tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78214740479073846332024-03-18T14:34:10.017-07:00Our House in Provence, the Most Beautiful Region of FranceWe have a beautiful stone village house located in the heart of the medieval village of Sablet in the Vaucluse region of Provence France. Dating from the 17th century, the house was renovated by an Italian stone mason with all of the comforts of a modern home while retaining its authentic Provençal character and charm. On this blog, we share experiences from our visits along with those of our families and friends to Sablet and the South of France. Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.comBlogger417125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-4019744344291607282024-02-24T08:06:00.000-08:002024-02-24T08:06:14.560-08:00Our Visit to the Breathtaking Valensole Plateau Lavender Fields<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;">Every year, thousands of tourists' travel to the sun-drenched South of France region of Provence. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.1px;">One of its biggest draws, field upon field of perfect rows of sweet-scented, violet-colored lavender. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;">There are four main regions where lavender is grown in Provence. They are the Plateau de Valensole, the Luberon Valley, Pays de Sault, and the Drome Provençale. We have visited all of these areas several times except for the Plateau de Valensole. </span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #342929; font-family: "Times New Roman"; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Last summer, with friends from Washington DC in tow, we loaded into our car in Sablet and headed out for the 122 km drive to the famous <a href="https://www.viamichelin.fr/web/Itineraires?departure=84110%20Sablet%2C%20Vaucluse%2C%20France&departureTid=city-1295076&arrival=04210%20Valensole%2C%20Alpes-de-Haute-Provence%2C%20France&arrivalTid=city-1295716&index=0&vehicle=0&type=0&distance=km&currency=EUR&noRestrictions=true&highway=false&toll=false&vignette=false&orc=false&crossing=false&caravan=false&shouldUseTraffic=false&car=hatchback&fuel=petrol&fuelCost=1.808&allowance=0.000&corridor=&fuelConsumption=6.8:5.6:5.6">Valensole</a> plateau to tour the lavender fields in the </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: normal;"><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #111111;">Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. </span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #342929;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #342929;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #342929;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The lavender fields on the Valensole plateau are the most photographed in Provence. This plateau, at 500 meters elevation is dedicated to the cultivation of cereals, olive trees and lavender. The plateau extends over 800 square km and offers a breathtaking panorama of the Provencal countryside. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjLLUN7-N2t7OYMAPvf8jCz-KwwWf2CRcBUBLxueKVertWFtti1NahxU_VbYortI4gCuiegqa31Y5DQ519lngWzcnLkKq-b60GI9YPRWDm9lzaCA5r91qc-0k3tBTTTkayXSAAp660t_AAudGvtvU1ZOFEaR8zTGZDb9gDr7MPF6qi6XC2LJRyS2oLfI/s1080/Valensole%20Lavender%20Field%20with%20Mountain%20in%20Background.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjLLUN7-N2t7OYMAPvf8jCz-KwwWf2CRcBUBLxueKVertWFtti1NahxU_VbYortI4gCuiegqa31Y5DQ519lngWzcnLkKq-b60GI9YPRWDm9lzaCA5r91qc-0k3tBTTTkayXSAAp660t_AAudGvtvU1ZOFEaR8zTGZDb9gDr7MPF6qi6XC2LJRyS2oLfI/w640-h640/Valensole%20Lavender%20Field%20with%20Mountain%20in%20Background.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender Field in Valensole</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial;">Lavender attracts thousands of tourists and bees, hoping to time their visit for the peak of the flowering cycle. The precise timing of flowering changes annually, depending on the weather. Typically, some fields are in full bloom by late June, and the harvest is mostly complete by mid-August.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocBav33wvCYl3WfScZKrBEaA7nbZ9hveZGavoVAUbP_Ju0GbgOxJnIt8FGRe6hfJnzaLpDIh2L_iRaYN_3xDm5O-t-GiyNyTJE8EE2YHcCOwXnunC21lwooSdywGeKr6uoS59c80Vv7FhKH7k1ogDY4f7yMBT3wJ8sY88T__TUZzDvxNkEUAFQ3-XkIU/s1080/Lavender%20Field%20in%20Valensole%20between%202%20Trees.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocBav33wvCYl3WfScZKrBEaA7nbZ9hveZGavoVAUbP_Ju0GbgOxJnIt8FGRe6hfJnzaLpDIh2L_iRaYN_3xDm5O-t-GiyNyTJE8EE2YHcCOwXnunC21lwooSdywGeKr6uoS59c80Vv7FhKH7k1ogDY4f7yMBT3wJ8sY88T__TUZzDvxNkEUAFQ3-XkIU/w640-h640/Lavender%20Field%20in%20Valensole%20between%202%20Trees.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender Field in Valensole</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial;">There are many varieties of lavender. Although we typically associate lavender with purple flowers, the varietals include many colors, from deep blue to white. The plants love the dry, sandy, rocky soil that is typical of southern France.</span></p><p><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLAGxuxjjzQZY7zSWTtbHK0_mGeiqmpfGuBG88oixpkzRbqHQpT4P5R_YPu-wM-JOZ8_O-GIpwV5Pa49fxCpQaOIqBl68O_gMvBjoYo1Gi7ct1mXu-AiBk8-uGF0cXRFwQYLxk6cePeP3Utyw4HrtOE-SwP_9vafD1oAuTI6xLYTky3FLDwhpO-39P0s/s1080/Valensole%20Lavender%20Field%20on%20Hillside.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLAGxuxjjzQZY7zSWTtbHK0_mGeiqmpfGuBG88oixpkzRbqHQpT4P5R_YPu-wM-JOZ8_O-GIpwV5Pa49fxCpQaOIqBl68O_gMvBjoYo1Gi7ct1mXu-AiBk8-uGF0cXRFwQYLxk6cePeP3Utyw4HrtOE-SwP_9vafD1oAuTI6xLYTky3FLDwhpO-39P0s/w640-h640/Valensole%20Lavender%20Field%20on%20Hillside.