What is it that I love so much about the south of France? Is it the slower pace of life that people seem to enjoy, or the beautiful and fragrant lavender fields of Provence? Or maybe the faded charm of small towns and villages? The answer is probably a combination of the three!
When you venture outside of big cities into the countryside, you discover little gems preserved in time. Little hamlets nestled in the hills will reveal their beauty unexpectedly as you drive through the maze of narrow streets. When the afternoon heat becomes too much and you feel tired, take a rest under the shade of century old trees, sipping a refreshing Perrier!
If you have the energy, take a walk through the back streets to discover ancient buildings covered with ivy and moss! Only the sound of the bells marking the hour in the old church will disturb the peace and quiet of the afternoon when everything seems to be asleep behind closed shutters hiding from the heat.
And then there is the food of course! Provençal cuisine is simple and preserves the natural taste of food. Relying on vegetables, fish, poultry, garlic, and a myriad of fresh herbs, it is naturally healthy and easy to integrate in our paleo lifestyle. French people typically go to the market to buy fresh produce, fish, meat, and much more!
On market days, little towns come back to life, bursting with activity and colors everywhere. On those days, French people live and eat on the street!
“I love lavender—both the color and the smell. And the sound (be quiet so you can hear it).” – Jarod Kintz
One wonders about the life that goes on behind those delicate lace curtains! A small breeze gently lifts the corners and I try to peek inside; I see nothing of course, it is too dark.
Provence has been for a long time a great source of inspiration for me. A lot of the recipes I create would feel right at home in a Provençal menu! If, like me, you are a foodie, a gourmet, and you love French cuisine, you will find many recipes on my blog that you will love. Because eating AIP doesn’t have to be bland and boring! I have been on the AIP diet for over 3 years and I have never enjoyed my food so much! Eating right is about creating healthy habits, not restrictions!
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