Saoû? It’s a gem of a village in Provence’s Drôme department, with its famous fountain, geologic syncline… and épicerie. Located inside a former Proxi grocery store, the boutique with a traditional look was taken over by Laure Kié, the author of fifteen-some Japanese cookbooks, and Magalie Granjon, who gave up l’Amuse Papilles, her nearby takeaway food shop, in order to run this place. Their story? They offer up a selection of the best eats, with some local color: seasonal vegetables, meats from the area (organic veal from Poët Célard, kid goat upon request, poultry from La Poule des 3 Becs) and local picodon cheeses (no fewer than 10 different varieties are available). Their carbon footprint is just as minimal in the other aisles: Markus beers sourced from the Drôme department, much like the saffron, sunny southern wines, sunflower oil from Crets, and Pan chocolates (a dozen, including a ginger-sage version) made in the village. If only they sold newspapers and cigarettes, we’d never have to leave the village! / A.N.

Hidden gem: The lavender honey from Saoû (€10 for a 500 g jar).