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender Field in Valensole</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">Lavender has been cultivated at least all the way back to biblical times. Lavender is referenced in the bible as a holy herb nard.</span><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"> The Greeks and Romans used lavender for personal hygiene and medicinal purposes. The Romans used lavender flowers to scent bath water</span><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">. The flowers and essential oils have been used throughout the ensuing centuries for everything from repelling insects to treating burns to sleep therapy. </span></span><div><span face="Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #111111;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4gAL3Rbq3ZcYdRUKY7UNEabvZgOLgeg-OaHmjPAl2khfRdMCB_LtCDw7SWwdsMRAUm5s86AHPyC9PQEcRfg5JowaDDSDOPITi8loviAaqlg-bR2aQC1W4Nbudd_fBxsVZasPVH3nZwa8rvATmssTicW1RJKiyJQ95UZscUBUjdtLhnrK-YZnMBWpF9Y/s1080/Valensole%20Lavender%20Field%20that%20Runs%20as%20Far%20as%20the%20Eye%20can%20See.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4gAL3Rbq3ZcYdRUKY7UNEabvZgOLgeg-OaHmjPAl2khfRdMCB_LtCDw7SWwdsMRAUm5s86AHPyC9PQEcRfg5JowaDDSDOPITi8loviAaqlg-bR2aQC1W4Nbudd_fBxsVZasPVH3nZwa8rvATmssTicW1RJKiyJQ95UZscUBUjdtLhnrK-YZnMBWpF9Y/w640-h640/Valensole%20Lavender%20Field%20that%20Runs%20as%20Far%20as%20the%20Eye%20can%20See.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender Field in Valensole</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">Two main lavender varieties are grown in Provence. The “real” lavender</span><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #a7c1d9;"><i> </i></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #111111;">is a small, tufted plant with a single floral spike. Each plant is unique. The plants grow naturally at elevations between 600 and 1,400 meters, but cultivation is generally above 800m. Each plant is unique.</span></span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkecyGTBfu66UexPekTF6XT3_ZygWqdloGQSf7bbVZkaxlpnsVHVYliptUCU0iAINp7asH_RYSssU8kyh-hFFsQKlDj9YKXE-ECf9gHEHRCUME785dbXuUO0XOkGdlzmHHZ66NiruGOsLegsLy7Oxv4RuoMvJNrP8YSlmcDjRZAQNADCpiSUpYNYBwOM/s1080/Valensole%20Lavender%20Field%20with%20Mountains%20Far%20in%20Rear%20Distance.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkecyGTBfu66UexPekTF6XT3_ZygWqdloGQSf7bbVZkaxlpnsVHVYliptUCU0iAINp7asH_RYSssU8kyh-hFFsQKlDj9YKXE-ECf9gHEHRCUME785dbXuUO0XOkGdlzmHHZ66NiruGOsLegsLy7Oxv4RuoMvJNrP8YSlmcDjRZAQNADCpiSUpYNYBwOM/w640-h640/Valensole%20Lavender%20Field%20with%20Mountains%20Far%20in%20Rear%20Distance.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender Field in Valensole</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial;">Lavandin is a hybrid, the result of a cross between lavender and a wild varietal, lavender aspic. It’s a hardy plant, less susceptible to disease, and it grows at lower altitudes (200 – 1,000m above sea level) than fine lavender. Since lavandin is a clone, the plants have identical biological footprints, propagated by cuttings. A single lavandin stem has three blue-purple flower spikes.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Asp0tNoTA7dhQLPR7J1V9tounQQbLFzTLVvsGlyQcfTem9ka-6HWxhISbwyWhfsDCtWEYswx8lWBnJTvQz977LD4u5ZBrYJz7dBW3sbYMOZV9QRXZLZBpYM6WxtxjD7fvFPZ22M7zLz9FSXi_i32I70jMaN0AAu-S6Lcvvjix3XHbTBO6Daqh-Dt1eU/s1080/Valensole%20Lavender%20Field%20with%20Wheat%20Field%20in%20Rear.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Asp0tNoTA7dhQLPR7J1V9tounQQbLFzTLVvsGlyQcfTem9ka-6HWxhISbwyWhfsDCtWEYswx8lWBnJTvQz977LD4u5ZBrYJz7dBW3sbYMOZV9QRXZLZBpYM6WxtxjD7fvFPZ22M7zLz9FSXi_i32I70jMaN0AAu-S6Lcvvjix3XHbTBO6Daqh-Dt1eU/w640-h640/Valensole%20Lavender%20Field%20with%20Wheat%20Field%20in%20Rear.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender Field in Valensole</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial;">Be forewarned, lavender season brings traffic congestion. Bus tours and cars clog typically quiet roads while their passengers walk into the lavender fields to snap selfies and photos of each other in the fields. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCrJrF-Cua3J0KXnlm7jmpfGMhucn7mMP7AMMb42RqGt9kS3eyWIy0584oNvVVb-2Jc45v8jwou7eldnbxh6n54PhR9fcpUMbCvGSTyUkkhZmOe9t0QzbWkK6npF4suamiLYzRjrC3hWui8U79BMOWNJ-VKKPq69FdFYsLAaB1STeBrs7LOFL_m7jlAg/s1080/Valensole%20Lavender%20Field%20with%20Wheat%20Field%20on%20Right.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCrJrF-Cua3J0KXnlm7jmpfGMhucn7mMP7AMMb42RqGt9kS3eyWIy0584oNvVVb-2Jc45v8jwou7eldnbxh6n54PhR9fcpUMbCvGSTyUkkhZmOe9t0QzbWkK6npF4suamiLYzRjrC3hWui8U79BMOWNJ-VKKPq69FdFYsLAaB1STeBrs7LOFL_m7jlAg/w640-h640/Valensole%20Lavender%20Field%20with%20Wheat%20Field%20on%20Right.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender Field in Valensole</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">Much of the lavender grown in Provence is distilled for essential oil and fragrant water. The plants are also dried for scented objects. Tourist shops in Provence carry lots of </span><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">lavender products, soap, perfume, honey, tea, ice cream and scented packages. Be aware, some of the products sold in stores are mass-produced outside of France and hardly artisanal.</span></span></p><p><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc12TykeMbg9ZrBg5izEUuI0YyFviW9cmprf5cIS7urg5om6J2PFXKO8_nDbuSv-RxemO2kSwyVlIcRCvcUHsEDUDoK030LVPukWQbic1qh_sAr_1hZwPyIMdFMv0MtCJylodvuuE1c4pcsEj4Eq9YfKCDaLiIhsDzrwf1TS-30s2leElNaTKA_nkdlbI/s1080/Valensole%20Lavender%20Field.