It’s been a week since we left California, and once again, I find myself wide awake in Provence, fighting off jet lag. No matter how often I cross time zones, my body never adjusts to the change quickly—even though we were in Italy not long ago. Still, being here in Provence makes every sleepless night worthwhile. Provence has always held a special place in my heart, and somehow, I fall in love with it a little more each time we return.
Our journey here was anything but smooth. We missed our connecting flight in Dallas and spent the night in a less-than-charming airport hotel, dining on food I’d rather forget—courtesy of American Airlines. When we finally arrived in Paris, we picked up a rental car and drove eight hours straight to Provence, utterly exhausted.
Yet even after all that, sleep still wouldn’t come for me. But I don’t feel stressed. I’ve learned to accept that travel comes with its share of hiccups—flight delays, airport chaos, and unexpected detours. My body resists all the time zone changes and refuses to settle right away. So, I go with the flow. I rest when I can, let sleep find me when it will, and slowly adjust to the rhythm of this magical place.
The real magic, though, is reconnecting with people we love. The moment we arrived in Provence, we were welcomed to a cozy dinner with dear friends. We found ourselves in a charming old farmhouse, sharing laughter and stories over a delicious meal outdoors prepared by our friends. These are the moments that make us happiest—being surrounded by wonderful people and creating memories that make our journey profoundly meaningful and unforgettable.
One of the things that really stands out to me about Provence is how much locals here value food, connection, and simply enjoying life. Coming from Silicon Valley, once upon a time, where everything was fast-paced and “time is money,” this slower rhythm was a revelation.
Walking around a village in Provence, you see locals taking time out of their day to sit at a café for coffee or enjoy a long, relaxed lunch with friends—always with a glass of wine. At first, I wondered how they managed to fit it all in. But after spending so much time here, I’ve come to understand that, for the French, life is about savoring each moment. Things move slowly in Provence, and that’s intentional. Here, living well isn’t just a goal—it’s an art form and the purpose of life.
June has always been my favorite month in Provence, which is why we host The Provence Gastronomad Experience every year in June. We welcome this year’s guests on Monday, and I can’t wait!
In June, the markets burst with the bright colors of fresh berries, cherries, and stone fruits while flowers bloom everywhere you look. Sunsets linger late into the evening, and as we drive along Provençal country roads, the sweet scent of lavender drifts in through the windows, filling the air with intoxicating magic.
The Provence Gastronomad Experience is crafted to help us truly embrace the Provençal way of life—immersing ourselves in their joyful, relaxed rhythms. For one unforgettable week, we savor each moment, honor local traditions, and celebrate life through the delicious art de vivre that makes this region extraordinary.
As I soak in the beauty of Provence—the rosé, the food, the beauty of the landscapes, the company of dear friends—I remind myself that every moment here is worth a little lost sleep.
With Provençal joy, love, and a spirit of adventure,
Amira
