An American living in Provence since 2011, I moved from the San Francisco Bay Area to raise my two bicultural boys in the idyllic Provence countryside and don’t regret it for a minute. My passions are design, photography, art, music and travel. Travel gives me immense, creative inspiration and I adore discovering new places, hidden gems, innovative restaurants, and to plan voyages.

I would have to say my favourite region is where I chose to live, Provence. Each year when I would visit family in the South of France from our home in the San Francisco Bay Area, I dreamt of living near the chic, city of Aix-en-Provence not far from the Mediterranean seaside town of Cassis, which I now frequent regularly.

I have a few, all in Provence… Lunch at Isle Verte where you can arrive only by boat, just off the coast of La Ciotat. Sunset dinner at the top of Saignon in the Luberon with verdant valley views of lavender and olive groves. Climb up near the top of Oppede-le-Vieux to take in the views at the church along with this incredible, massive wooden door, which is one of my favorite secret photoshoot locations. A night in the small boutique hotel in La Presqu’ile de Giens, La Provencal, soaking up the views in its seaside infinity pool. A summer night out at Domaine des Masques vineyards during their concert series and sneaking in the views over hidden lavender fields up top on the Cengle of the Sainte-Victoire. And finally, one of my favourite things to do is sail over to Porquerolles, from Hyeres or Toulon, and spend a long weekend exploring the island by boat and visiting the art collection at the Fondation Carmignac museum, while picking up a few bottles of this tiny island’s wine and spending long days swimming around the crystal clear coves of the Mediterranean.

My perfect day begins with an early morning hike in the Calanques of Cassis, followed by a swim at Port Pin. Lunch would be at Plage Bestouan right in Cassis, where you can jump in the sea between ordering the fresh catch of the day and dine in your swimsuits.

My ideal evening out is either taking in a local art exhibition in the Luberon followed by a romantic dinner alfresco at La Bastide de Marie in Menerbes, or a night out locally on the bustling terraces in Aix, followed by a summer series, outdoor ballet at the Théâtre de l’Archevêché, or in the village of Lacoste’s Carrières du Château du Marquis de Sade. These are remarkable historic venues to take in a concert or performance on a balmy summer evening under the stars.