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc12TykeMbg9ZrBg5izEUuI0YyFviW9cmprf5cIS7urg5om6J2PFXKO8_nDbuSv-RxemO2kSwyVlIcRCvcUHsEDUDoK030LVPukWQbic1qh_sAr_1hZwPyIMdFMv0MtCJylodvuuE1c4pcsEj4Eq9YfKCDaLiIhsDzrwf1TS-30s2leElNaTKA_nkdlbI/w640-h640/Valensole%20Lavender%20Field.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender Field in Valensole</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial;">Because of the size of the lavender fields, the lavender harvest is usually not done by hand. A tractor passes through the field, cutting the lavender and leaving small bundles in its wake. The cuttings then dry in the sun for 2-3 days before being gathered into giant bundles similar to large hay bales. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">At the distillery, the bales are dropped into cauldrons with water where the steam passes </span><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">over the flowers creating the essential oil and lavender water. T</span><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">o produce one liter of essential oil requires 200 kg (440 lbs) of lavender flowers. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eDtbZYTMd0F_koLGSB_s95DLFP-xmawCw0E6wsNUyl6SYPoRjleqKx7gF-7pTVeh93ou-N8PuSp9yBoQaeos_SCtiSsIsV191xwzHPDQm5zTNmX2kB2K6ZU5CRfgCN3T-hVrn31LdubcunXL5-843SPrrJVh6KQmH1JF-nyegVRI8RJ-DakdVd68lWI/s400/Shirley%20and%20I%20on%20the%20Plain%20de%20Valensole.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eDtbZYTMd0F_koLGSB_s95DLFP-xmawCw0E6wsNUyl6SYPoRjleqKx7gF-7pTVeh93ou-N8PuSp9yBoQaeos_SCtiSsIsV191xwzHPDQm5zTNmX2kB2K6ZU5CRfgCN3T-hVrn31LdubcunXL5-843SPrrJVh6KQmH1JF-nyegVRI8RJ-DakdVd68lWI/w640-h640/Shirley%20and%20I%20on%20the%20Plain%20de%20Valensole.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley and I on our 50th Wedding Anniversary in a Valensole Lavender Fields</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Walking through lavender fields in Provence on your wedding anniversary is about as romantic a setting as you can find in my opinion. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Just before we left California for our trip to Sablet, Shirley played her one and only pickleball game and fell and broke her wrist in 4 places. We were grateful the doctor was able to put her wrist in a cast. We were hoping it would fully heal that way but unfortunately, she had to undergo surgery a few months later.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After touring around the Valensole plateau for a few hours, we drove into the town of Valensole, to find a place to eat and drink. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObcRwKVk5VqcPwAo3K95u6YQBpo5fwraod3FUwoU15ODyVq71acPFHTKUukBoOclng_EywTbz9NDsrZ43rz9W3mox5bnNK6yqYVENmkgOCCB3WuvgiX8VQkbTEsl3MXTt1SgGWr1vm0I3NPmMdIJL-qWNn5kZ6_quY4yBiWkLMPVx0Ikz6wy3pfPHxPw/s1080/Valensole%20center%20of%20town.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObcRwKVk5VqcPwAo3K95u6YQBpo5fwraod3FUwoU15ODyVq71acPFHTKUukBoOclng_EywTbz9NDsrZ43rz9W3mox5bnNK6yqYVENmkgOCCB3WuvgiX8VQkbTEsl3MXTt1SgGWr1vm0I3NPmMdIJL-qWNn5kZ6_quY4yBiWkLMPVx0Ikz6wy3pfPHxPw/w640-h640/Valensole%20center%20of%20town.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valensole</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">You can find lots of guides online that identify where the prettiest shots of lavender can be found on the Valensole plateau. However, because harvest occurs at different times and growers replant fields as they age, it is not always possible to find all of the recommended locations. Yes, it was a long drive from Sablet, but worth the effort in our opinion. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">If you are still searching for a house to make your home during your sojourn in Provence this year or in future years, please don't hesitate to visit our website at www.sablethouse.com You can also email me at chcmichel@aol.com </span></div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-4830103643308093752023-12-31T14:15:00.000-08:002024-01-01T09:29:55.806-08:00Happy New YearHappy New Year dear friends. Bonne et heureuse annee mes amis. Anyone who takes the time to read my recently, infrequent posts, are truly friends. One of my New Year's resolutions is to write posts more frequently and regularly. <br><br>2023 has been a crazy year with some wonderful highs as well as some challenges, including spending the last few days of the year isolated with my first bout of Covid despite being vaccinated and boosted a total of 6 times. I am grateful my symptoms have been very minor.<div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi739GA41zrDp8bO61dAVbQmBqM5B1QVx5NbIfP32f3u-RVeaxVyYzp-kNwgvJwj0YqX8MJx5xf8nEgh-aMYwPjoUDuWoLGymK8vdz3GsAAeoCGvNWWZd5eNVDZUQY80YY1_0te6C49VET7i6vbiEe0Un7MzzQrjoYZIahzv3AGNmrum9nQ32ssiPLW-4A=w640-h522" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve in Windsor, California</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br></div><div>One of the highlights of the year was the visit of cousins Jean Marc and Christine from Clapiers, France for Thanksgiving. We were joined by family members from Michigan, Seattle, San Diego, Cupertino, and of course everyone here in Windsor and Santa Rosa. There were 30 of us for dinner. </div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyb0FwRKUp5rXWffcTEnh9fB0XkA3iJkXs02l0eYGBhYxKqkTssKahNaggGKEJw4mfN874lGDzGyade-X3aR63SjCKJIvAXXxwhfw3o2dGdp1GpBTd7csD2HgwyHjxNLF7NJ8KND5XHl_9oIcoRiLI3v05UdbTNZ6tmSeN6Qgd5MNLT9MhmsvjFlPkduI=w571-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="571"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonoma