Provence is the Right Place for Picnics

Our time in Provence passes far too easily. The days slip by in a gentle pattern of dog-walking, cycling, pottering around local villages and just sitting, chatting, whilst we set the world to rights.

I know we should be doing lots of other things too, like making the most of visiting local restaurants and enjoying evenings out, but however hard we have tried, it just isn’t us. I find I spend too much time stressing about what I should wear (from my extensive wardrobe of 2 dresses) and can never fully relax when we are out. But, I suppose after nearly 55 years, I should accept it. Continue reading here for Vaucluse Dreamer’s favourite picnics in Provence, along with her photos.

Picnic Ideas From Provence

Summer holidays call for easy recipes and portable meals that work just as well at the beach as on a buffet table. This summer picnic menu is inspired by the endless sunny days and cicada-filled symphonies of Provence. So enjoy summer this summer menu for dining al fresco with these easy to pack in your hamper.

Pissaladière Provencal

This recipe was created by David, it is a blend of several variations for the same dish. This version will serve 6 as a main course or 12 as an appetizer. 

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Grilled Sourdough Tartines with Ricotta, Peach and Basil

This recipe is a delicious combination of savoury (sourdough), creamy (ricotta), sweet (peach and honey), and tangy (chicory, radicchio, vinegar). Enjoy a DIY open-faced sandwich in the sun with a crisp rosé from Provence.

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Eggplant caviar

Roasting the eggplant softens the flesh and adds delicious flavour. Enjoy as an appetizer or a starter course.

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Fig, Walnut and Lardon Quiche

I love to make seasonal quiches, as there’s always a nice combination that will work. Figs are lovely with nuts, so you can make a very tasty number with some crushed almonds or walnuts, figs and some lardons for extra taste.

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Niçoise Salad

What is a true Niçoise salad? An authentic Niçoise is made with raw vegetables; only the eggs are cooked. You have anchovies or tuna, never the two. This salad can be a complete meal with some good bread and a glass of rosé!

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Clafoutis aux Cerises

A clafoutis is a very easy recipe to make. You leave the cherry pits in the fruit, otherwise they will change the colour of the desert.

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Make sure to include a bottle of chilled rosé or other beverage of your choice. This market bag also serves as a terrific picnic basket.

Enjoy this delightful book by Elizabeth Bard for some reading after your meal.

More on Picnics in Provence

Keith Van Sickles writes about the Secrets of St-Rémy: The Best Place for a Picnic.

In this article, Tasha Anne Powell explores the essential ingredients for Provencal picnics.

Julie Whitmarsh

Julie and her husband Andy started visiting the Vaucluse area 25 years ago & over the years have increased the amount of time they spend there with their growing family. She has a deep affection for the area, finding it is a great place to visit, where the whole family can relax and enjoy time together.

She longs for the day when she can ‘up-sticks’ from her home on Dartmoor & relocate to the Luberon and spend her days cycling, walking, visiting markets & brocante fairs and of course enjoying the local food and drink.

Her blog VaucluseDreamer gives her a space to highlight some of her favourite things about the area from places to visit to particular activities that she and her family all enjoy.

She hopes one day it will be a place where she can share the process of renovating a house in France, but at the moment that will have to wait.