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 not all - of the local specialities. Goat cheese, or "chevre" as it is known in French is ubiquitous in Provence. There are many different types, different shapes and different colors. Fresh goat cheese is white, cream

Unlike the larger, more populated villages of Bonnieux and Menerbes, just a short drive away, you won't find any shops or boutiques or fine dining restaurants in the tiny, sleepy town of Lacoste. What the town lacks in tourist amenities however, is made up by spectacular views, cobblestone streets, ancient stone houses and medieval walls. Crowning the hilltop are the ruins of the 11th century chateau, originally owned by the Simiane family and acquired in the 18th century by

L'Aile ou la Cuisse, in the heart of Saint Rémy, is a fun, casual, bustling family owned bistro. It is an excellent choice for lunch or for dinner and reservations are strongly advised. The restaurant's name translates to "the wing or the thigh" and true to its name, "l’incontournable coquelet rôti" ("an unmissable roasted young cockerel") served with puréed potatoes and a foie gras sauce is a popular menu item. The 37 euro menu includes a choice of 4-5 starters, 4-5 main cou

It is often said that it is hard to get a bad meal in Provence. Whereas it might be difficult to get a truly bad meal, it is not that hard to get a mediocre meal and really, who wants a mediocre meal? During my annual travels to the region, I continue to refine my list of favorite restaurants - those where you can actually get a fine meal at a fair price, coupled with friendly, attentive service and often a beautiful setting. Some of these restaurants have been on my list fo

Visiting Provence is not just about ticking off the towns and sites you have read about and want to see. I highly recommend allowing for some "down time" to immerse yourself in the rhythm of local life and experience the simple pleasures available to those who reside in Provence everyday. Perfectly Provence recently captured my ideas in the article below. #Provence #Provencetourism #OppedeleVieux #market

One thing that always warms my heart during the holidays in Provence is the culture’s commitment to quality and tradition. We always see pictures of the endless lavender fields and crystal azure skies, but I feel as though Christmas time is when the real Provence shines brightest. Free from the bustle of the tourist season, locals put on fantastic holiday festivities. My favorite of these wintery traditions is the creation of les santons. Crafted by local artists, the history

Picturesque to the utmost degree, Gordes rises above the lush Imergue Valley and faces the Luberon mountains. Considered by many to be the most beautiful village in Provence, Gordes is classified in the category of “Plus Beaux Villages de France.” With a view that is beyond compare it is not hard to see why. One of my favorite features of this village are its “calades” which are narrow, cobblestone walkways, just wide enough for foot traffic. The town does not make driving ea

Nearing the end of a very long Indian summer, a chill in the air is finally present in Provence and everyone is gearing up for an eventful fall and winter. Thanks to our agricultural roots, the time of year surrounding the harvest is always filled with joy, togetherness, and community. Some of the things I look forward to most in the fall are the Provençal markets, events, and festivals. No matter what your passion is, there is something for everyone. I am particularly excite

Oppède-le-Vieux is one of my favorite Luberon hill towns. Surrounded by lush, overgrown vegetation, Oppède-le-Vieux is a small and partially-abandoned village tucked into the northern slope of the Luberon. Unlike some of the other charming villages in the Luberon, I find Oppède-le-Vieux to be nostalgically raw and unpolished. Skeletons of abandoned houses line the town’s cobblestone grand rue and its gardens overflow with local fig trees and vines. When I want to escape crowd