France

Jun 26, 2012 4:00:26 AM

Delicacies of Provence & the Cote d’Azur

It was through the humble rhythm and natural cycle of the land that a distinctly Provençal cuisine – laden with sun-filled tomatoes, melons, cherries, peaches, olives, Mediterranean fish and alpine cheese – emerged several centuries ago.

1. Bouillabaisse — Sample this pungent fish stew at least once in Marseille, perferably waterside.

Image by Greg Elms.

2. A socca aperitif — Feast on Niçoi nibbles over drinks alfresco in Nice’s old town.

Image by Gilles Herbin.

3. Wine tasting — Enjoy a range of respected reds in Bandol, where the surrounding sea-facing terraced hills are the heart-throb.

Image by Robert Nyman.

4. Truffle hunting — Try your hand at snouting out these ‘black diamonds’ yourself near Carpentras.

Image by fnom.

5. Mountain-cheese road trip — Motor from farm to farm around Banon sampling goat’s-milk cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves.

Image by Marcie Brooks-Smith.

6. Thirteen desserts — Bite into one of each at Christmas to avoid bad luck for the coming year.

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