Customs and terminology can be confusing in a foreign country, and France is no exception. North Americans and other international travellers might not understand (or search for) terms like gîte, mazet, chambres d’hôtes, or hôtel de charme. What is a Gîte? A gîte is a terrific option for holiday rentals …

This restaurant, a bar-tabac (café, bar, restaurant and more), is the beating heart of St-Rémy-de-Provence. St-Rémy-de-Provence is famous for its Roman ruins, a Wednesday morning market, and former residents like Vincent van Gogh and Nostradamus. A stop in St-Rémy should be on every tourist’s itinerary in Provence. My wife and …

Chefs in Provence build their menus around seasonal, locally available produce, small-batch cheeses, ethically raised meats and Mediterranean seafood. However, as a visitor, knowing where to go for good value food is not always evident. So we asked the owners of Le Prieuré La Madelène for suggestions on places they …

Spring Events in Provence Springtime in Provence is lovely. As with most of the year, the sun shines brightly, but you should expect an odd rainstorm. Moisture in this period is critical for the grapes, olives, and almonds to start their growing cycles. You will see the apple, pear, apricot, …

Mont Ventoux soars from the Provencal orchards and vineyards to its stark limestone summit at 1909 metres (6,263 ft). In the winter, the top of Mont Ventoux can have snow, and then a tiny ski hill operates. The stark white limestone peak is visible all year from a fair distance …

Nice is a city for food lovers. It is the only city in France with a wine appellation inside the city limits. The mild Mediterranean climate means fresh produce and ready access to seafood all year. Cuisine Nissarde is a culinary label that designates traditional recipes and restaurants that make …

Holiday Wishes! Happy, Healthy Holidays to all! After a year that felt a little more “normal”, it’s time to wish all our readers and partners the best for this joyful season. However, before we head out on a technology break, we want to acknowledge all our terrific contributors: Inspired by …

Generally speaking, candy can be tricky to make, but truffles are not that complicated. The recipe below for chocolate lavender truffles comes from the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm. It is easy to follow and the results are delicious. Serve the truffles for dessert or wrap them in an attractive …

Once a private residence to the east of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and near Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Villa Kérylos sits prominently on a rocky outcrop with a panoramic visit. Kérylos is a Greek word for a kingfisher bird and an omen of good luck. Villa Kérylos History Théodore Reinach commissioned the construction of a …

Cynthia Moos, the founder of Best French Forever, is giving away one Wellness à la Française box to a lucky winner. Provence’s Alpilles region and its villages remain close to Cynthia’s heart even after several years of living in the United States. She returned to France for a family visit …