InspireJulie Whitmarsh

Provence in Lavender Season Purple Fields Forever

I love our little corner of Provence, all year round, but there is something incredibly special about the time of year, when the area turns purple, with the Lavender fields exploding with colour, filling the air with scent as the flowers gently brush against each other in the breeze. The …

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Riding Mont Ventoux
ExploreJulie WhitmarshStay Fit

Riding Mont Ventoux Wasn’t My Plan

Sitting in the north of the Vaucluse, on the border with the Drome, Mont Ventoux dominates the skyline. This mountain, with its white-scree summit, is an iconic landmark and its profile is instantly recognizable from afar, even as far away as the Camargue. Mont Ventoux can be seen from many …

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Domaine viticole du Château La Martinette à Lorgues
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottTasteWines and Spirits of Provence

12 Wineries Grape Reasons to Visit Lorgues Terres de Vins

Why Visit Lorgues? Another agricultural town in the Var might not be on most travel agendas. But, if you love food, wine and history, it should be. Lorgues is a magnificent old Provencal village surrounded by olive groves, wheat fields and wineries – the Lorgues Terres de Vins. Wine is …

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Summer Festivals Events Provence Cote d'Azur
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottInspireWhat's On Provence & Cote d'Azur

2021 Summer Festivals in Provence & Cote d’Azur

What’s On in the South of France? During the summer in Provence and the Côte d’Azur, daytime temperatures range from warm to hot. So, you don’t need an excuse to laze by the pool. The lavender is in bloom at this time of year, and the sunflowers put on a …

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Aix-en-Provence Fresh Produce Market
Guest PostMarkets in Provence and Cote d'AzurTaste

Springtime at the Aix-en-Provence Markets

Provence takes a long time to wake up in the morning. Especially on market days in Aix-en-Provence. It may be cold, grey, and dark when the market vendors arrive, but eventually, the market starts to buzz when the sun rises. Vendors begin arriving at 5:30 am for set up. I …

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Spring Dinner Menu Paris French Menu 2021
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottProvencal RecipesSeasonal MenusTaste

A Spring Dinner Menu from Paris Part-Time

Chef, author, and part-time resident of Paris, Lisa Baker Morgan agreed to curate our Spring Menu. She brings together three (3) recipes that celebrate the best of spring flavours, including asparagus, morels and strawberries. Start your evening with a cocktail, perhaps a glass of French champagne or one of these …

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Sue Tipton Winemaker Lodi's Acquiesce Winery
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottTasteWines and Spirits of Provence

Lodi’s Acquiesce Winery Focused on Rhône-style Grapes

Producing only Rhône-style white and rosé wines, Acquiesce Winery is a maverick in Lodi, California. The appellation is known for its concentration of Zinfandel red wines. The San Francisco Chronicle included the Acquiesce Winery tasting room among its list of 52 vineyards to visit in 2020. When We Retire The …

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Rosé Wines of Provence
Guest PostTasteWines and Spirits of Provence

What’s Behind the Nose? Provence Rosé Wines

This article “Aromas in Rosé Not Found in Grapes” first appeared on Michèle Foster’s Think Pink Blog. Grapefruit, passionfruit, lemon zest … have you ever wondered how it’s possible to taste such a panoply of fruity aromas in Provence rosé that you don’t taste when you bite into a grape? …

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Lavender Explore Provence
Guest PostInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Lavender the Summer Blue-Gold Attraction of Provence

This guest post about the Lavender in Provence comes from Marie-Helene, the co-founder of the online store Remember Provence. They curate Provencal-themed housewares, gift items and culinary ingredients and ship to customers around the world. Remember, Provence represents only high-quality products produced traditionally. Please follow this link to read the original article. Blue …

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Vin Cuit Christmas Provence
Provence WineZineTasteWines and Spirits of Provence

Vin Cuit and Christmas in Provence

It’s that time of year again. Some people think of Christmas trees, beautifully wrapped presents tucked under the tree, and stockings by the chimney. We think of wine and food: what will we prepare, and which bottle of wine will marry best with our meal on Christmas Eve? And, of …

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