The sunny charm of France joie de vivre sparkles in Provence.

Although Paris is the usual destination for travelers in France, you would be making a good choice by heading down south to Provence.

Magnan has rarely ventured outside Provence, where his knowledge of local dialect has tested his translators.

From Provence comes one of my favorite dishes: greens served with chickpeas and bathed in a garlicky vinaigrette, one of the many ways greens and beans are combined in dishes around the world.

The sky had that perfect clarity you see in paintings of Provence;cypress trees framed the far view.