Travels, Stories & Tips

French lavender

Lavender, the Soul of Provence

Lavender is the emblematic flower of Provence or, as French writer Jean Giono said, it is the soul of Provence. Its history goes back to ancient Eg...

Olive Wood: the perfect kitchen companion

"There is no tree more useful to man than the olive", wrote 1st Century Roman author Pliny the Elder in his book Natural History.

Gordes

A Walk Through Gordes, Provence’s Crème de la Crème

I remember Tombstone. And Bisbee. Two scenic Arizona towns where one would want—and expect—to find the kind of things featured in authentic, old-sc...

French soap

Discover the multifaceted Marseille Soap

When people think of French soap they usually think of deliciously scented triple-milled soap in an array of beautiful pastel tones. However, there...

Apis Cera

Apis Cera: A 'Beeautiful' Story

We all love a true, inspiring story. And even more so when it’s for a good cause. You might have heard of penniless artists dedicating their life t...

French soap

How Can You Tell Your Soap Is a Genuine “Savon de Marseille”?

It’s a beautiful summer day. The sun is up in the deep-blue sky of Provence, the sounds of the cicadas fill the air, and while La Vie en rose is pl...

Calissons d'Aix

The Voluptuous Calisson, King of All Kisses

You might have heard of the puffy Parisian macaron, but have you met its fashionable cousin, the calisson? They call him le câlin du palais (the pa...