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...

Music in Aix-en-Provence: A New Photo Exhibition

A new photo exhibition in Aix-en-Provence showcases the city’s music over the past century. Music in Aix will take place in the Hôtel Boadès, an historic building in the center of town, steps from the tourist office. The show is organized by the CEPPIA Foundation, which manages the photographic...

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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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Guided Holiday Tours

Want to Understand Olive Traditions? Book Curated Travel to Provence

May 15, 2026
Martine Bertin-Peterson, the founder of Goût et Voyage LLC, runs small-group tours in Provence, Umbria, Normandy, and Morocco. Creating unforgettable travel memories, Martine serves as the escort for all Goût et Voyage culinary travel adventures. These tours bring together her lifelong passions for travel, cooking, and culture. In Provence, Umbria, and Morocco, olives and olive …
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Tastes of Provence

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Provencal Recipes · Salad · Taste

Discover the Authentic Salade Niçoise Recipe from Nice

La Salade Niçoise is a classic meal-sized salad (salade composée) with local, seasonal ingredients. As the name indicates, this salad originates from the French Riviera city of Nice, an attractive destination with vineyards within city limits and 10 kilometres of coastline. However, like many recipes, there are endless variations, but a real Salada Nissarda follows …
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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Main Course · Provencal Recipes · Taste · Veal

Veal Tenders with Black Truffle and Wine Reduction Sauce – Tendrons de veau du rabassier – tuber brumale

Since the 18th century, the black truffle—known as the diamant noir or “black diamond”—has held a place of honour in French gastronomy. King François I famously insisted it appear at every meal, favouring the prized Périgord truffles from Provence. Today, France remains the world’s leading producer, with the Vaucluse region at the heart of its …
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Provencal Recipes · Side Dish · Stephanie Villegas · Taste

Grilled Summer Vegetables and Atelier Laurel’s Signature Vinaigrette

There is luxury in a platter of perfectly grilled summer vegetables. What brings everything together is Laurel’s signature vinaigrette. The brightness of the lemon and vinegar is rounded out with garlic, shallot, Dijon and a touch of honey. It soaks into the warm vegetables, enhancing their flavours. There are no complicated techniques, just high-quality ingredients …
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