The fragrances of vanilla, cinnamon, citrus, dates, almonds, sesame seeds, ginger, and onions are intoxicating. I begin to wonder if I’m dreaming or floating on a magic carpet. A guided visit to Place des Épices, the colourful spice market, is one of many food lover’s experiences on the Pitcher & Powell …

Sometimes, a book’s title brings up old memories. Remember your first house? Sometime after college and into your career, all of a sudden you were no longer “playing house”. It was for real. The following is an excerpt from the book Playing House in Provence: How Two Americans Became a …

This recipe for Involtini di Pesce Spada is Italian at its base; however, all of the ingredients found in Provence. It is not uncommon that the local fish vendor displays fresh espadon on their stand.

When driving down the backroads of France near Uzés, it’s a common sight to ride alongside tall stone walls. You know these beautifully laid stones must conceal something amazing. Perhaps behind French garden walls, there’s a story to be told. Behind French Garden Walls Not too long ago I was …

Almonds, olives, tomatoes, and citrus fruit are some of the culinary signatures of the Mediterranean climate. In Provence, the citrus groves are found on the Côte d’Azur near Menton. There is no question that a visit Menton one year during the Fête du Citron is on my travel bucket list. However, …

Dutch-born Anne-Marie Simons is a traveller. She studied in Paris, worked in Brussels and then moved to the United States where for a long time she worked only to support her travel-bug. Today, Anne-Marie and her husband Oscar reside in Aix-en-Provence where she continues to hone her writing. The following …

A Day in Provence On a sunny late Spring morning, we gather on the terrace of our small, boutique hotel for breakfast. Over warm, freshly baked croissants, home-made jam, fresh fruit and local cheeses our group of six (6) contemplates the day’s itinerary. The topic of our French conversation this …

An Artist in Provence Born in London, Tessa Baker’s spent her early years in the English countryside. Her creative education included Chelsea School of Art and later at Slade School of Fine Arts. Baker also studied culinary arts in Switzerland. Fast forward, she has painted for over 30 years, and …

Hiking in the Luberon A sprinkling of rain the night before had almost foiled our perfect “meet-in-the-middle” plan. Agathe the creative face behind the beautiful blog “Live Love Provence” (here, is her profile) suggested that the Gorges de Régalon hike was located at about the halfway point for each of …

This article was written by Gayle Padgett Smith the author of Passion for Provence: 22 Keys to La Belle Vie. She shares that she is no longer a virgin to the olivade (olive harvest) St. Remy de Provence. Here, is our book review on Passion for Provence a Memoir by Gayle …