When I read on Kristin Espinasse’s blog “French Word a Day,” that her husband Jean-Marc, a wine professional, offered wine tours in Provence, I was in touch faster than you can open a screw-top bottle. We settled on a date for wine tasting in the Bandol and Cassis appellations. Although …

For the end-of-year celebrations, what is better than giving or receiving a selection of sweet treats? Remember Provence offers different and exclusive compositions of Provençal and artisanal chocolates and sweets. Fruidoraix, a family-run company, has produced these confectioneries for over 140 years. The fabrication expertise has been passed along through …

I created this festive “swaddled” oyster recipe with vinegar, endives and pomegranate seeds. The cooked oyster recipe was inspired by ancient Roman cuisine, especially for producer par excellence Florent Tarbouriech from the Etang de Thau. Made with his famous “Special” oysters and their particularly sweet, iodized hazelnut flavour, this recipe …

A daube is a slow-cooked stew you will find simmering at a grandmotherly pace in kitchens across France, though the best known are from southern France. Traditionally daubes can be made from lamb or beef, though one does not need to travel too far to find pork daubes, bull daubes, …

Suppose you are looking for a fun gin cocktail. In that case, this ghostly gimlet cocktail recipe from Maison Mirabeau is frighteningly delicious if you are looking for the perfectly spooky for your Halloween festivities! Add a dash of activated charcoal powder to the cocktail shaker for that touch of …

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 …