Ashley Tinker’s Stunning Painting Exhibition Brings Sunflowers to Life in the Alpilles

Are you passionate about wine and art? Ashley Tinker, known as @curiousprovence on Instagram, presents her latest exhibition at Domaine de la Vallongue. Her canvases are displayed on the walls of the boutique at this picturesque vineyard in the Alpilles until August 31. Visit Domaine de la Vallongue to...

The Lost Children Author Susan McDonald Shares Her Writing Incites and Inspiration

The Lost Children is Susan McDonald’s debut book in a series set during wartime France, inspired by true stories, locations, and events from World War II. We enjoyed speaking with Susan about her novel, research, and writing process, and we invite you to read her responses below. Read our...

Literary Escape to Magical France: 6 Books for a Summer Reading List

Let the scent of lavender and the bustle of French boulevards spark your summer reading wanderlust. These six books whisk you away to Provence, Paris, and the French Riviera during WWII. To order, click on the book titles or covers. Romantic Fiction Carol Drinkwater: One Summer in Provence, A...

Need a Luxury Escape to Provence? Hotel Capelongue Delivers

Our vacation in Provence began with an overnight flight from North America to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, followed by the TGV to Avignon. As we wound through the Luberon Valley, our driver pointed out the famous perched villages. We caught a fleeting glimpse of Lacoste and its...

Top 23 Questions People Ask About Lavender in Provence

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...

Download Our Spring Menu Collection

This seasonal collection features 19 recipes, including starters, main courses, side dishes, and desserts. Featuring seasonal ingredients such as artichokes, asparagus, lamb, and strawberries. Download this PDF, which includes for recipes for entertaining at this time of the year.

Explore Provence

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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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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

The Reasons Why Visitors Choose Avignon, France, and Some Stay Longer

May 11, 2026
Maureen Steinberg grew up amid the sun-soaked energy of Southern California, spending years in the lively sprawl of Los Angeles. In 2020, she set out for something entirely new, trading LA’s endless buzz for Avignon’s gentle rhythms, a picturesque gem in France. That leap from the West Coast’s largest city to Avignon’s charm must have …
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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Guided Holiday Tours

What is the TripUSAFrance Tour Difference? Founder Julia Shares Her Story

May 1, 2026
Julia Girard-Gervois leads TripUSAFrance, a boutique travel agency she founded in 2015 alongside her parents in France. Their vision is simple: invite guests to discover southern France as locals do, with warmth and genuine connection. From April through September, they run tours in Normandy and Southern France. The TripUSAFrance tour group sizes are small to …
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Tastes of Provence

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Local Food Producers · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Lavender in Provence, from Farmers to Artisans to Recipes

In most people’s minds, lavender, rosé wine, and Provence are inseparable. As a result, the flowering lavender fields are a magnetic attraction for locals and visitors alike from mid-June until the middle of August. Farming Lavender The Romans first introduced the lavender plant to the South of France as they were aware of lavender’s health …
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Guest Post · Lunchtime Meals · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Tian Provencal Recipe a Vegetable Tart Flower

How do you make friends when we are all trying to self-isolate and social distance? You start scrolling through Instagram and stumble upon eye-catching feeds like frenchified_wife that then lead to Jane’s beautiful blog – On Mange. Jane has travelled extensively, a passionate cook she loves exercising her creative talents in the kitchen. Enjoy this spring-summer recipe …
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