History of the Bûche de Noël The log is generally eaten on December 24, during the Christmas meal. The cake was born around 1870. Several pastry chefs are fighting over paternity. But it seems they had the idea at the same time for a cake roll that looks like a …

Harvest or vendanges for wineries in the Ventoux usually takes place between the end of August and the last part of September. For those who don’t know this wine region, AOC Ventoux (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) is a vast area in the southern Rhône with over 150 wineries. And it’s a …

Sharing a drink with friends or family is one of the best parts of the holidays. Plus, the cool winter air gives way to more robust flavours that pair perfectly with a roasting fire, Christmas carols, and gently falling snow. Enjoy this fabulous, lightly sweet cocktail on your own or …

Discover the Galette Provençale If you don’t have a galette variation in your country, you can very well make it yourself. While you cook, the children in the family can have fun making wreaths. It really is a very festive time. Moreover, this cake really encourages conviviality, between friends and/or …

Mulled wine is a fantastic warm drink to enjoy on a cool winter’s eve. Plan to visit a Provencal Christmas market for a rush of holiday spirit. The mulled wine vendor is usually easy to spot, as there are patrons standing around enjoying a hot mug.  If you’re looking for …

The 2021 weather disadvantaged winegrowers in France and Provence. Frost, fire, hail and even turtles made it worse. So how will the wine vintage 2021 be after all these worries? 2021 Provence Vintage After a tough 2020, the new year began in the same way. The Covid-19 restrictions continued, as …

The holidays call for rich dishes full of flavour and lots of love. This quick and easy Christmas soup is packed full of sweet earthy flavours that you can pair with duck confit or shredded pork rillette (or even no meat at all, for the vegetarians!). Chestnuts are highlighted in …

One of the Christmas traditions in Provence is called Cacho-Fio or Light the Fire. In Provence, Christmas evening begins with this ancient pagan custom. Cacho-fio is a ritual for lighting the Yule log (calendau, in Provencal) on the evening of December 24th. Together the youngest and the oldest of the …

December is a festive time in Provence. At this time of the year, outdoor and indoor market stalls brim with hearty meats, fowl, shellfish, and winter vegetables. I hope you enjoy this Festive Holiday Dinner Menu with my favourite, and slightly decadent, dishes – foie gras, duck confit and chocolate …

Winter Festivals and Events in Provence What is winter like in Provence? It’s a good question. So, many images of the South of France are summer scenes; ribbons of blooming lavender fields, glasses of rosé with beads of condensation and beautiful people in enjoying their holidays. Perhaps wintertime in Provence garners less …