We departed Lourmarin just as winter had arrived, with Christmas around the corner. The trees were almost bare, only a few remnants of their golden autumn gown still clinging to the branches. Temperatures had fallen, especially when the Mistral blew her cruel, icy breath down the Rhône Valley. There were …

There’s something special about entertaining during the holidays, especially for those who love playing host or hostess. So whether you have brunch, lunch or dinner guests, it’s festive to break out the best china, silverware, and crystal to honour your guests and celebrate your friendship—the French refer to creating a …

Included The owners of Riviera Experience, Shelley and Riccardo, are originally from southern California. However, living in Villefranche-sur-Mer for 20+ years and running their holiday rental company, they have a long list of favourite things to do in town and nearby. Guests staying in their nine (9) beautifully appointed apartments …

Colder weather in Provence, or anywhere else, is the perfect excuse for making hearty dishes and serving wines that complement the earthy flavours. Below is a recipe for grilled lamb shoulder with a lemon, garlic, and rosemary infusion from author, chef, and journalist Susan Herrmann Loomis. This recipe comes from …

Born in Nice, Alex Benvenuto has lived in this French Riviera city for most of his life and is passionate about the local culinary traditions – the Cuisine Nissarde. The Côte d’Azur native has a diverse resume of educational, work, and leisure pursuits. After graduating with a Doctorate in Economics …

Author, chef, and journalist Susan Herrmann Loomis shares her recipe (below) for a delicious lemon tart. One of the recipes in her cookbook Plat du Jour: French Dinners Made Easy, this French classic tarte au citron is the perfect balance of sweet and sour. The recipe is straightforward, and the …

Made with olive oil and egg yolks, aioli (aïoli) is a popular sauce in the South of France. Susan Herrmann Loomis shares her recipe for this garlic mayonnaise below. This recipe comes from her cookbook French Grill: 125 Refined & Rustic Recipes, published in 2018. In addition to publishing 14 best-selling …

In 1991, Henri Cosquer made a remarkable discovery: he found a grotto filled with prehistoric paintings. Even more remarkable is that the cave is only accessible via an underwater passageway. Diving Discovery Cosquer was a professional diver, leading underwater tours around the Calanques National Park near Marseille. He also dove …

Whether you arrived in Nice, France, by air, train, ship, or car, why not stretch your legs with a walk along the coastline? Generally, the following seaside walks are moderate and not too strenuous. Your reward with little effort is a collection of fabulous vistas. Coastal Walks Near Nice Maps …

Let me start by saying this is not eggplant parmesan. Yes, it has eggplant and includes Parmigiano-Reggiano, but it is not the dish you might expect. This side dish is delicious in every season. Serve hot in the fall and winter and at room temperature in other months. The eggplant …