A taste of Provence

Isabeau Brimeau

Digital producer for delicious. Izzy is a resident Kiwi and lover of all things cheese and pasta

A trip to Contignac and a morning spent at a Provençal market resulted in a menu inspired by bountiful produce. The beauty of Contignac, the market and the fresh, vibrant ingredients were captured through the lens of Lauren McLean’s camera.

Take a long look and transport yourself to fruitful France…

Overgrown cobbled stairs lead up to a weathered and worn house. The blue of the front door and window offers a splash of colour.

image of cobbled stairs in France — Photography by Lauren McLean

Locals and tourists enjoy their morning coffee and pastries al fresco, on the streets of Contignac. One of Café Du Cours waiters heads back inside with a new order.

Image of people sitting outside at a restaurant — Photography by Lauren McLean

Beautiful beefy tomatoes, with puckered skin, are waiting to be plucked from the cardboard box in which they sit.

A local man fills his basket with the best apples and pears. It’s still quiet and there’s ample produce available – it’ll be a different story by the end of the day.

Image of old man buying produce at a market — Photography by Lauren McLean

Beautiful beefy tomatoes are waiting to be plucked from the cardboard box in which they sit.

Image of large tomatoes at a market — Photography by Lauren McLean

All-butter puff pastry has been slathered with black olive tapenade and topped with fresh tomatoes from the market. It’s served alongside ice-cold rosé and enjoyed in the sunshine.

Image of tomato tart — Photography by Lauren McLean

Ruby red, juicy and sweet like candy – these locally-grown strawberries are crying out to be eaten.

Pink radishes with little white socks await their future as crunchy crudites.

Image of pink radishes for sale at a French market — Photography by Lauren McLean

Ruby red, juicy and sweet like candy – these locally-grown strawberries are crying out to be eaten.

Image of strawberries for sale at French market — Photography by Lauren McLean

Crispy, flaky oreillettes, creamy rosé syllabub and strawberries are enjoyed in brightly coloured bowls. It’ll be devoured in the last of the evening sun.