Through my Uzès experience,  I’ve known and written about quite a few artists. Yet there was something extraordinary about meeting Simon James aside from his status as an award-winning writer and illustrator. Meeting Simon James Living in a “red zone” COVID world,  I miss the small, intimate art exhibitions that …

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 …

Susan Gish may not have a long history of reading works by Marcel Proust, but she shares his love for the classic French cookie-cake = madeleines. She wrote the following, “All I knew was that I am addicted to them. Not all madeleines, just those from Christophe Madeleines in Aix-en-Provence. …

In Provence, with ready access to fresh seafood use cod (cabillaud) or sea-bream (daurade). We decided to serve this fish and fennel chowder around our outdoor fireplace enjoying an al fresco dinner with friends.

Visiting local vineyards for a walk, tasting, and some art should provide a perfect outing for these days of social distancing. Here are a few suggestions by region: Luberon Vineyards: Wine and gourmet food are reasons to visit Chateau la Coste (near Aix-en-Provence), but there is no question the contemporary …

Also known as Fourmade, is at its very core a hearty soup made by impoverished people to provide an inexpensive and healthy filling meal. This soup surprisingly rich and luxurious tasting. Once you make the basic recipe try embellishing with leeks, chickpeas, grated Parmesan, cooked rice or even croutons fried in olive oil.

Based in the United States, author Raylene Abbott’s work surrounds spiritual training with mentors from Native American and other sacred backgrounds. Her studies of the Black Madonna began in 1992 and eventually led to a lengthy stay in France where she traced religious pilgrimage routes. In 2014, she discovered her …

Provencal cuisine is a tapestry of culinary influences from all over the Mediterranean, including North Africa. One dish that is perfect for al fresco festive occasions is lamb mechoui (or méchoui) slow-roasted on a spit. For those unfamiliar with mechoui, it is a festive lamb dish from North Africa. It’s usually made from …

Travel in Provence, France and the rest of the world became a lot more complicated this spring, but not impossible. The following guest post by Molly Crockett outlines a few ideas and tips on how best to avoid the crowds when travelling in the South of France. Thanks to the …