Puyméras is a small village on a hill a few km northeast of Vaison-la-Romaine at the northern tip of the Vaucluse near the border of the Department of the Drome. When you approach Puyméras coming from Vaison-la-Romaine, the village is visible on the hill surrounded by homes, vineyards and lavender …

The following list of top restaurants on or near the French Riviera is not extensive, and these are not all Michelin-starred, but they are all exceptional. Book a table! Restaurants and Michelin Stars The first Guide Michelin appeared in 1900 when bicycles greatly outnumbered cars on the French roads. It …

Ice cream is exquisite. What a pity it isn’t illegal. ~ Voltaire* Susan Gish writes: Sam and I had a really tough assignment over the summer doing the research for this article (she said sarcastically). But someone has to do it, so instead of worrying about getting rid of those …

As you have probably guessed, I am a little bit restricted at the moment after my tumble a couple of weeks ago and am already missing being able to get out on the bike. I have very quickly realized that I am really not very good at being sedentary and …

Philippe and I knew how to pace ourselves.  We had dined at Mirzaur in 2015 when the restaurant had “only” two Michelin stars.  We’d received the celebratory email in 2019 when the owners shared, with émotion immense, news of their elevation.  Five months later the restaurant was voted the best restaurant in the …

Susan Gish may not have a long history of reading works by Marcel Proust, but she shares his love for the classic French cookie-cake = madeleines. She wrote the following, “All I knew was that I am addicted to them. Not all madeleines, just those from Christophe Madeleines in Aix-en-Provence. …

According to Susan and Chef Sam Gish, who both love delicious food, there are many amazing places to eat in Aix-en-Provence. However, Susan selected five (5) of their favourites. Please note these are small restaurants and bistros, it is always best to reserve a table in advance. Eating in Aix-en-Provence …

Entre Midi et Deux What better name for a restaurant that was only open for lunch than Entre Midi et Deux? Located on dynamic Rue d’Italie in Aix-en-Provence, this restaurant has no problem filling their tables. Reservations are a must. Sometimes it’s a treat to go to lunch where there’s a …

With confinement measures now making way for a return to normality, many of us are relishing our newly reclaimed freedom to eat out and visit favourite restaurants once more. And as part of that freedom,  I, for one, am embracing the sheer joy and novelty of not having to cook …

Vaucluse Villages We go often to Vaison-la-Romaine, sometimes it seems almost every day. We go for Tuesday morning market, buy basic household supplies at “Brando Vaison Ménager”, pick up cheese at an amazing shop called “Lou Canesteou”, visit friends, or simply pass through on the way to Nyons and other destinations …