During the Covid lockdown, a Bavarian family of six seizes the opportunity of buying and old country house in Southern France. With four children and a dog, they begin renovating a 200-year-old mas in Ardèche. Unexpected and peculiar events follow: furniture must be bought secretly to defy curfew, hedges disappear mysteriously overnight, and thick stone walls shatter German notions of precision and punctuality... But as Milka cooks her way into the hearts of locals and craftsmen, she begins to realize that the greatest treasure she finds is neither the gorgeous scenery, the delicious food nor the beautiful old house - it's the whimsical, headstrong and warmhearted people around her! These anecdotes about an optimistic escape during turbulent time are amusing, light hearted and sometimes philosophical. The quirky characters make you discover the real France beyond the tourist perspective, much like Peter Mayle's "A year in Provence" did 35 years ago. This true story shows how even difficult times can be a chance for new beginnings. In addition, the book contains 22 authentic cooking recipes from profiteroles with goat cheese to duck confit with Provencal polenta for all those who, like Milka, like to build bridges by cooking for others.