Bright, Fierce & Fabulous: Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

I often stop and think about all the growth and lovely surprises my entrepreneurial journey has brought me. Most of all, I’m grateful for the wonderful women and fellow entrepreneurs it has enabled me to encounter. Carolyne is one of them.

We found each other on the internet through our common passion for Provence. And then last September, I got to meet her in my home village of Eygalières for a coffee and a wonderful conversation. Carolyne has been such an amazing supporter of Best French Forever, and today I’m thrilled to shine a light on her story and beautiful platform, Perfectly Provence.

photo credit: Ashley Tinker

Tell us about yourself, Carolyne. You’re Canadian, yet Provence occupies a big place in your life. Do you remember when this region first captured your heart?

Absolutely! Provence truly holds a special place in my heart. My friends are right when they call it one of my happy places. Years ago, a close friend’s family moved to Aix-en-Provence for a sabbatical, and ever since, the region has fascinated me. So, in 2010, when my husband and I had the chance to spend an extended period in France, we chose Provence and rented a place in Aix-en-Provence. It was love at first sight for me, and Provence will always hold a special place in my heart.

So much of Provence is about seasonality, rituals, taking time... What lessons from Provençal life have influenced the way you live or work today?

Honestly, I never truly believed in the magic of seasonal eating until we started spending time in the South of France. In North America, you can find almost anything year-round, even if it means paying a premium. But in Provence, you really do eat with the seasons. When cherries are in season, you savour them while you can, knowing you will have to wait another year for that burst of sweetness.

Like many others, I had read Peter Mayle’s books and similar stories, but nothing compares to the experience of a true Sunday lunch in Provence. When you look up and realize it’s already 4 pm and you are still lingering at the table, you finally understand just how unhurried and joyful life here can be.

What inspired you to create Perfectly Provence, and what gap did you feel was missing in how Provence was being represented online?

Back in 2010, I started a blog to capture our travels and culinary adventures, mostly for friends and family. As we spent more time in Provence, I noticed a real need for English-language stories about the region. I also saw that many other writers were sharing their experiences with only a small circle. That’s when the idea for Perfectly Provence took shape—a place where many voices could come together to celebrate the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.

Your platform goes far beyond the “pretty pictures” of Provence—it’s rich with history, recipes, and thoughtful storytelling. Why was it important for you to show a deeper, more authentic Provence?

Thank you. Social media often paints Provence as just a land of beautiful views and overflowing markets, but there is so much more beneath the surface.

This region has played a vital role in shaping France’s history. The foods that define the Mediterranean diet have deep roots here, brought by ancient peoples and cultivated for centuries. When you wander through the charming villages and popular spots, it is easy to overlook the war memorials and graveyards that quietly speak of the region’s struggles. My aim is to reveal these deeper stories and share Provence's true soul.

After all these years, what continues to inspire you about Provence? What still surprises you?

I still find it hard to adjust to the unexpected closures (fermeture exceptionnelle)—the bakery, the butcher, or even the hardware store shutting their doors without warning. My first instinct is frustration, but perhaps there is a lesson in letting go and embracing the relaxed attitude of Provence.

What’s next for Perfectly Provence, and what are you most excited to explore or share in the months ahead?

We are excited to keep sharing inspiring stories about Provence and to connect with even more people like you who share a deep love for this remarkable region.

Lastly, if we were sitting in a café in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence right now, what would you order?

It depends on the time of day. In the morning, I would order a petit crème. Later in the afternoon or evening, I would choose a glass of rosé from a local Alpilles vineyard. I look forward to the day we can share a table in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence during one of your retreats.