Meet Margo: From Conferences to Culinary Veganism
In this episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, we meet Margo de Groot Coenen, a plant-based chef and the founder of Picnic en Provence. Margo once managed large-scale conferences, but after a personal turning point, she transitioned to a more meaningful life rooted in compassion, community, and vegan cooking. Her journey took her to Viens, a small village in the Luberon region of Provence, where she brings people together around delicious, locally-inspired plant-based meals.
Why Provence Is Perfect for Plant-Based Cuisine
Provence is known for its olives, lavender fields, and scenic hilltop villages, but it’s also surprisingly friendly to vegans. Traditional Provençal dishes like ratatouille, socca, and soupe au pistou are naturally plant-based or easily adaptable. Margo explains how local ingredients like chickpeas, tomatoes, zucchini, and herbes de Provence make it easy to cook with love and flavor without animal products.
Whether you’re enjoying fresh produce or regional specialties, vegan food in France is vibrant in Provence.
Navigating Vegan Dining in France
Eating out in France as a vegan can be tricky. Margo shares some helpful vegan travel tips, like being ready to explain your needs and ask for substitutions. Even vegetarian dishes may contain butter or cream, so communication is key. Many chefs are open to accommodating requests if asked politely.
“It’s a negotiation,” she says, and she encourages travelers to approach dining with flexibility and kindness.
Exploring Provence: Culture, Nature, and Food
Provence offers more than food — it’s a paradise of natural beauty and culture. You can hike the Gorges d’Oppedette, visit the Colorado Provençal, or admire medieval villages like Viens, Gordes, and Roussillon. From lavender fields to Roman ruins like Pont du Gard, there’s so much to see and savor. Margo especially recommends visiting in spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are fewer.
Margo’s Travel Tips for Visiting Provence
- Visit in May, June, or September for mild weather and fewer tourists
- Avoid peak summer if you dislike heat and crowds
- Stay in small villages like Viens for a peaceful experience
- Rent an e-bike with Sun-e-Bike or La Coquillade
- Don’t miss a chance to picnic in the hills with a view of the Luberon Mountains
Local Markets and the Flavors of the Region
One of Margo’s favorite things about living in Provence is the local market culture. Markets like the one in Apt are full of seasonal vegetables, fruits, and artisanal products. Margo urges visitors to shop at markets, not just supermarkets, to get the best of Provence food culture.
She also shares some of her favorite vegan-friendly spots:
- Paper Plane, Nice
- Cabane du 12, Nice
- Saj by Milla, Nice
- Amour Pâtisserie Végétale
- Utopia Pizzeria, Nice
Ethical Eating and Conscious Living in France
Margo’s story reflects a deeper desire for ethical travel in France. Her work with Picnic en Provence brings people together over food that respects animals, the planet, and health. She supports biodynamic vineyards like Mas des Infirmières and Domaine Perréal, and encourages mindful sourcing when it comes to wine and produce.
Her lifestyle and work show how plant-based culinary tourism can celebrate both tradition and innovation.
Listen to the Episode
Want to hear Margo tell her story in her own words? Listen to the full episode here and be inspired to discover vegan Provence for yourself!
Get inspired:
Listen now to discover how Margo is redefining French cuisine through vegan values — and get inspired to explore Provence with fresh eyes!
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- Meet Margo de Groot Coenen, the plant-based chef behind Picnic en Provence, and hear how she transitioned from conference management to culinary veganism.
- Discover traditional Provençal dishes like ratatouille, socca, and soupe au pistou that are naturally plant-based or easily adapted.
- Get vegan travel tips for dining out in France, including how to communicate needs and avoid hidden animal products.
- Explore Provence’s stunning scenery — from lavender fields to Pont du Gard — and why spring and autumn are the best times to visit.
- Find Margo’s favorite vegan-friendly restaurants like Paper Plane, Nice, Saj by Milla, and Amour Pâtisserie Végétale.
- Learn about ethical wine producers in Provence and how Margo supports sustainable, biodynamic vineyards like Mas des Infirmières and Domaine Perréal.
Other World Vegan Travel Content Connected With This Episode
- Mindful Gite: Vegan Retreat in Southwest France | Ingeborg Vijn
- S4 Ep 15 | France: Not as vegan unfriendly as you might think | Natalie Lynch
- The Ultimate Vegan Guide to France
- Vegan Stores… in France!
