Twenty years ago, my husband, daughter, and I rolled into Marseille on the high-speed train from Paris.  If I recall correctly, the Aix-en-Provence TGV station had not yet been built. We rented a car and drove to Aix-en-Provence, where we would spend several nights before moving to Lourmarin, the small …

A man with hairy ears selling goat cheese, a nun blessing us with her wine!  Smiling locals selling linens, ribbons, baskets, and flowers,  cheese makers, olive growers, and an abundance of fresh produce. How can you not visit Uzès’ fabulous twice-weekly markets, the most vibrant in Provence! Every Wednesday and …

Market day in Cucuron is Tuesday. Located in the epic-centre of the Luberon Regional National Park Cucuron displays all the charms of a classic Provençal village. The hamlet, like its closest neighbours Lourmarin, Ansouis and Vaugines are bejewelled with ramparts, bell towers and shady plane trees. All the villages in …

Provence is filled with dining possibilities from picnics to Michelin-starred tables. The good news is it is hard to get a bad meal if you follow your nose and a few ground rules. Cafés offer table service for coffee and other beverages (think rosé and pastis) throughout the day. Cafés are typically open …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Fennel bulbs are in season and looking good! I must admit, and you’ve probably noticed, that I am obsessed with markets. Despite generally scheduling my entire week around whichever market I would like to visit, I sometimes just can’t get to the market I …

France is a country of foodies with broad ranging tastes. After all would you have thought of pairing foie gras with gingerbread? France is also the place with countless opportunities to try some downright strange things like sea urchins or oursin. On Sundays in February, there is a festival in …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: My local farm shop is selling these tender shoots at the moment. Large baskets of the just-picked leaves are set up to pick and choose. I originally placed only 2 varieties in my basket before I was told that the combination of Roquette (Arugula), …

I’m walking briskly through the streets at 8 am. The greys and blues of St. Remy compliment this time of day. I am a creature of habit. The sun will be hitting the terrace at Café de la Place soon. My morning coffee is waiting. Continue reading here to learn …

Recently, author and Perfectly Provence contributor PJ Adams visited the Strasbourg Christmas Market. PJ wrote this article following her trip to France where she compares the seasonal holiday traditions between Alsace and Provence. Keep reading for PJ’s tasty Christmas post on sauerkraut, gingerbread, calissons and nougat. Strasbourg France, the “Capital …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: This is unmissable! If you are new to Aix, make sure you go along to this special market when people from our twin towns come together to offer their food and regional products for Christmas treats and presents. Expect lots of German foodstuffs and wine, …