As in many parts of the world, hot summer months in Provence bring an increased risk of forest fires. Fire in the Olives If we ever needed a reminder that all it takes is a spark, our friends at Les Pastras lost 180 olive trees to a grass fire on …

What about a savoury snack or nibble with a glass of rosé? This savoury quick loaf a Ham and Olive Cake is a great snack or pre-dinner bite. It’s often enjoyed by kids here in France when they get home from school for their goûter. In French, this is called Cake aux Olives et Jambon – yes they use the English word “cake.”

Olives from Provence In the Alpilles, near the Vallée des Baux, there is nothing that signals that autumn has arrived more than the olive harvest. The exact timing of the récolte depends on Mother Nature’s impact on the fruit’s maturity. Like every crop, farmers hope to get the timing right …

This recipe combines the best flavours of Provence in one dish – seafood, olives, fennel and rosé. The very talented Gemma Wade crafted these ingredients into a delicious and almost too beautiful to eat Olive Tapenade Crusted Cod with Fennel Braised in Rosé. This dish was part of an Easter …

At least once a year we head to the Jean Martin Boutique in Maussane-les-Alpilles for a cooking class. The Ateliers de Cusine are short workshop-style classes which last for two and a half (2 1/2) hours. The menus change roughly every two months, but the class format is always the …

Provence Olives and Olive Oil The Provencal climate is ideal for olive trees, grapevines and other drought-resistant crops. Olive trees thought to have originated in Northern Africa grow readily in countries bordering the Mediterranean. The olive branch has long been a symbol of peace and abundance. Cuisine and religion unite …

Goat Cheese and Olives The Provencal diet is a Mediterranean one that relies heavily on local produce, seafood, cheese, olives and olive oil. In Provence, locals eat “de saison” focusing on what is in season and fresh at the market. A visitor to the area should certainly try some- if …

In a climate where fennel grows wild and, olive oil production is big business this tangy salad is a tribute to the landscape. This citrus salad incorporates many ingredients native to the South of France and the Mediterranean Basin. Gemma Wade prepared this salad as a side dish for the Easter lunch menu

Guest Post: Gayle Padgett Smith 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 …

Take a November Break Sadly, the month of November does not have the relaxed feel of those long mid-July days, or the stress of back-to-school (la rentrée) in September, or the anticipation of the December holidays. So, why not insert a bit of excitement into this dull month and gather …