I was having a delicious dinner with a girlfriend when she reminded me of something I hadn’t thought about in ages. We met working at an advertising agency many, many years ago. I had just moved to Calgary from Toronto, it was August and I was desperately missing my end-of-summer …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Returning to Aix last week, it was good to see the textile market stalls back together in the Cours Mirabeau after being scattered around during the Christmas period; but further changes are afoot from June onwards and the stall holders are not happy. All three markets …

Many years ago I met a charming couple from California while at the winery in Provence. They were staying on the property for a week and we hit it off immediately. I adore California wine country, and they love Provence so we had a great deal to talk about. One …

Fennel bulbs are in season and looking good! I must admit, and you’ve probably noticed, that I am obsessed with markets. Despite generally scheduling my entire week around whichever market I would like to visit, I sometimes just can’t get to the market I want to with the best produce. …

As a mother of 2 rugby-loving teenage boys, I know that there is potentially a very short shelf-life for any nice pieces of pottery in our house, which is such a pity. I must admit that both my hubby and I look forward to the day when we may be …

My local farm shop is selling these tender shoots at the moment. Large baskets of the just-picked leaves are set up to pick and choose. I originally placed only 2 varieties in my basket before I was told that the combination of Roquette (Arugula), Pissenlit (dandelion) and Mezzona makes the …

I’m walking briskly through the streets at 8 am. The greys and blues of St. Remy compliment this time of day. I am a creature of habit. The sun will be hitting the terrace at Café de la Place soon. My morning coffee is waiting. Continue reading here to learn …

No snow yet this year! The villages of Provence become quiet after the holidays. People tend to stay in, stoke their living room fires, and leave a pot au feu (stew) on the stove for many hours. There are fewer of the festivals that celebrate one particular type of local …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: Ho ho ho! The festive season has crept up on me once again and I’ve been so busy with my kids picking up every cough or virus found on a school playground, and juggling lots of Christmas events that I didn’t get around to …

Christmas markets in France are becoming increasingly popular every year, yet when many people think of Christmas markets in Europe, France probably doesn’t even spring to mind. A quick internet search will throw up many suggestions for Germany and Austria, maybe Belgium too, but France doesn’t often feature. Continue reading …