I’m a bit of a fig purist. A fresh fig, just off the tree, still warm from the sun, is my idea of heaven. These are hard to come by, though, and the truth is I like figs in any form: as jam, in a tart, dried, broiled, even as ice cream. […]
Pistou is an infinitely adaptable condiment from Provence. A classic pistou consists of four simple ingredients: basil, garlic, olive oil and salt, but is quite accommodating to various herbs or the addition of nuts and/or cheese (which would make it more akin to Italy’s pesto). […]
A French-style tomato tart is wonderfully simple and delicious. This tart is a canvas that can be tailored to your taste – add herbs to the crust, use different flavors of mustard or experiment with various cheeses. […]
A vacation in the south of France should absolutely include a trip to Saint Remy de Provence. Close to the Luberon, and just south of Les Alpilles (mountain range) near Avignon, St. Remy is known as the birthplace of Nostradamus, the village where Van Gogh sought refuge and a delight for visitors exploring Inland Provence. […]
Read More… from 10 Great Reasons To Visit Saint-Remy-de-Provence
Perhaps my favorite French custom is l’heure de l’apéritif, a time to transition between the day’s activities and the evening meal with a beverage and a few nibbles. Apéritif, derived from the Latin aprire, meaning ‘to open’, is designed to open up the palate and stimulate the appetite. A light alcoholic beverage and a few […]
Read More… from Aperitif – One of Life’s Small Pleasures of French Lifestyle
In France every region has their own wine cooperative, called cave (pronounced with a soft a, like ‘ahhh’). In Provence, you can find caves in almost every village, large or small. As you explore the villages of the South of France, we recommend stopping in for a browse and tasting wherever you can. When you […]
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a hotspot for luxury villa rentals due to its proximity to the Luberon, Avignon, other quaint Provencal villages and the wide variety of amenities and services offered within the village. While on vacation in Provence, be sure to visit Saint-Rémy on a Wednesday to enjoy the market. Well known as one of the best […]
Read More… from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence on Market Day: A Tour for Your Senses
Rose-growers from France and abroad showcase their newest roses at AlteraRosa in the Benoit XII cloister, a lovely courtyard at the Pope’s Palace in Avignon from May 29th to June 1st 2014. […]
An age old tradition in the life of a Provençal family, are enjoyed after Gros Souper, which is equivalent to our Christmas dinner. The origin of the Thirteen Desserts seems to be part of the tradition of opulence in the Mediterranean regions. Combined with the religious element, this tradition gave the Christmas season its festive […]
If there is one dish that characterizes Mediterranean summer food, it is Ratatouille. The very name conjures up a delightful mélange of not only flavors and colors but somehow, at least in some minds, also the sound of a drum roll by Magnus Kilian-former director of admin for Only Provence. One of the beauties of […]
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Only Provence co-founder Lydia Dean writes about their experiences raising a family, building a business in Provence, and later combining the love of travel with giving back in "Jumping the Picket Fence”. In 2021, she published “Light Through the Cracks,” a continuation of her journey, much of which has been based in Provence. Both books are available Amazon, Amazon.uk, and Amazon.Fr.