Coast at Thanksgiving</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTyF888Le8_dktCMq9jmUHs1GUs0GSI7uQvxUyrBxkUyjFn0vCqd7rD2eQH7sR-a7eBJ1i8IDWmF8DRcIo6UYU6hbd37RRu184ZY5SRTPUhX477rZ-60jHSXXsFUINOIyzjtzEs6xUxQ_Bc-cqBzuKZqKICwmel98Qq_DuOQ9STWPungEJSnROmsvd6ks=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plateau de Valensole in Provence, France in July<br><br><div style="text-align: left;">A few days before we left for our July trip to France, Shirley decided to try her hand at pickleball. Unfortunately, Shirley fell while back pedaling to get to the ball and broke her wrist in four places. She hoped to fully heal without surgery but a few weeks ago, she had that surgery.</div><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxYzmircCgkFb5hcnjoIlwU7yTCMPm_cChGR1sdK-bz6Mbl9SbnQh9_Bez5Zkkq0ZJyIOxeh1OXWLeR8kdB2j7K9RPUXZ_dU4-zLXHEkIE880l3llZEfstln7M5Y0pyl5jTAMv0KNieXNhK7QEesYTx8YwvGdr0uS5hGDsSx3eugNgi2NDlf1cdwut6SI=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Rosa, California in July<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">We find great joy spending time with our family. Shirley stays busy running her granny taxi as she helps provide transportation to and from school, sports events, and other non-scholastic activities. </div></td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwq4PYNYiYzjcWe87v9d3yVExnLnA4L7BwcSGw8SloRWvQ-lraGmyOXc2htSi4IRn_6mS6NzeOu7ugLEvo4pMiB_1tTB7yaHMllkYKndjXgX_qo0YTmCtPQqa2O-vlIZF0hLW7jLK9uDkoRKB1uHUyP6OHqywei2PcheuVl_H_qFIWhXZ1V-HFnYTv2oY=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother's Day in Windsor, California</td></tr></tbody></table><br>Our other great joy, especially for Shirley is our two big Golden Doodles. Cooper, the black one weighs 105 pounds and Bailey, the brown one weighs 95. Shirley and the dogs are inseparable it seems. It would be helpful if we could find a comfortable and affordable way to transport the two dogs to Sablet when we travel there. Anyone have ideas?<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsIaMPMaOowEgwxIsIPEbTXD6dlsbJAtSqV2MXjhRDkFQoF_EStgIahsNlyYg1VD5Ms6eB0PHfG3waY-s4iIeApBVdMNedMgjz0-96bpOX00mLaIF3pTc7pMOo1Uzby0BwuXp7kQqcFKhfnhvHI7BJSoFsxbEDGlVwlKkm0O29CFQmt2FCav6HU4hKX9w=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooper and Bailey in Windsor, California</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We continue to make improvements to our house in Sablet including the new electric, green awning shown below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqAQ7Zro-Id_txZQN0KFmaS9zhDh6jOiBRKLQ1aE5NzvPcqt3-2Qk_CuzwOK2BD6wpAsICYZdhbpzh86sjmDUz0GjEUEtun3Nt22cSuzHDdGW8z_tHLbdUO_lM58ILRc0d-GXJf5VOdSGc9JuF7GHZHEgMN6W8AexiNTxsvPkW6Z-4eKsS84y74MQLWwo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqAQ7Zro-Id_txZQN0KFmaS9zhDh6jOiBRKLQ1aE5NzvPcqt3-2Qk_CuzwOK2BD6wpAsICYZdhbpzh86sjmDUz0GjEUEtun3Nt22cSuzHDdGW8z_tHLbdUO_lM58ILRc0d-GXJf5VOdSGc9JuF7GHZHEgMN6W8AexiNTxsvPkW6Z-4eKsS84y74MQLWwo=w640-h640" width="640"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our house in Sablet, France (Note our new electric awning)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br></div>We hope to see some of you in Sablet this year. If you are looking for a wonderful place to call home for a sojourn in Provence, we invite you to consider our house. You can find all the information you need on our website www.sablethouse.com.</div><div><br></div><div>Happy New Year. We hope that this year brings peace, joy, good health and prosperity to one and all. </div></div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-50818294858866756702023-05-01T09:10:00.242-07:002023-05-02T09:57:14.263-07:00Visit to one of the 7 Most Beautiful Villages in VaucluseWe usually take daily trips away from <a href="https://www.viamichelin.ie/web/Maps?tid=city-1295076">Sablet</a> to explore the Vaucluse and surrounding Departments. We probably go most often to the hill-top villages of the Luberon including Venasque, which is what we did a few weeks ago.<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.viamichelin.ie/web/Maps?tid=city-1295772">Venasque</a> is a small pretty village that clings to a rocky hillside overlooking vineyards, garrigue (areas of shrubby vegetation found in the Mediterranean region), and cherry trees. It is classified as one of the "<a href="https://www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org/fr/">Plus Beaux Villages de France</a>" (translated as most beautiful villages of France).</div><div><br /></div><div>Cherries have been grown in this part of Provence since the 17th century and it remains the largest cherry producing region in France. Cherries from Venasque are said to be the best; the village refers to its cherries as diamants rouges (red diamonds). <div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3kNpqxyeBQUl10Oq4b9Lis4UKSqZQt34rCnAcchWJD1DBfZQ218uOPdM1dXaUrh8_Pabm0NV0Tbw0mmkfrEDdCdRs53GUGeaz9gEGoEXxUpZK2f4ktRJICjRs7pvpM2V4bdbY8nllEoLg6tbqgCMx9U2hdFxiDmj1LiooMgQTG52fg98ck-AfFMiT=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venasque</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Venasque is one of the oldest villages of the Comtat Venaissin often referred to simply as the Comtat. Comtat means county in its original sense, or land belonging to a count. Venaissin refers to Venasque, a former bishop seat which gave its name to the Comtat. