If someone had told me years ago that I’d one day be owning and running a cooking school and guesthouse in a tiny Provençal village, I’m not sure I would have believed them. But here I am- 10 years in the biz and waking up to golden light over the vineyards, and welcoming guests from around the world into my kitchen and my home.
Living in Provence, and building La Belugue, has been one of the greatest joys and biggest surprises of my life.
A life rooted in rhythm
Provence has its own rhythm. It’s slower, more seasonal, more intentional. Here, we cook with what’s growing right now—artichokes and asparagus in May, zucchini blossoms in June, tomatoes bursting in August, and wild mushrooms when the air turns cool. Meals aren’t rushed. Even a simple picnic by the vines becomes something special.
That rhythm isn’t just in the food—it’s in the way people live. Neighbors still chat at the market, take time for apéro in the late afternoon, and celebrate the small things. After years of living in fast-paced cities, it feels like a return to what matters most.
Cooking, Connection and Community
La Belugue was born from a desire to share all this, the flavors, the beauty, the peace with others. I wanted to create a place where people could come not just to visit Provence, but to live it, even if just for a few days.
When guests join me in the kitchen, we’re not just learning recipes, we’re breaking bread together, swapping stories, and often laughing until our cheeks hurt. Cooking is such a personal, joyful act. And here, with wine flowing and the scent of lavender in the air, it becomes something even more magical.
One of my favorite parts of running La Belugue is seeing how people transform during their stay. They arrive a little tired, a little tense and they leave glowing. That’s the real magic of this place.
A Deep Love of the Land
I’ve fallen head over heels for this region. For the olive trees twisted with age, for the morning light in the Luberon, for the lavender fields humming with bees. I love the sound of church bells echoing across the hills, the local markets bursting with color, and the unspoken understanding that life is meant to be savored.
Running La Belugue keeps me grounded in all of that. It reminds me daily to stay curious, stay open, and stay grateful.
A Place to Call Home and Share
This little corner of Provence has given me so much; a slower pace, deeper roots, and a renewed sense of purpose. But what I love most is being able to share it. Whether you come for a cooking class, a long weekend, or just a glass of wine under the cherry tree, you’re part of the La Belugue story.
And I hope you leave feeling inspired, nourished, and just a little more connected to the land, to yourself, and to the joy of simple things done with love.
With warmth from Provence,
Kelly
