le journal

On the first Sunday in August, a work of art unfolds in the village of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue in Provence. The village hosts a floating market, where a carnival of colors is laid out for everyone to imbibe. I like to go...

Lavender: the emblem of Provence. A trip to the Plateau de Valensole is an all-senses journey. The whir of bees buzzing intensely fills the air. The sharp, clean perfume of the lavender is intoxicating. The rows of lavender stretch out...

Aix-en-Provence is a pearl of towns in Southern France. Its cerulean skies, mossy fountains singing an intonation, crooked buildings bowing together under their age, its shutters - their classic pewter against golden walls, make for an all-senses feast. Aix’s size makes...

Lavender is the emblem of Provence, n’est-ce pas? Not in the month of May! This month, the fields are roaring red all over the south of France. Poppies grow randomly and en masse in the fields that line the small,...

When we moved to France five years ago, one of the first things I planned was a spring trip to Holland to visit the tulip fields. They were indeed spectacular, but little did I know, similar fields were growing right...

Wild February almond blossoms Spring in Provence is glorious. It is a region of endless groves of fruit trees - buds swelling and bursting in February, March and April. We have been in Provence for five springs now and the...

As we spring forward to the new season we want to share our favorite Instagram accounts that will take you on a virtual voyage to Provence. See life in Provence through the eyes of expats from Canada, England, and the...

Here’s a short video clip that inspired us to share this quote. After a drama-filled match between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, Osaka is crowned the victor during the US Open Women’s Ceremony. Serena Williams comforts her as the 20-year...

It’s a four day Holiday weekend so you know what that means. Movie night! Set up some snacks and get cozy because we have some ideas for you courtesy of our friends in France. We've included the trailers below. A...

Every year on the 2nd of February, families all over France eat crêpes. The celebration is called “La Chandeleur” (Candlemas in English) and represents the final custom linked to the Christmas celebrations. La Chandeleur falls 40 days after the birth...

In early January in France the boulangerie windows are replete with Galettes des Rois (King's Cakes). The Epiphany celebrates the arrival and gifts of the Magi after Christ's birth. As part of this holiday, French families sit together and partake...

Christmas is a particularly festive time in Provence, France. The region often remains temperate and sunny through December; the cold mistral wind generally doesn’t take hold until January. On clear, sunny days (often on Christmas) families eat their holiday meal...

INGREDIENTS 3/4 cup sugar (for the caramel) 8 apples (Golden Delicious, Fuji, Gala) 2.5 cups sugar 2.5 cups unsalted butter 17.5 ounces water 2 vanilla beans 9 ounces pie crust Tablespoon or 2 of apricot jam DIRECTIONS 1. GATHER INGREDIENTS...

The Streets of Aix Aix-en-Provence (“Aix,” to most locals) is a town set in the very heart of Provence, France. The palette of its streets is gilded, even in the depths of winter. Its many moss-covered fountains, some thermal, serenade...

Here's a simple recipe I’ve learned while living here in the south of France. This is a simple twist on a classic Provence roasted vegetable recipe. Pine nuts and the cut make it unique. I recommend pairing this recipe with...

One of the most gratifying aspects of living in Provence is walking to our village market twice a week, browsing the stands of the fruit and vegetable vendors and filling my baskets with produce from the fields around us. I...

Any good antique aficionado has L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue pinned on her map of France. Every Sunday throughout the year, the town, situated on the Sorgue river in the heart of Provence, is flooded with antique dealers who spread their wares along the...

Every "Hostess with the Mostest" knows that offering guests a delicious cheese board complements a small dinner party perfectly. We don’t think there’s anyone on the planet that doesn’t enjoy cheese. A wonderful array of cheeses with the right accompaniments...

Summers in Provence feel like a permanent state. Every day a cerulean sky, cicadas cheering in the trees, sunsets that launder the soul. We bought this old bastide four years ago, took a giant leap of faith and now it...

Our village is hemmed in by vineyards in every direction. Vineyard plots interlock throughout the landscape, meeting olive and fruit groves. The succession of rows from above make the land look like a great Provence patchwork quilt. One of my...

Welcome to our new series Living in Provence with Emilie Johnson. Every month, Emilie will take us on a virtual voyage and give us a taste of authentic Provencal living. As a preview of what is to come, today we’re kicking...

A tour of France’s most treasured destinations. A flowering plant with tantalizing colors. A beautiful and motivational cookbook. A window into homes brimming with joie de vivre. The gems on this remarkable list offer inspiration, home tours, recipes, and even...

Do you want to know the secret of making Blueberry Vegan Cheesecake? I asked my good friend Chef Radha Ickrath to share her secret with us. Radha and I grew up together in Berry, France where blueberries are called myrtilles....

On the rural road between Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Noves, you will find bright yellow fields of sunflowers right next to the iconic purple lavender hills. If you visit Provence in July, then it is the most picturesque scenery you'll never forget!...

While traveling abroad may not be feasible for the foreseeable future, you still can feel some of the magic of France through music. Our French Classics playlist will transport you without the need for any planes, trains, or automobiles. Listen and...

If you miss Provence and are longing to return you'll love our list of romantic comedies and feel-good movies that will transport you to the picturesque Provencal villages and vineyards of the French Countryside. We've included the trailers below. A...

Every man loves a good old fashioned Classic Apple Pie. This recipe is from Chef Radha Ickrath who says, not only will he enjoy it, but so will the kids and grandkids! 

Setting a table doesn’t always have to be a formal affair. It’s straightforward to set a casual table, and doing so prevents you from slipping into the habit of eating from your lap every day. Casual table setting doesn’t take...

Macadamia Ricotta Layered Vegan Lasagna by plant-based wellness chef Sarah Considine @eatcleanwithsarah of Encinitas, California

Beyond Meat Tacos with Peach Salsa Serving 4 500 g beyond meat3 peaches1 orange¼ tsp cayenne pepper½ tsp chili flakes½ tsp ground coriander½ tsp ground cumin¼ tsp ground cloves1 bay leaf4 cloves garlic50 ml water1 red onion1 green chili pepper15 g...