Where are the vegetables? Do you find yourself grappling with the “myth” of French gastronomy? French Riviera Green Cuisine Expecting to eat mightily well in France, I think the most commonly penned critique among omnivores, is the lack of vegetables. Frustrating of course, and even more so for visitors who are …

While planning your Provence adventure, make sure your lodging, whether hotel, villa, or Airbnb, is located conveniently to the region’s best restaurants. Dining is an important part of the Provence experience, so here is a short list of highly regarded restaurants in the region. L’Oustalet, Gigondas The gem of the …

Cultural Arles The newly-created arts and cultural centre, LUMA, based in the old railway sheds, has a handful of shows this summer and fall. Headlining them is Gilbert & George: THE GREAT EXHIBITION (1971-2016), an 80-work retrospective that will occur until 6th January. I also like the sound of ‘Une Histoire …

Now the summer has arrived, it’s the perfect time for a trip down to one of Marseille’s southerly beaches, Pointe Rouge. It’s sandy and sheltered, and the lifeguards are already in place. It was developed in the 60s, and the marina now hosts 1,800 boats. Continue reading here for details …

We enjoyed another fine meal at La Bartavelle in Goult. Their prix-fixe menu gives a choice of three starters including local seasonal asparagus, in the spring. Whilst main courses included a fish choice (wild Turbot), Beef or Rabbit which I had, and it was superb, (see picture). …Continue reading here …

Gordes—a stunning village indeed. Yet, there never seemed to be a memorable place to eat in the village—until now. Perched on a cliff, across from the village, lies a small boutique hotel called le Mas des Romarins. We just happened to discover it and its beautiful view of Gordes one …

I wonder if you have visited Anticafé Aix yet? Founded two years ago, its principle is that customers pay per hour. Your 5 euros per hour gets you as much coffee or tea as you like, plus there are breakfast cereals, bread to toast with jam, or later in the …

“Every Day My Cooking Has to be Great”  Bon rapport qualité-prix. It means “good value for money” and it’s one of my favorite French expressions because…who doesn’t love a great value? So I was delighted to learn that Emmanuel Billaud, the chef at Le Clos Saint Roch in Maussane-les-Alpilles, was …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Some days ago, I read this comment on Aixcentric: “In your very comprehensive survey of Aix restaurants, I couldn’t find any mention of House of Cookies, rue Boulegon (but maybe it’s just my mistake!) It’s a lovely place, American vintage-oriented, and the owner, Laetitia, makes the …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: It was a surprise when ‘Happy Days’, the café in the corner of Place Richelme was demolished before Christmas; it always seemed busy. But now Le Petit Bistrot is in its place and it is a delightful place to have a petit dej’, coffee or …