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHBlpYqsRlzkkuvTeQ4MirvSjgZvxKIL1xCTBmIRPIalfYDIXCfOuQhVo3KbXwJ5IJalARnmc-q-16ZL057HqUunQbGQhIcS2nvbCo3hH5ZvARWHUb5pta_dFEB3kwhwrI6l1z0279bjL2AJU8g1Osbhp4b7FRiVlHaXrzjUGVhE-FMK0OQ4Lsu1TG=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saracen Towers and Arched Doorway through Defensive Walls</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>Venasque's location on top of the hill provided a natural defense against attacks from enemies. Nevertheless, in Roman times, a defensive wall with towers was built around the village. The arched doorways were restored at the beginning of the 20th century.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPgHCnqjIr-FKbe7cDIr1GZ68kckxDXkHDxdTftxSqlaKp_jIXGqBhs2WN0bJOjVJcblNZo5LD_lnjP1oED2haDy74azjY787ZhARWjO3-plM-S5eHiu8f6ZS-y-oZUKb4aRoB3Vr-7IAsVa0skSKYhsqMlmPLF1byw4YLpiZ1u-l0Zr2h8fVQ2PzZ=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Defensive Wall</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>The thick walls of the ramparts which survive connect three Saracen towers and two arched doors. Supposedly the stones in the defensive wall that no longer exist were removed as if the walls were a sort of rock quarry and used to build the school and village houses. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>One of the reasons we like to come to Venasque is because of Les Remparts restaurant. At Les Remparts, you can sit in the interior dining room, a large sunroom or a small outdoor terrace with views of the valley on sunny days.</div><div><br /></div><div>Les Remparts offers a number of prix fixe menus, including a 3-course vegetarian menu currently priced at 39 Euros. Food is always well prepared and beautifully plated. We recommend you reserve ahead. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj64HC9cbOuf1uaOygfLHXyKKU-p_Hitg_OfuK7qwdOR-wIIi_puOH7eoKRkfwev04QD2-yCUCakWVdc4ues7xzBy2QcTzx0S7BeViVFGjW-7O2K3I94IFVonC3iWueEjlB2jevEgm7DkdisZE9Cy5E9FOscJZrFLsgvOw9yNyh4-4qvIkbRjgwpeqy=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les Remparts Restaurant</td></tr></tbody></table>As you can see, Venasque is a small village. There are only 1013 people who reside in the village according to the lastest census. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Water was piped to houses throughout the village between 1959 and 1965. Prior to this time, villagers got their water from the various fountains scattered throughout the village.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizHYTZlRKpStceYiR0tFfa2FpvZQFIYW4k0LI_5PC3-sQyaqHXi_SnHWwKKXouQjjQnB6V5FNZW6bDCbdte3lgQZ1omEroO5IKp_tQuv2Xz6Q5nQWyy8RPxE2I0Euf0D_TPLaAtevXL6u9UL0htRPt1DC3myMTG6eeczMgbSy0uUa1ylb1vH2cGsR_=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fountain in the center of Venasque at Place de la Fontaine</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvGBcOmXbag1g-RHHQ9LNi8N8Ba37ag-DqbWQbXet-BCNuZm-ywY4UzzED0tcWB5ZQvYS3RTUopFZRRz44Bzxc-g-QdBb4pkLO2qYgURZGx0HUdlLJNeEVO5Ohc8pBQLCCR8S2JTLwA9jMN1RRZ5DqS5Z-2Oz3qp9GJVA57VencTSMlvc5NtY8pCXk=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arched Passageway into and out of Venasque</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">It is worth the trip up the hill off the D-4 to visit Venasque. As I said, it is small and will only take you a couple of hours to walk around the village. Try to time your visit so you can eat lunch at Les Remparts. You will be happy you did.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Les Remparts Restaurant</div><div style="text-align: left;">37 Rue Haute</div><div style="text-align: left;">84210 Venasque</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tel: 04 90 66 02 79</div></div></div></div></div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-14439651487468041082023-04-24T02:04:00.393-07:002023-04-29T14:57:06.544-07:00A French Memorial to 5 US Airmen who Died in WWII in Plan de Dieu While Attacking Nearby German Airfields<div>We were invited to dine with Paul and Francoise Roumanille "chez Bruno" in Sablet on a recent Friday. As I told you in this <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2019/08/sablet-house-mystery-unraveled-and-we.html">post</a>, Paul and Francoise and their parents before them have been making wine in Sablet since 1939. </div><div><br /></div><div>We got to talking during our lunch of traditional Aioli a la Morue, about what life was like for their families during WWII. Paul mentioned that there is a memorial to US airmen in Plan de Dieu, a large area planted in vineyards 11 km west of Sablet. Plan de Dieu translates to "God's Plain."</div><div><br /></div><div>There are around 2620 acres planted in vineyards at an altitude of 100 meters within the Plan de Dieu AOC. Rather than one named village, the area includes the territories of Camaret-sur-Aigues, Jonquieres, Violes and Travaillan. A few patches of woodlands dot the expanse of vines.</div><div><br /></div><div>Soil is mainly red clay packed with rounded cobblestones. There is not a lot of soil matter, so yields are modest, barely enough to produce one bottle of wine per plant. The wines are all red, made from the Cotes-du-Rhone's 3 leading grape varieties, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. </div><div><br /></div><div>The next day, Saturday, we went out to find this war memorial to US airmen. We see war memorials in almost every village in Provence dedicated to the children of the town who died serving their country in WWI or WWII. We have never seen a war memorial to US military personnel other than near where troops landed on D-Day in <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2014/06/d-day-omaha-beach-normandy-france.html">Normandy</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Paul said the memorial was on the road to Cameret-sur-Aigues just beyond the turnoff to Cairanne. Sure enough, as we were driving on the D23 toward Camaret-sur-Aigues, we came to a small road going off to the right with a small white sign "war memorial".