By David Taylor The 23rd Banon cheese festival took place Sunday, it has been a few years since we have been and it continues to attract huge crowds the the main interest being tasting and eating cheese, lunching, drinking and just a very convivial day out for friends and families …

11-years ago, Lisa and Johann Pepin switched corporate jobs for a rural lifestyle and became expats (Lisa). This Franco-American couple live in Provence at Les Pastras a property that Johann’s grandfather bought in the 1970s. You can read their full story and more details on Les Pastras truffle hunting and …

Chicago might seem like a world away from the pastures of Provence, but Lisa and Johann Pepin tell me that adjusting to life in the south of France was relatively easy. They left corporate jobs (public relations and finance) in Chi-town, as only 30-yearolds can do, with the confidence that …

In both Italy and France the hunt for truffles is aided by dogs and even pigs. Often female pigs are able to smell out the “black gold” without training, where as dogs do require special training. We had the opportunity to visit some truffle experts at Truffe Noire de Haute-Provence who have …

Post previously published on Ginger and Nutmeg: Nutmeg walked every aisle in the grocery store looking for salt – it was not with the spices, but rather in its’ own section near the aged balsamic vinegar. Where is the logic? Treasured since antiquity, salt is used in kitchens around the world, …

By aixcentric What with Chandeleur in France and Pancake Tuesday in the UK, February is a good time to get whipping up some batter for pastries and crepes. But if you prefer to buy something in town, there’s lots of choice. The traditional pets de nonnes – nuns’ farts – …

Nutmeg had a few items on her to-do list; number one was to replenish the wine stock before Ginger arrived. The challenge was making a decision in the Alpilles given the number of vineyards nearby. On this particular occasion, she chose Domaine de la Vallongue as they had reopened their boutique after …

Philippe Goninet might be slightly biased, but according to this Provence tour guide read more here. “St Remy is the place I always recommend as a base for visitors.” Here are his top tips for a visit to Provence.  #Discover Stroll around the village and discover its hidden gems in …

A few years ago, a group of Provencal pastry masters called les Artisans Pâtissiers Chocolatiers du Vaucluse got together with a concept in mind, their project was to make a cake that is representative of Provence. As you can likely tell, from their official title these artisan bakers know what …

The farmer who sells goat cheese at the Uzes Saturday Market is one of my favorite vendors. He’scertainly one of the most colorful. Last week he handed me an invitation to an event he stages each year at his farm. Explore this Post