Jessica and Elodie are celebrating an anniversary. These tourism graduates launched their travel agency Provence Authentic one year ago, in January 2015. Originally from Lyon, Jessica has lived in Provence for a decade, and Elodie is local. She was born in Carpentras, only 15kms away from their headquarters in Vacqueyras. …

Book review of Patricia Wells’ The Provence Cookbook: 175 Recipes and a Select Guide to the Markets, Shops, & Restaurants of France’s Sunny South, Harper Collins Publishers, First Edition, New York, 2004. When I was a college professor, I used to tell my students that early on in their lives …

In April, La Tuiliere B&B in Cadenet will become a flurry of foodie activity as photographers, stylists and chefs descend on this typically quiet country inn. The powerhouse team of Denise Vivaldo, Cindie Flannigan, Christina Peters and Tasha Powell have developed a 5-day workshop that runs from April 12 to …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: No snow yet this year! The villages of Provence become quiet after the holidays. People tend to stay in, stoke their living room fires, and leave a pot au feu (stew) on the stove for many hours. There are fewer of the festivals that celebrate …

Admittedly, it would be a tough choice for anyone to pick between, between the lush gardens of the UK, the sunny skies of California and postcard perfect Provence. Caroline Longstaffe’s solution was to start writing a blog Shutters and Sunflowers her artistic outlet for west coast beauty, British heritage and …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Christmas in Aix is lovely; the colourful lights, the busy markets, the crowds rushing round the shops and watching the children’s rides all make the festive season in Provence so special. Here is the new Aix magazine which has full details: Aixmagazine_site In brief, these …

Looking for an alternative to gluhwein and gingerbread this festive season? Or simply looking for a chance to find your festive spirit? Luckily, as with every year, numerous events are taking place throughout the vineyards of Provence to help us get into the Christmas mood, such as traditional Christmas markets. …

Christmas Market in Fontvieille The last Sunday in November there has been for the past 6 years the Foire Gourmand au Gras. This annual market is not for the faint of heart. It’s here that many locals stock up on Christmas seasonal treats from the South West of France. The …

Hilda Stearn tries to visit Provence every November in time for the Christmas markets. Here, is the story from her 2014 visit: A bit of artistic license perhaps as our visit was in early December! However, it is something of a ritual that we visit the Christmas market in Avignon …

Need some ideas for souvenirs and presents to take home? Check out Christmas Presents from Provence and kitchen essentials for an aspiring Provencal cook. Speaking of Christmas the “marchés de noël” starts up in every town and village in late November. Of course there is food, that pretty much goes …