</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6IyRNtDaJFXtzKVpsADpsnBMWSMrjJdrD5MrQns7WMkBps_C1ibMV-N_FwCRrVS9UM7EGTWVjEGYHn10Vc4EtbvqwmsfmunSMdVTXx30pX3qbhkyaR8d0kWU515d0ft3-L3enlbqKnK2fOR-srBEQSGmiEZ89K-pdrcVL8Chgomor7zQTrvMcdpf9=w640-h602" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">War memorial to US airmen who died in Plan de Dieu</td></tr></tbody></table>There is not a lot of information at the memorial or on the internet about the events that occurred over the Plan de Dieu that inspired locals to build this memorial.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2jpeFvO57HbBSC0dSzjFbsGWoKEoky-9csDCV9Xu_qYhza1pRNXL-_e24gLIwN3bbSOAYB3WZmA2Y7A_9aX2He5xCFC0Vv5hdsUnKCPd9gECpvOBp4uV2A9Fljbwyr3QCrToE5dZHeHomgjDJ7WPXsdzJOZGdkCn3sWM8JFtLxE9GIAQkJYAcBDYM=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the vast plain of vineyards to the west of the war memorial</td></tr></tbody></table>At first glance, the site is unremarkable. Set in the middle of a vast plain of vineyards, the simple stone monument is set just off the side of a one-way dirt road. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzxtF_E45Tb7d7XWy_5_JWh-6lGOsY8gsg2tcmS0FBH53YSBGXGnBWrIf-A8hMZ1YVOzK9KzoawqUo3Pmua3sBJfmpoLJ9F-R3C6KmVUvulMLCHWvjo7EPzn1aXVEsCF6EG9zmQTGkXUbFfa_Ts4K_Zlwi3zBxq1YGLIyFbZB6nB06hUREC2MHFvgV=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The memorial is festooned with flowers and red, white and blue ribbons</td></tr></tbody></table>I found that on Saturday, April 16, 2005, approximately 200 French men and women along with French and American military representatives gathered during an icy spring rainy day to dedicate the new memorial to the five P-38 Lightning pilots who died while attacking nearby airfields.</div><div><br /></div><div>2005 was the 60th anniversary of the liberation of France. The locals thought it necessary to express their appreciation with this memorial stone to the young pilots for their dedication in the darkest hour of French history, and active participation in the liberation of France and victory over Nazi Germany. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Three of the honored pilots went down on June 15, 1944, trying to weaken German defenses for the Allied assault of southern France that would follow the Normandy invasion. 2nd Lt. Hugh Crandall Jr. and 1st Lt. Harold V Duggleby from the 94th Fighter Squadron were both brought down by anti-aircraft fire on strafing runs against the Orange-Plan de Dieu airfield. </div><div><br /></div><div>At about the same time, 1st Lt. Warren E. Semple from the 49th Fighter Squadron was shot down by a German pilot while strafing the nearby Orange-Caritat airstrip. </div><div><br /></div><div>Several weeks later in early August, 2nd Lt. Robert D. Simpson of the 48th Fighter Squadron and 2nd Lt. A. Tracy of the 49th Fighter Squadron were downed by flack and killed on similar missions. Watching the attacking planes get shot down was shocking for those on the ground said one of the local residents who was 11 in 1944.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="629" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCvvg45_8P9Tq5UYu2TAcJLgve-nNnrM1SITFj5Pgrxetn1Xy0Hkc-VRk0GjHDlhY5ACjItug9iW-lFrZp4bEIKSr3Zm24blR7E2IVe_hBGAss1eo6NrqH-7e3A-QwwWHOwsKnnDINoM19jyWuprolUgfsUs0sIBokQdeAAxSFkTldM6_koQaT63fs=w640-h629" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Listing of the names of the 5 young US airmen who died in Plan de Dieu.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Across the narrow country road from the war memorial, there is the Bergerie du Bois des Dames. The name Bois des Dames (wood of the ladies) comes from the thick oak woods and pastures that once covered part of this area. The woods belonged to religious ladies who had retired to a high valley in the hills of Gigondas, at the convent of Prebayon, hence the name Bois des Dames. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="501" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEQQs1c0NtrFOVv69GptRj1qykJNlwxAt-pqo8z8fnO25ciCReRg1zqZpZ6EoC_F-hDzoROeofYi2VX2L3Nh_zNhyAFEUcrDebhhZ5tY0CO4DMyVbGWQlS4v5IpUdd299Xoch3sWLTXk7_ZtuMKr_xBSMUFAWedM6jJq4FyF4xjgM-Af1OnP5px50F=w640-h501" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bergerie du Bois des Dames</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">I couldn't find any information about this bergerie. I do know that bergeries are enclosures that shepherds used in old times to contain and protect their sheep. In the picture below, you can see in the corner of the bergerie, the remains of a very deep well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">The next time we are in Sablet, I will go to the Domaine Bois des Dames and see if anyone there can tell me why the memorial and bergerie are located on different sides of the country road. I would also like to find out the age of the bergerie structure. It looks old, so I assume it is but sometimes looks as we know can be deceiving. