La Pitchoune

La Pitchoune (The Little One), often affectionately called "La Peetch," is a small house in the town of Plascassier, near Grasse, in the Provence region of France. It is famously known as the summer home of Julia Child, the American chef, author, and television personality who introduced French cuisine to the American public.

History

La Pitchoune was built in the early 1960s on property belonging to Simone Beck, Child's co-author of Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Beck and her husband, Jean Fischbacher, owned the land and agreed to lease it to the Childs on a "handshake deal." The agreement allowed for the Childs to build their dream summer home in Provence, a region they had fallen in love with during Julia Child's time studying French cuisine.

The house was designed with Julia Child's needs in mind, featuring a kitchen that was a replica of the one in her Cambridge, Massachusetts home. This kitchen became an iconic setting, as it was designed to accommodate her height (she was 6'2") and included various customized features, such as pegboards with outlines for hanging utensils. It was in this kitchen that Julia Child tested recipes and entertained guests, further cementing her legacy in the culinary world.

Cultural Significance

La Pitchoune quickly became more than just a summer home; it was a culinary retreat where Julia Child continued to explore and teach French cuisine. The house and its kitchen are emblematic of Child's approach to cooking: accessible, meticulous, and always with a sense of joy. After Julia and Paul Child's time, La Pitchoune became a cooking school, first run by Kathie Alex, a student and friend of Child, and later by other proprietors.

The legacy of La Pitchoune and its impact on French and American culinary traditions is significant. It represents a bridge between two cultures, brought together by the love of good food and the joy of cooking. Julia Child's influence, facilitated by her time spent at La Pitchoune, has left an indelible mark on the culinary world, making the house a landmark for food enthusiasts around the globe.

Present Day

Today, La Pitchoune is available for rent and continues to host cooking classes, serving as a pilgrimage site for fans of Julia Child and French cuisine. The house, while modernized, retains much of its original charm and the kitchen remains a testament to Julia Child's influence on cooking and kitchen design.

See Also

• Julia Child
• Mastering the Art of French Cooking
• French cuisine
• Provence