In late autumn, our olive trees are raked, ridding the branches of olives ripe for harvest. Just because they are ripe, it is not advisable to try to eat an olive straight from the tree or you'll be in for a very bitter surprise. Olives only taste good after being cured or pressed into oil.

Opinions on cumin are strong and it is one of those dividing "love it or hate it" ingredients. With it, our dishes achieve an earthy, spicy taste. Without it, we wouldn't have the bulk of Indian, Mexican or Middle Eastern cuisines.

Winter in the French Riviera means a dynamic, organic ingredient emerges from the soil too.

Meet radishes.

With a mild flavor, these radishes are juicy when you bite into them, with a texture that is often likened to fruit. They’re absolutely delicious, and just as amazing eaten like…

We have been absolutely itching to travel for quite some time, and our Courageous Cooking School is worth a jaunt to Provence to learn, grow, and relax. But traveling is a whole new ballgame at this point. With travel restrictions and rules changing constantly, it can be difficult to know how to prepare - and what to bring - when heading on your next international adventure.

Though we are most certainly foodies first and foremost, there is a very big piece of our hearts that celebrates and marvels at architecture. Styles from all eras, lovely details from all walks of life.

Take the Abbaye de Valbonne in our wonderful, little town…

One of Julia Child’s most notable haunts during her days in the French countryside was the storied Marche Forville in Cannes. The intuitive chef would shop for top-notch produce along the aisles of the market, no doubt perusing the views as much as the tomatoes! Luckily for us, the market is still absolutely brimming with culture, art, and delectable food, and it’s a short 30-minute jaunt from the La Pitchoune property!

At the base of the Esterel mountain range, surrounded by insanely clear waters, is the breathtaking village of Theoule-sur-Mer. Only a half-hour drive toward the water from the La Pitchoune property, and you’re smack dab in the middle of one of the most quaint and vibrant landscapes available in Provence.

Kale comes at a premium in so many places. It requires very specific growing conditions. In fact, it can be almost impossible to grow in many different climates. So, when you have a patch of greenery that’s ripe for it, you take advantage of it. While kale is noted to grow best in cool weather, La Pitchoune does exist in a more temperate climate.

If you’d like to escape to a place that is rich with culture and history - as well as absolutely inspiring to be in - head to Nice for the day and surround yourself with greenery at the Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya. This stunning flower market in Nice has a robust, fresh collection of flowers and floral arrangements daily - and for over 100 years. It flows directly into the regular farmer’s market in a dreamy, picturesque area, creating a bit of a sensory overload. Overwhelming yet tantalizing. Located near the Old Port at the entrance to Old Town…

Experience the magic of the weekly Valbonne market in France, where vendors from the countryside sell their wares and fresh produce on streets that feel like they were pulled from a storybook.

Valbonne is an adorable French village right out of a storybook. We are thrilled to call it our home.

So, what makes Valbonne such a special destination?

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from our property at La Pitchoune stands a village that boasts many things to see: Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume. Known for its religious relics - it is said to house many items that belonged to Mary Magdalene - and landscape, this town is truly just about an hour from our doorstep and a wonderful day trip for our guests. So, why would a small town at the foot of the Sainte-Baume mountains play host to items that belonged to such a pivotal character in Christianity? It is rumored…