For all our time spent in Provence, I’m embarrassed to admit that we had never been to les Gorges du Verdon. And it’s not far from Lourmarin, only about an hour and a half, in the hills of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. We’d heard it was worth a visit, but what …

One of the life experiences I cherish the most is spending time along the Côte d’Azur. However, I must confess that I’m geographically challenged, so the more I visited, the more confused I became about something relatively straightforward. “Which seaside towns are below which hilltop villages?” To settle the question, …

Nestled just a short ferry ride from the glamorous shores of Cannes, the Lérins Islands offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the French Riviera. Of these islands, Île Sainte-Marguerite stands out as a haven of natural beauty and tranquillity. The Journey to Île Sainte-Marguerite The adventure …

As we enjoy the coolness of autumn, I think of the spent fields of lavender covering the Provence countryside, once vibrant, purply-blue, and fragrant fields. I wanted to reclaim a bit of that summer feeling by creating today’s recipe for Sablefish in Lemon Cream over Lavender Fettucine. I paired it …

Just an hour north of Cannes, nestled in the rolling hills, lies the enchanting La Réserve des Monts d’Azur. This natural reserve offers a perfect getaway for families, couples, and friends looking to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the Provencal wilderness. Accessible via a picturesque route, this park …

Imagine sitting in a comfortable seat in an ancient Roman city with a mountain rising behind it. As the sun sets, and you can see thousands of candles among the ruins, perched on stone walls, stairs, and fallen columns. As the sky darkens, the candles begin to glow. Then, a …

When students join me in Provence for a French immersion stay, I want to make sure that they improve their language skills and also get a chance to visit the region. Below are a few excursions from Aix-en-Provence that I have taken with students during their visits. Some of these …

It’s hard to compete with a long list of magnificent, historically significant gardens in a country that includes gardens built for French royalty. The Palace of Versailles and its immaculate grounds are on your list of must-sees in Paris. Then there are the Jardins du Château de Fontainebleau south of …

The best thing about salads is their versatility. Some salads are delicate and meant to be eaten right away, and others are well-suited for transport to, say, a picnic or a potluck; some versions taste even better the following day. While many salads are typically cold or at room temperature, …

We almost always visit Avignon a few days after we arrive in Provence. Our home in Sablet (available for holiday rentals) is only about 40 kilometres away, so it’s a quick drive. The old part of Avignon is enclosed within ancient walls along the Rhone River. The largest town in …