Photo by © Yann Deret
Welcome to the July/August 2025 “South of France” Special Edition!
There’s something about summer in Provence, where days stretch long, meals linger and life slows down. This “Living in Provence” special issue is a love letter to one of our favorite French regions – inviting you to sink into its rhythms and rituals and bask in the richness of its natural and architectural beauty.
Here’s a look at what a summer in the south of France looks like at My French Country Home Magazine…
Discover the Charms of Provence
We have devoted our Discovery Guide to Marseille, a dazzling melting pot of Mediterranean cultures. France’s Second City beguiles visitors with its rich history, bustling markets and vibrant arts scene – all while modeling an effortlessly relaxed way of life. You’ll also be versed in the history of Provence’s ubiquitous village fountains as well as the iconic cigale, the humble cicada whose urgent thrumming is the theme song of southern summer nights.
Get an Exclusive Look at the Best Homes & Gardens
Join us on a tour of some outstanding properties and gardens: We had the great privilege of visiting the breathtaking home and garden of Dominique Lafourcade, an icon of Provençal landscape design as well as the ancient oasis that is the Pavillon de Galon in the Luberon. We also drop in at Mas Cayol, a former mill nestled in the Alpilles and a beautifully renovated farmhouse near Uzès.
Meet the Artisans who Shape Provence
Agnès Webster, who runs Parfumeries Fragonard with her two sisters, joined us for a rare interview to discuss their thriving fragrance empire. Meanwhile, a 400-year-old pottery atelier in the Cévennes kindly opened its kilns to introduce us to the art of making iconic Vases d’Anduze.
Taste the Flavors of the South
And it wouldn’t be summer without some new culinary indulgences from our friend Franck Schmitt, who shares some of his favorite apricot recipes, while Rebekah Peppler shares a sneak peek at her stunning cookbook focused on specialties from the Côte d’Azur.
Read on for a closer look at a few more of this issue’s inspiring features in My French Country Home Magazine!
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Portfolio: A Thirst for Beauty
Water has always been a precious resource in Provence, with village fountains playing an essential role in sustaining communities for centuries. Today, they remain a cherished feature of rural townscapes, admired as much for their beauty as the cooling relief they bring from the summer heat. Flip through the pages of our featured Portfolio piece to take a tour of Provence’s most beautiful fountains through the lens of photographer Joanna Maclennan.
Discovery Guide: Marseille – La Ville Bleue (The Blue City)
Basking in the Mediterranean sun and bordered by crystalline waters, Marseille stretches languidly along France’s southern coast. Often dubbed the ‘Paris of the South,’ it is France’s second‑largest city — and unlike its Côte d’Azur neighbors, it offers a world of unique contrasts, immediately immersing its visitors in a bustling yet effortlessly relaxed way of life. Discover what to do, where to stay, and where to dine in our guide to “the blue city.”
Interior & Garden: Creative Instinct
Regarded as one of France’s leading garden designers, Dominique Lafourcade is known for her subtle color palette, leading vistas and visionary use of space. We had the privilege of visiting her home, La Pomone, in Provence and discussing the philosophy behind her remarkable creations. See inside this incredible property
Recipes: Taste of the Shore
While the southeastern French coast is known asa mecca for sun seekers, it is also home to a distinct culinary culture. “Provence‑Alpes‑Côte d’Azur isn’t solely a fantasyland of wine and lavender and endless vacation,” writes Rebekah Peppler. “It’s a real place, with real people and four seasons.” Try your hand at a selection recipes from Rebekah’s delightful cookbook, Le Sud, that make for a perfect summer meal.
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In Occitan, the predominant dialect of southern France, joia translates as “joy.” But the word conjures more than that – summoning a deep, luminous delight. May your summer days be filled with it!