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I have told you several times. we frequently see pilots of the Patrouille de France, the French precision flying unit, practicing their stunts over this area. So sobering to think, while we get such enjoyment from seeing the Patrouille flying overhead, there was a time in the last century when the planes flying overhead were engaged in serious, deadly warfare.</div></div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-63317126582576473042023-04-14T22:37:00.216-07:002023-04-21T02:58:27.161-07:00Friday is Market Day in Sablet<div>In previous posts, I have shared the criteria that we considered as we searched for a house to buy in the South of France. Near the top of the list after Shirley's #1, "no-fixer-uppers", was our desire to own a house in a village that was active year around so we could visit whenever we wished. </div><div><br /></div><div>This meant we wanted a "living village" which for us meant, not tourist dependent as they essentially shut down from early November to middle of March. This eliminated a lot of villages in the Alpilles, Luberon or near the Mediterranean Sea. </div><div><br /></div><div>We discovered as we searched that small villages in the Cotes du Rhone and other wine making regions are open year around as wine making is a year around process. Thus, we considered these villages "living villages".</div><div><br /></div><div>It seems that our village has only gotten better as a place to live or visit since we bought back in 2008. The village of Sablet has a population of 1381. We have a boulangerie that is open 365 days a year. We have a butcher shop; a very well stocked grocery store called an épicerie, a bar/cafe in the center of the village, a pizzeria, and a fine dining restaurant called La Table de Magali.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have a pharmacy, a medical office, a dentist, a floral shop, two salons, a dress shop, a tourist information center where they sell local wines, and a tabac where they sell stamps, and French, English, and German newspapers and magazines. There are two churches and a bank with ATM machine. </div><div><br /></div><div>More recently, the village has seen their Friday morning market in the center of Sablet expand with the addition of new vendors, some of whom are shown in the pictures below. While the market is small (we recommend you go to one or more of the larger weekly markets in the area), the quality of fish, cheese and fruits and vegetables sold at the Sablet market is excellent. </div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrZkw38qNSAe_3HgOhZiAoPP9DU6Eprd2-SEuPtN3joyPsViJiXIwCzk5JcsWsYes0FJ-Iyhd7a4tUsxfhyrVPuWL8hVvW_GN6gxyeqwjkkDVnozyNPbsMcytClpSeeq5CPJSV7savFrK7lqFmhC7Suev5cH9vVtwjDU7i8cbn-dZF2CfZzs6QQflf=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Sablet from Rue du Stade</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVz-MMmKhmDec2mh_I9FnsESi1P33AXLKBS5Om2_p5yknJtDGG5QFdR9NOeMZq8Cvq4HUS_FciRYgAP9N14GoUZkZeoMHEoMlloDFbtuN1KV49qPltd4HzMbJIxshqj31ZeaWG4c87S_9yEg0YeVgt-3gfcX2RBBGABIkCR8iizGSsw752GtwqYgd5=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruit and Vegetable Seller</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcu5g2kFf7kLGSclGRd-zZjhEukMhCokBhFNYROmpJaUlTnwYNANXDZafaHKzCFJ-e4GZZLpg_JunV2urKjOj5zw2K_MuslEmCfLUCj1TCgmYIKZ0R-n8L6PoykNrVtp9k2zTzNy3_ory9P69dt3k6elZJXFJ9oFErPt_9m9tzq9yqDuYFSK-M3dTL=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mobile Fromagerie</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZbG7FaMS3o7ghIx3ARK1xBGx0nU1Ri8ROYQbeptSMKXhR263nsFnw1UKHIVR2nedhXRSf_8J6iEowi_C9j0mxe_OESEWcX6pRr7cfYHQqJcMmTkZ0xZ_m4bCNzjlp3tf-ZjMTuzWvDOaIFBChQyTwXxsUTPF39F9vqXGNWaKtcpNBKz9XOMtN4JTn=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Poissonier</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjM45fWE4pNlKmsLTkD97EUmusmdlOmvo1xaC9Ancz3p7HfnwHB3SDx_RgKXlbeb3wEoHWBg1AyLsVonEYPyeNl0h0q3qYzJCfxAwdm6SXScjug2Hj8nNgFq8F5eda0SkLwxcy9RZi_0qnHVcM7W4_-CVJ6PlB7LQP7o3QXccWiV6zIW03XKfpLNSsV=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seller of All Things Related to Honey</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbBYEI0tiXDabykHo8qS23xysyJ55UzKww8jVnqWH0mPHag5Ztzb2tagyKnyTBh1ttDg9VIsbM_mcIZ__ELkFEkB6esfXEllHZD_gvd7jIdELonY2m8jreE7oGN5nArMiPap5uYLAvQuclgXl4Olf8yrjzN5eK65_8460Vg8fOPer-PJB50FG-D-9w=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something akin to a Mobile Italian Alimentari </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiflgj6UvLGFtsynWJAYtmPW8Z4OBY3beYbnxIwJeLAZ-6riG8c75FZoseBNTPSJFf65XoSzATtfilfji9vf0pdBb9ZMSqojsEwNsvvsXdJssaCEkmetYfIcQnOIwOh6OUXLCySE63pwu7kouC3IJSShKrqiKnR9D17JqfN4zaIOR_uaVKM5_EI0vB6=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Close-up Look at the Products on Offer from the Mobile Italian Alimentari </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCalLiVlKZ02q8Xub_p7k4W-weQWexhj7gXQtanpGwYy672Fx9Z_Ri4XS3GsEjavdiD-FKIOtdtvQVR7UDK2g7Ze8qzgiWJQzPMRP5GL4S882qP7PfzK5ZT_VyOyVODiMkJMpLecwLiG6__99b3FwML3TZZyfwcegnDXcPXxIsuBslFwr-LXFWVJkL=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Fruit and Vegetable Seller</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib3lKsbqbvef2gNrrtiN389O0dL8bB_fmS2hnUDPR8Q-tPMjn7N_rQ6EH-u9YxA6yi_g-75SzT2pm5shMGoDRsZk7gp2AUq8tk3LHxkMC88Bo5z2_vXRIwbxz2OkjGe_A9-sE9I7tc5Ve0owxGBtSW2O3O72-RPvyAXQXdcq8zqtb9KGLi-iFfwyY2=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshly Made Paella to Go</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I have written posts about weekly markets in Vaison-la-Romaine, Nyons, Carpentras, Sainte-Cecile-les-Vignes, and Uzes, I have never written about our own smallish market that takes place every Friday morning on Place De L'Aire De La Croix, in front of Bar des Sports. </div><div><br /></div><div>Between the shops in the village and the Friday weekly market, you can live very well in Sablet and never venture out to shop anywhere else. Parking gets a little tight late Thursday night until after market on Friday as there is no parking on Place De L'Aire De La Croix, which normally is full of cars. