Provençal Christmas traditions are rooted in both charming local customs and historical religious rituals. During this festive season, called Calendale, villages throughout Provence host Christmas Markets, Santons Fairs, Lighting Festivals and Tours of Nativity Scenes leading up to Le Gros Souper on Christmas Eve and Les Treize desserts following Midnight Mass. Rent a luxury villa […]
Tag: What To Do In Provence
Palmiers Recipe
Palmiers Recipe Palmers are a delightful pastry and wonderful in their simplicity. In less than an hour and with just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious dessert or tea time snack. Preparation could not be easier, and after making these just one time, you’ll be able to make Palmiers without a recipe and […]
11 Fun Things About Gordes
11 Fun Things About Gordes While Renting Your Luxury Villa Designated one of the most beautiful villages in France, Gordes resides on a giant cal-careous rock from the monts de Vaucluse in Provence. An inspiration to artists such as Marc Chagall, the panoramic views of the Luberon valley from this hilltop village are nothing short […]
Winter Festivals in Provence
Is there anything better than sitting around the fireplace with family and friends on a brisk, winter’s evening? Yes, yes there is —sitting around the fireplace at a luxury vacation villa in Provence. Consider visiting Provence in the off season. The weather may be a bit crisp, but it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy winter […]
Goat Cheese Nirvana
Goat Cheese Nirvana I am a bona fide goat cheese lover. If you’re not, I implore you to sample some real, honest to goodness, French goat cheese and just try to resist it’s magical spell. French goat cheese, or chèvre, comes in a variety of shapes and styles, diverse flavor profiles and textures. Often named […]
Two Great Restaurants In Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is often called a mini-Paris, as it’s very walkable with excellent shopping and an abundance of restaurants. Known for the fountains throughout the city and the Plane trees that line the every popular Cours Mirabeau, Aix is an easy city to negotiate on foot, but a map certainly doesn’t hurt. There are markets from […]
Beef Carpaccio Salad Recipe
On a hot summer day in the south of France, my lunch entrée of choice is Beef Carpaccio Salad. While beef doesn’t immediately make you think ‘refreshing,’this salad is almost always exactly that. Raw beef is sliced paper thin and usually topped with arugula, parmesan and a light, tangy dressing (pesto is my favorite). […]
Artichoke Tapenade Recipe
This condiment/spread/dip comes together quickly and easily – and tastes delicious. Tapenade can be altered to your taste – more olives, less olives, leave out the artichoke and add in some sun-dried tomatoes, add herbs or spices. […]
Aperitif – One of Life’s Small Pleasures of French Lifestyle
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 […]
Wine Cooperatives In South Of France
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 […]
