“My first impression of Provence was smell – a mixture of orange blossoms, lavender, and rosemary,” wrote Olga Carlisle in 1969.
The allure of the sun of Provence – reflected in s&h’s new logo and branding, which I hope you love as much as I do (thank you, Jena Kane!) – has captivated many generations.
But why Provence? Why has it firmly found a place in my heart?
The smell of rosemary and thyme drying in the sun. The wisps of salt from the sea and the marshes. The sunsets – yes, you can see why they have served as inspiration for so many pieces of art.
But it is more than just the sights, the smells, the sounds.
In the words of Patricia Wells: “Was it just the sun or did this place have a magic way of magnifying ordinary pleasures?”
There is room (and industry) for artisans to continue to exist and thrive.
The overall atmosphere forces you to re-focus on the simple things in life and on how to be able to enjoy them as much as possible, in the moment. There is something very modern that way about the Provencal lifestyle. Being present – that’s what we are all still trying to work on, and they already have it down.
The food carries the sun with it, in the ultimate farm-to-table and sea-to-table way possible. The flavors are bright, zesty, and unobscured. They appeal to all the senses. And, at the same time, inspire us to live better, to live colorfully.
Provence is a way of life and – more than ever – a welcome reminder.
Ksenia, can not agree more! Provence is a state of mind. Over the past 15 years, I spent all my vacaton weeks in the South of France, Can not get enough of it: -)
I owned many houses at different places in the world, but noting compares with the feeling of turning the key of my little cottage in Provence.
I can hardly wait for my next vacation to start:-)
All the best!
P.S. I read your blog but may job is too busy to respond on regular basis.
That is always how I feel too! Many thanks for your note, and I am so happy to hear that you share the love of Provence and everything it has to offer.
I have never been, Ksenia, but I have often thought it would be just as you have described! I know others in my family who return to Provence again and again and cannot speak of their travels without glowing! I love the quote that states “Provence is a way of life.” I think it surely must be!
Thank you, Debra! And I very much hope you get to visit soon 🙂