Happy New Year to all! 2024
is an Olympic year for France. While many events occur in and around Paris,
there is plenty to get excited about in Provence. There will be sailing and
football (soccer). However, before that all starts, the Olympic flame arrives
in Marseille's Vieux Port on Bélem, a beautiful three-masted ship from 1896.
From there, the flame travels around the country after a few regional
appearances. Here are the details.
January 6th is the Epiphany. So, in Provence, it's time to enjoy Galette des
Rois, a delicious puff pastry (pâte
feuilletée) filled with frangipane
and a fève, which can be a bean or a tiny ceramic figurine. Don't break a touch
on the fève. It could be your chance to rule the roost for the day. As with the
rest of the holiday period in France, there is a ritual around eating this
pastry.
Our
2024 winter menu is a culinary creation from Chef Burnell Shively. Start with
some nibbles, then move on to swaddled oysters. Check it out below, and in case
you missed it, here is her article
on the ancient grains grown in the Var.
January
21st is La Mess de Truffes in Richerenches, with an auction and gourmet meal to
follow. Please look for Keith Van Sickles' article on this event next week.
Depending
on where you are in Provence, the weather in January is an assorted mix. In the
countryside, you might wake up to heavy fog, crunchy grass, or even the odd
dusting of fleeting snow. However, if it snows, it's magical and fleeting.
Watch the website for the article on winter travel essentials for visitors by
French immersion teacher Virginie.
Thank
you for reading this Perfectly Provence newsletter. We love to hear readers'
comments at explore@perfectlyprovence.co. If you like our content, please share it with a
friend.
We
hope to see you in Provence this year,
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