Dining the Provençal Way
Must start with l’apéro! This I put together at a house rental in Ménerbes with my family.
The French seem to have perfected meal time. They slow down to enjoy their food (& wine) and to spend time with family and friends (a theme you may be sensing across this site!). Of course, the food itself is amazing — fresh, flavorful, and so connected to the land — but what really sets it apart is the experience. Dining here isn’t just about filling your plate; it’s about slowing down, and savoring your meal. Eating is a ritual here — one that often takes two or even three hours. And honestly, once you settle into this slower rhythm, you’ll never want to go back to eating on the run.
Every good Provençal meal begins with l’apéro — the cherished pre-dinner ritual of a drink and a few nibbles to set the tone. Think olives, nuts, saucisson, or little toasts with tapenade, always paired with a glass of wine or perhaps pastis. It’s not about rushing into dinner; it’s about easing into the evening.
Provençal dining is both informal and relaxed, yet somehow always simple and elegant — the classic French way! The focus is on really good ingredients that shine on their own. If it’s not in season, you simply won’t see it on the menu. Tomatoes are at their best in summer, truffles in winter, asparagus in spring — and the flavors are so much more vivid when we remain in tune with nature.
Meals in Provence tend to come in smaller portions than in the United States, but that’s intentional in order to truly taste every bite. The French pace themselves, eat slowly, and take time to appreciate the flavors. And the result? You feel satisfied, not full.. Typically, you’ll enjoy an entrée (starter), a plat (main course), and dessert and a tiny, strong cup of coffee — not the oversized mugs we’re used to at home, but just enough to linger over while chatting.
For me, what makes dining out in Provence so special is the atmosphere. Maybe it’s a long lunch under the shade of plane trees in the Luberon, a seafood dinner by the harbor in Cassis, or a simple meal at home with the best local rosé and findings from the local market. Wherever you are, it’s never just a meal — it’s time spent with family and friends, sharing stories, soaking in the moment, and really living that Joie de Vivre.
In Provence, eating is a language in and of itself — it’s joyful, seasonal, intentional, and unforgettable. And once you’ve experienced it, you’ll carry that ritual with you long after you’ve left.
