France was the most significant wine country in Europe in 2023. However, the growing season was not without its challenges this year. Italy, France, and Spain are usually the three largest wine-producing countries. Since France, relatively speaking in the “average” between the regions, has done well while the other countries …

Coco Mary Blignaut admits that she has had many lives in one lifetime. Born in South Africa, she has travelled extensively and now lives in Southern California near Los Angeles. An actress, film producer, writer and educator, Blignaut has written several books, including Mademoiselle Puss in Provence and now Our …

Situated in the Bouches du Rhône, Aix-en-Provence may lack Marseille’s waterfront and beaches, but the beauty of Aix more than makes up for it. A day is hardly long enough to appreciate a city that began as a Roman settlement over 2,000 years ago. Spend some in Aix-en-Provence walking a …

You are correct if you think paella is not a typical French recipe. The origins of this rice-based dish are certainly Spanish, from the Valencia region. However, as with many culinary traditions, recipes have evolved and travelled within Europe and beyond. Most markets in Provence have at least one vendor …

Provence is known for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine and fresh ingredients. Agriculture in the region benefits from a warm, arid climate making it a suitable environment for growing olives, grapes, almonds, tomatoes, zucchini, spelt (epeautre) and stone fruits. Traditional regional dining customs call for long, slow meals where you enjoy …

Imagine discovering a new recipe outside Essaouira, Morocco! When I was invited to lunch by vintner Charles Mélia and his wife, Zina. They own Domaine du Val d’Argan, where they produce wine and olive oil. We were all given a tour of the winery and its beautiful vineyards. The meal …

Qunice, or coing in French, is a lemon-yellow coloured fruit that looks like a lumpy pear. Although it is a genetic relative to apples and pears, the only way to eat quince is to cook it.  One popular preparation is membrillo (pate de coing), a dense, sweet, sliceable paste often …

I always think of cream soup as being one of the most elegant starters for a special meal. However, cream soups can be a little tricky to perfect. Getting today’s soup just right has taken me a few tries. Checking many sources and heeding their advice, rice was used as …

During crisp walks in Autumn woods, and admiring the rich colours of turning foliage, forage a handful of brambles from the hedgerows along the path. Blackberries are the perfect accompaniment for this delicious Blackberry and Rosé Cocktail, a “Bramble Cobbler” that shines with the citrus aromas of our Pure Rosé …

Last year, we enjoyed a mild autumn in Provence, which is not always the case in the South of France. The pleasant temperatures meant we could get out cycling and for long walks. It also allowed us to visit some of our favourite brocantes and the semi-annual Antiques, Art, and …