Returning to my heart's home
Bonjour from sun-drenched Dordogne, where I’m spending what’s already turning into a truly glorious month. For those of you who’ve recently started following me, let me share a little backstory.
More than a decade ago, I lost my heart to southwest France, especially to the enchanting little town of Duras, nestled in the Lot-et-Garonne, and to Bergerac, the charming riverside city that seems to shimmer with history, romance, and amazing food. From the moment I first set foot here, I felt an uncanny sense of belonging, as if I’d lived here in a past life, as crazy as that may sound.
Over the years, I’ve explored nearly every corner of the French hexagon, but no other place has stirred my soul quite like this region. It had me in raptures from the very beginning. I recorded a lot of memories and recipes in my first book, My Heart’s Home.
We’ve planned a move here more than once—and more than once, life had other ideas. The last time, we were just weeks away from putting the “For Sale” sign up on our house when we had to press pause again.
But time is precious. And things are moving along. And it WILL happen.
Though I've lived in the Netherlands for the past 27 years, this is where my heart truly longs to be. So here I am, soaking in the light, the warmth, the peace, and letting this place work its magic on me once more. My soul is complete.
We’ve rented the most beautiful apartment in Bergerac, right by the river. Each day starts early—my alarm rings at 5 a.m.—but I count myself incredibly lucky to be able to work remotely, especially from such a dreamy spot.
Mornings begin with a walk through the quiet streets to our favorite boulangerie, where we pick up our daily baguette and sip a quick coffee as the town slowly wakes up. Later in the day, there’s usually a refreshing menthe à l’eau on one of Bergerac’s shady terraces, perhaps a scoop of ice cream, or a spontaneous three-course lunch or dinner, always accompanied by a bottle of local wine, of course.
After all, we’re in one of southwest France’s premier wine-growing regions: Bergerac-Duras, a place I’ve written about extensively and have grown to love deeply.
There are four weekly outdoor markets here, plus a covered indoor market bursting with some of the most beautiful produce I’ve ever seen. Cooking at home is pure joy. Not just because I have a stunning kitchen with a generous island (and an amazing view of the Dordogne), but because the ingredients themselves are amazing. When food is this fresh, it barely needs dressing up.
Last Wednesday, I picked up the most gorgeous heirloom tomatoes at the market in vibrant shades of violet, red, and yellow. The simplest and best way to enjoy them? A fresh tomato salad (see video), finished with a few crisp radishes I had in the fridge, some finely sliced onion, and a classic vinaigrette.
I’m also dreaming of making a tomato tart soon, topped with olives or capers for a salty contrast.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing regular updates on Instagram—from market hauls to wine adventures and everything delicious in between. I’d love for you to follow along.
This weekend, we’ll be soaking up the joy of Fête de la Musique, and on Sunday, heading back to Issigeac for its weekly market, one of the most picturesque in the region. With luck, we’ll find a table at La Petite Treille, tucked under the grapevines, for a long and lazy lunch.
My heart is so full right now.