Olives in Provence and More Fall Treasures To Discover in a Weekend

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” ― Albert Camus Fall Weekend in Provence Late fall lacks the relaxed feel of those long mid-July days, the stress of back-to-school (la rentrée) in September, and the anticipation of the December holidays. However, it’s a great time...

2026 Fall Festivals and Events in Provence

Fall Events and Festivals in Provence As temperatures drop in Provence in autumn, restaurant menus shift toward heartier dishes. Enjoy slow-roasted meat (lamb, wild boar, bull (taureaux), rabbit, fowl) with herbes de Provence and seasonal root vegetables. These recipes pair well with well-balanced red wine blends from the Rhône...

UNESCO Royal Fortresses of Languedoc: Cathars and Castles of Southern France

Who were the Cathars of Southern France? Did they build castle-fortresses in Languedoc? Let’s find out. In the 13th century, the Pope joined with the King of France to launch a crusade against the Cathars, a heretical sect that thrived in the Languedoc region of France. It was a...

Changing How We Travel: An Exclusive Interview with Alastair Sawday

We love receiving questions from Perfectly Provence readers about travel and places to stay. So, when Alastair Sawday himself, the visionary behind Sawday’s, reached out in search of an “old contact in Provence,” we were thrilled. His friend, once an inspector for Sawday’s Special Places and a regional guide,...

5 Provencal Villages to Visit from the Mountains to the Mediterranean

Dreaming of southern France? Provence welcomes you from snow-capped Alps to sunlit shores, where each village—from mountain heights to the Mediterranean—unfolds its own tale. In this article, we invite you to discover five Provencal gems: Banon, Tourtour, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Menton, and Villefranche-sur-Mer. As we move from wild mountain vistas to...

Download Our Summer Menu Collection

Featuring 25 recipes from the South of France for summer weather, along with menu suggestions, all designed to make your cooking experience enjoyable. Download this PDF, which includes recipes for starters, main courses, side dishes, and desserts.

Explore Provence

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

5 Provencal Villages to Visit from the Mountains to the Mediterranean

August 28, 2026
Dreaming of southern France? Provence welcomes you from snow-capped Alps to sunlit shores, where each village—from mountain heights to the Mediterranean—unfolds its own tale. In this article, we invite you to discover five Provencal gems: Banon, Tourtour, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Menton, and Villefranche-sur-Mer. As we move from wild mountain vistas to vibrant seaside towns, each destination reveals …
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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

Exploring Provence: Why L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a Town Worth Visiting

June 29, 2026
In Provence, there are plenty of interesting villages and towns to visit. So, is L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue a town worth exploring? Absolutely! L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, often called the “Venice of Provence,” is a magical place. Its picturesque canals, famous Sunday market, antique vendors, old town, and ancient water wheels create an enchanting experience in Provence. In this article, we …
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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Road Trips South of France

Top 23 Questions People Ask About Lavender in Provence

June 8, 2026
The Romans first introduced the lavender plant to the South of France in approximately the 2nd century B.C.E. Although lavender grows throughout the Mediterranean region, it is one of Provence’s most iconic symbols. To better understand the role lavender plays in this region, we answer the top questions people ask about lavender in Provence. Lavender …
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Tastes of Provence

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Provencal Recipes · Side Dish · Taste

Make a Ratatouille Version from Nice – La Ratatouia Nissarda

Dishes such as ratatouille, pan bagnat, panisse, soup au pistou, and salade Niçoise appear on menus throughout the South of France. Many cooks have time-tested variations on these recipes, which may be delicious, but don’t quite follow the Cuisine Nissarde traditions. Although ratatouille is known around the globe, the authentic version requires the freshest ingredients …
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