Saveurs in l’Isle sur la Sorgue. Back in February I was staying there (in …

Farm Visit to le Moulin de Jarjayes Understanding Saffron in Provence
In October, the Provencal sun takes its time rising above the horizon, like an old dog mentally weighing the effort of its next move. In the Jabron Valley, at 600 meters, about 10 kilometres from Sisteron, autumn mornings can be particularly frosty with single-digit temperatures. However, the saffron harvest at …
In October, the Provencal sun takes its time rising above the horizon, like an old dog mentally weighing the effort of its next move. In the Jabron Valley, at 600 meters, about 10 kilometres from Sisteron, autumn mornings can be particularly frosty with single-digit temperatures. However, the saffron harvest at …

Provencal Inspired Roasted Apricot Dessert with Honey and Almonds
This dessert recipe can be made on the BBQ or in the oven. Easy to prepare the combination of roasted apricots and yogurt-cream are a match made in Provencal heaven.
This dessert recipe can be made on the BBQ or in the oven. Easy to prepare the combination of roasted apricots and yogurt-cream are a match made in Provencal heaven.

Banon A Land of Goat Cheese, Lavender, and Wheat
The small perched village of Banon, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, is authentic Provence at its best. Banon wasn’t at the top of my list to see but was a spur-of-the-moment stop. What a surprise! I had no idea that it would prove to be the most photogenic village in …
The small perched village of Banon, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, is authentic Provence at its best. Banon wasn’t at the top of my list to see but was a spur-of-the-moment stop. What a surprise! I had no idea that it would prove to be the most photogenic village in …

Jam for is Not Just for Breakfast in Provence
Isabelle Jouhanneau makes her Un Jour à la Campagne jams the traditional way; in copper pots with fresh ingredients and no additives. Originally from the Alpes de Haute Provence, she is now settled in the Luberon close to Bonnieux. Jouhanneau spent some time in Morocco, where she ran a tea shop, and …
Isabelle Jouhanneau makes her Un Jour à la Campagne jams the traditional way; in copper pots with fresh ingredients and no additives. Originally from the Alpes de Haute Provence, she is now settled in the Luberon close to Bonnieux. Jouhanneau spent some time in Morocco, where she ran a tea shop, and …

Patisserie Perfection in Aix en Provence at Segond
At last a chance to try Segond, the patisserie run by Philippe Segond who is apparently the only ‘meilleur ouvrier de France’ in action in Aix. At the top of the Cours Mirabeau, it is in the building which used to be ‘Riederer’, a family of Swiss origin who had …
At last a chance to try Segond, the patisserie run by Philippe Segond who is apparently the only ‘meilleur ouvrier de France’ in action in Aix. At the top of the Cours Mirabeau, it is in the building which used to be ‘Riederer’, a family of Swiss origin who had …

The Provencal Farmer Knows Best
I was having a delicious dinner with a girlfriend when she reminded me of something I hadn’t thought about in ages. We met working at an advertising agency many, many years ago. I had just moved to Calgary from Toronto, it was August and I was desperately missing my end-of-summer …
I was having a delicious dinner with a girlfriend when she reminded me of something I hadn’t thought about in ages. We met working at an advertising agency many, many years ago. I had just moved to Calgary from Toronto, it was August and I was desperately missing my end-of-summer …

Provence’s Black Truffle Demystified
Have you ever considered buying black truffle plants? Truffle plants could be a fabulous gift. The black truffle, often called “the diamond of the kitchen” grows underground close to a tree’s root system. There are hundreds of truffle varieties. Learn more at Ginger and Nutmeg’s blog post: Provence’s Black Truffle Demystified …
Have you ever considered buying black truffle plants? Truffle plants could be a fabulous gift. The black truffle, often called “the diamond of the kitchen” grows underground close to a tree’s root system. There are hundreds of truffle varieties. Learn more at Ginger and Nutmeg’s blog post: Provence’s Black Truffle Demystified …

Upcoming Food Festivals on the French Riviera
Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: France is famous for producing some of the best food in the world, whether you prefer the tables of haute cuisine where the top chefs are national celebrities, or the no-nonsense traditional dishes served up in bistros across the country. The cooking is as …
Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: France is famous for producing some of the best food in the world, whether you prefer the tables of haute cuisine where the top chefs are national celebrities, or the no-nonsense traditional dishes served up in bistros across the country. The cooking is as …