Lavender fields stretching into the horizon. Sun-soaked patios filled with the clink of rosé glasses. Markets bursting with fresh flowers and artisan treats. You don't need a plane ticket to Provence this July — Edina has it all.
Morning: Patisserie Margo
Start your Provençal morning at Patisserie Margo, a Parisian-style café tucked into the charming Pamela Park neighborhood. Settle in with a croissant and a proper espresso before the day begins. The pastry here is precise, elegant, and genuinely French in spirit.
Daytime: 50th & France
50th & France channels the floral abundance of a Southern France market in summer. Stop into The Petal Floral Design for fresh arrangements — lavender, if you can find it — and browse the neighborhood's boutiques for that effortless Provençal sensibility.
Patio Lunch: Salut Bar Americain
For lunch, claim a patio table at Salut Bar Americain at 50th & France. Crisp rosé spritzers and fresh, seasonal dishes make this one of the most convincingly French afternoons you can have without leaving Minnesota.
Afternoon: RH Rooftop Restaurant
Spend the afternoon at the RH Rooftop Restaurant, where the elegant terrace — surrounded by olive trees and curated design — is as close to a French countryside estate as the Twin Cities gets. The showroom below offers European-inspired furnishings that blend luxury with simplicity.
Picnic at Centennial Lakes
Gather fresh bread and cheese from Lunds & Byerlys and a bottle of chilled rosé from Southdale Edina Liquor, then head to Centennial Lakes Park for a Provençal-style picnic. The fountains and walking paths make a convincing stand-in for a village square.
Evening: Galleria Shopping
End the day at Galleria Edina, browsing home décor and European skincare. L'Occitane brings the lavender fields of Provence to the shelves — lotions, soaps, and candles that carry the scent of the South of France. Ampersand Shops rounds out the evening with a curated selection of gifts and accessories.
And keep an eye out: Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café was coming to Galleria this fall — sweet and savory crêpes paired with warm, comforting drinks, bringing yet another French accent to the neighborhood.
