Provence offers a veritable bounty of things to enjoy for visitors, from its world-famous lavender fields and olive groves to luxurious, historic towns and cities such as Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez. Whether you’re travelling to this southeastern region of France bordering the Mediterranean Sea for a holiday or to live …

Petits Farcis is a traditional Provencal dish. The exact origins are up for debate as residents of Nice claim the recipe for their own. My version of stuffed aubergine (eggplant) is suitable for a vegetarian or vegan (if you leave out the parmesan cheese) diets. This recipe was one of …

Have you ever done a basic search about books set in Provence? If so, it is quite possible that Peter Mayle was one of the first names to pop up, and for good reason. This is the man who is responsible for ultra-famous books such as A Year In Provence, …

In a “normal” year, we would attend several cooking classes and culinary demonstrations. Instead, we seem to be buying more cookbooks and trying new recipes, but miss a chef’s creative buzz. The great news is many of our favourite culinary experts and cooking schools have moved to online formats allowing …

As I write this article in early October, the harvest season is still underway in Provence, but I can already tell you that the 2020 season will go down as one of the most memorable in history! Harvest Labour In particular, sourcing harvesters has been particularly problematic because of the …

I don’t think I could survive without our Sunday Heirloom Farmers Market in Tuscon, especially these days when we need lots of good fruits and vegetables to keep us healthy and strong. But I also get great cheeses, fish, poultry, and meats there. It is a wonderful market. Although I have …

Renowned for its breathtaking architecture, Southern France is one of the globe’s most popular destinations among tourists. The reason for this revolves around its undeniable depth of culture. As well as taking in the picturesque scenery while enjoying local wine and delicious cuisine, Southern France doesn’t shy away from providing …

A debate is raging over what constitutes a “correct” salade Niçoise. To the purists, the rules are clear: no vinegar, no lettuce, no fresh tuna, and no boiled vegetables, like potatoes or green beans. If you add any of these, you will be labelled as a heretic and sent to …

Lively Lourmarin In August, the tiny villages of Provence swell with visitors from around the world and Lourmarin is no exception. At Café Gaby – if you are lucky enough to find a table on market day – you might hear German, Dutch, Chinese, Russian, and various forms of English, …

One of the most famous locations on the French Riviera is the glamorous principality of Monaco. Although it is a separate country to France, it’s close proximity to Nice makes it a great place to head for a day out. Not only is it packed with beautiful views, stunning architecture, …