I’m involved in somewhat of an unhealthy love affair, with the South of France. It’s constantly on my mind, and etched in my heart. I feel as though maybe, just maybe I lived there in a previous life. And hopefully, someday in this current life.
Exactly one year ago today, we were in transit to Provence from Paris (another place where I am convinced I once called home). The moment we started winding through the rural countryside, in search of our B&B, I knew Peter Mayle and his tales of the Luberon, were not embellished one bit. The fabled sun and mythical light, for which the likes of Picasso and Van Gogh used as a constant muse, did not disappoint in the least. I was smitten. BIG time.
On our way to explore the perched villages of Gordes, Roussillon, Ménerbes and Lacoste, we stopped alongside a small side road to snap a few requisite photos. We were met by a smallish, orange colored French minivan, that apparently, had the same idea we did. Or so we thought, anyways. “Bonjour”, said the driver, holding a glass of wine in his hand, instead of a camera around his neck, as we had expected. The next thing we knew, he was conducting an impromptu wine tasting for us as he just happened to have a few bottles with him from his vineyard. He’d pulled over simply to take in the view. My love was growing by the minute for a land where its people serve up local wine, roadside, to complete strangers!
Though we had just missed the infamous Sunday market day in L’Isle Sur La Sorgue, I knew the Wednesday open-air market day in Saint Rémy was just around the corner. I could not wait. Ohhh, I could not wait!
The day arrived, and oh my. You could immediately sense that this was not just a standard market day – this was a way of life. The energy, vibrancy, and humor of the local people, farmers and artisans was infectious. It felt as if everyone was there for a huge celebration of the new harvest – only this jubilee took place every single week for its lucky guests.
Endless rows of colorful market stalls. Endless bounties of sun kissed fruit, French black and green olives, deep colored spices, herbs, lavender honey and dried fruits. Local jambon, goat cheeses and 20 different kinds of pâté. Delicious, delectable smells at every turn. My mind was running wild – scheming how I was going to get all my illegal goods through Customs.
The mood was so festive, so happy, so incredibly alive. A crescendo of non-stop activity set within a backdrop of a 16th century village basking in sunshine. I could get used to this. I could really get used to this.
So my love affair continues…someday soon, my previous life will catch up with my current one.
ooohhhhh the great memories are flooding back.
Wow. Beautiful. I can taste and smell and hear it all, and I’ve never been there. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, I’ve been to Provence twice and I love it. And the food is wonderful!
Cheers
Wow what amazing photos. Now I want to go to Provence! I must tell Hubby to take me!!!
hi heavenly housewife – your hubby will be glad you did!
Thank you for sharing. We lived in Germany for a few years, and having traveled through several European countries, I have great memories from visiting the markets and villages and festivals. It was always such a treat for me. I never got as far south in France as you and loved the book you referenced. I loved how people opened up to you, no matter where you went. We even got to pick grapes for the first harvest from a new vineyard in Germany and when the wine was made and ready, we were presented with bottles with our grape picking photos as the labels. Now you have provided the photos of Provence. Oh my! Thanks, you took me there! Great job!
hi flfarmgirl – your grape picking adventure in germany sounds just amazing! so much to see…so much to do…so little time!
Oh, how I long for Provence. Your post has brought back so many fond memories, sights, smells, experiences. I long to be there again. The markets are so incredible, the people so friendly, and the villages uncannily beautiful in their old-world simplicity and charm. I’m particularly fond of Gordes, L’Isle Sur la Sorgue, Fontaine de Vaucluse, and Rousillon. Thank you for this wonderful post!!
hi kersten – i’m glad i was able to conjure up some fond memories for you…time to head back soon – very soon! :)
I love going to markets when I am on vacation – and the south of France is beautiful!!! Sometimes, it’s a tease because you can’t eat/cook the things you see there, but this is all wonderful picnic fare.
Your pictures look fantastic!!!
Mmmmboy! Your pictures take me back to exactly one year ago, when my employer sent me to France for two glorious weeks of training outside Paris.
The markets where I would buy fresh bread and cheese for my dinner!
Thanks for taking me back to a most wonderful time in my life…
hi steven – you are very welcome! first of all, you have a very nice employer. :) secondly, i could eat fresh bread and cheese for dinner every night. simple and perfect, isn’t it?
Love your blog… What kind of camera do you use???
livvyjane – thank you so much! i’m happy you are enjoying my little creation. my camera is a nikon d70s, which is no longer in production (it’s a little old and no longer wanted)…but i still love it with all my heart! :)
Wait, wait, what’s that? Oh God I think my heart just twang-ed.
What a beautiful post for a beautiful country! Lovely images!
thank you! i’d love to take credit, but really, it’s hard to ever take a bad photo in a setting as glorious and beautiful as the south of france. *sigh*…. i’ll be back soon.
Great pics. I got here via Dorie Greenspan’s blog, due to Pesto season. :) Thanks for some eye candy.
we are travelling from paris to dijon – geneve then down to the riviera area – then into italy lake district – please let me know any must see places – love your website
Great story and gorgeous pictures! The south of France really is a beautiful region that can grab hold of you and never let go. Thanks for the post.
i stayed in isle-sur-la-sorgue for a week this summer, and absolutely fell in love as well. i dream about their markets on a regular basis! these photos got me so excited! (also, just found your blog and am LOVING every bit of it.) xo
I feel exactly the same way about Tuscany as you feel about Provence…. swoooonnnn :-)
I have visited Provence before and I totally understand your fascination with it, it’s like a different world, so beautiful, and their food is amazing..
Andrea