The Postman’s Palace
The story of Ferdinand Cheval and his “Postman’s Palace” is one that few people outside France recognize. Yet, the monument he built to honor his love for his daughter draws an average of 300,000 visitors yearly. They come to the small town of Hauterives, southeast of Lyon, in the Drôme Department, to marvel at the […]
French Cooking, Kiwi Style
Peta Mathias, the New Zealand book author, TV personality, and former Paris restaurant owner heads straight for the Uzès farmers market when she arrives at her south of France home — especially when she’s been stuck in lockdown for 36 months. On her shopping trips, there are often six or more guests from her culinary tour or cooking classes who are hanging on her every word.
Life in France: Managing Expectations
It’s been ten years since my “Great Adventure” in Uzès began. Truthfully, I’m amazed I’m still here. It all has to do with managing expectations. The Beginning Uzès on that Saturday morning ten years ago was more than I expected. The weekly market was in full swing. The circular street surrounding the historic Uzès district […]
Let’s Eat the World? Start in Seville
Let’s Eat the World? What’s in a name? I’m finding out while exploring, cooking, and eating in Seville. Let’s Eat the World is the third culinary collaboration of Yetunde Oshodi-Fraudeau and Chef Eric Fraudeau. The dynamic duo created Cook’n With Class in 2007 and Cook’n With Class Uzès in 2015. The new business, Let’s Eat […]
Last Dance with the Barefoot Blogger
Join the last dance with the Barefoot Blogger on the South of France Memories Tour. I’ve raved about my life in Uzés and the south of France for years. Now it’s time for you to make some memories of your own. Memories you promised yourself. I’m thrilled to invite you to join me on a […]
Paris Dream
My Paris dream is to visit the French city— the most beautiful, romantic place on earth, like I have all the time in the world.
Favorite Holiday Places in France
The French know how to do the holidays. Here are some of my favorite holiday places in France and 2021 event schedules. I could visit over and over again. You may also want to put some of these on your travel list! Best Christmas Markets Alsace A five-day tour – The full itinerary Strasboug Colmar […]
A Taste of Barcelona
My recent return to France and tasting Barcelona was a walk through memory lane. Almost eight years ago, I stopped in Barcelona before beginning my new life in Uzès. While passing through Barcelona this time, food was at the top of my list of to-dos. Of course! Favorite Drinks Local Foods Food Market La Boqueria […]
A French Chef’s Bilingual CookBook
Here’s a Holiday Gift from France that my family and friends LOVE. Yours will, too! One of my favorite chefs in France, Emma Kershaw, introduced her new cookbook during the COVID lockdown. “The Day Louis Was Eating” is a big hit with my family in the US, and it’s available for gift giving now – […]
Back to France: The Perfect Travel Plan
After spending three months with family and friends in the US, I’m back in Uzès. For the return trip to France, I came by the southerly route: Barcelona to Collioure. While sitting at the beach in Collioure, enjoying the views, the breeze, and an Aperol Spritz at a seafront cafe, I realized it was the perfect […]