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are looking for a home to rent for a holiday in Provence, we still have multiple weeks available in May and June as well as a few single weeks through the end of October. I hope to hear from you. <br /></div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-8373012879192492932023-04-10T05:53:00.001-07:002023-04-11T03:31:42.657-07:00Sainte-Cecile-les-Vignes, the best Saturday market in the Vaucluse for fresh produce, fish, and flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the best things about coming to Sablet is shopping at the weekly outdoor "marches" in towns and villages throughout the region ... or at least it is for "foodies" like me. Why would you buy fruits and vegetables, cheese, meats, or fish at one of those supermarkets on the outskirts of town when you can leisurely stroll through a market and choose what you want for the next couple of days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Depending on what day we arrive in Sablet, we pick up staples from Alain and Mimi at Vival in Sablet and wait for the next market in the area to buy fresh, perishable foods. We arrived midweek this time and missed the Tuesday morning market in Vaison-la-Romaine. So, on Saturday, we got up early and headed to Sainte-Cecile-les-Vignes for the Saturday morning market. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sainte-Cecile-les-Vignes is a small village located 15 kms northwest of Sablet on the border of the Vaucluse and the Department of the Drome. As the name suggests (les "vignes" means the vines), Sainte-Cecile-les-Vignes is an agriculture village devoted to making wine. Vineyards surround the village.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The biggest challenge about going to these markets is finding parking, especially if you are not there bright and early. We always try to go early so we find parking within a reasonable distance of the market. Sainte-Cecile-les-Vignes has proved to be more challenging than others in our opinion, although it is not easy to find parking at any of them. This morning we were lucky.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiptVoLkqdJVtgKftwRSFpkWTvVnq3lCrxekhF-QFTmO2NZliX_i-IXVsiNtj5s1NhA0WyYN8Ub6qJTItvAsz5rsUteLtpjfcOjPw-4QF6-Lj9xX-3_IenLM7y5y7kG90XUmalM6jN87XxaGfH8fqAtRYRBup619uqNcGGWBWI0DcaCxWmVYydYladZ=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance through the Belltower into the center of Saint-Cecile-les-Vignes</td></tr></tbody></table>I don't go to the "marches" with a list of things to buy like I do when I go to the supermarket. No, I walk through the market and buy what is fresh, in season, and local. I never buy anything on my first walk through the market. After I have surveyed what is for sale, I take a second walk through and buy what I liked on my first walk-through. <div><br /></div><div>There was locally grown green and white asparagus. Did you know there is no difference between green and white asparagus. White asparagus comes from depriving the asparagus of light. Dirt is mounded around the emerging stalk, depriving it of light. The plant can't produce chlorophyll without light, thus there is no green color to the stalks. <br /><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnpDiBLfyQP03AteGfMfXpsr1Xl0-pDXvRqBb4Dz-2lv4dyLHu3tB5HeDo6UgnxLMdJ_r6aqzwH38D3h4qKNtkX5CT8kVxbxFS4au_vWEt69-IxxZzBwXp9K8oKiS4zUSbygKTUNN2IpF_6hHbtCpAzh6gfVbIKgeFQP7enTZxy6tSKKhAfLWr3wyd=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh white and green asparagus from nearby Department of the Gard</td></tr></tbody></table>Invariably, whenever I buy produce on my first walk through a market, I wish I had waited to buy those tomatoes, eggplants or zucchinis a little way further up the street. The only exception I make to buying at the "marches" is if there is a fantastic poissonnier or fromager in the area whose products are better than what you can find in the marches or for staples like flour, sugar, and milk.</div><div><br /></div><div>Make up your menus as you walk through the market. Don't worry if you don't have a recipe. Between Google, Instagram and Pinterest, you can find lots of recipes when you search for a particular fruit or vegetable. Choose one that sounds good to you. That way you are trying new dishes which is part of the fun of spending time in Provence.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOM___I0E6oNkTRAX7p5KbS69mFs6WTJs9ln4qwS-vn46W6WSsJRLPQLzPyemGeCz-L7zxM2E58tQYPJSD--rSrc0Y2lOcFNNlbHhdQL8sGlyMQ8T-iQ0ZTjuPHnclIPngvKlmc3JrVVovXGvUoBjmiaNa5OGY7TfzxAG39XUuWaR9aBT6YWIDdqo0=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the poissonnier at the Sainte-Cecile-les-Vignes market<br /><div style="text-align: left;">The market in Sainte-Cecile-les-Vignes takes place every Saturday between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM at Le Cour du Portalet, La Place de la Marie and La Place de la Fontaine including in front of the parish church of Sainte-Cecile-les-Vignes. This church replaced a church that the villagers had decided was obsolete. Built between 1854 and 1860, the new church was consecrated in 1860 by the archbishop of Avignon. The church was built from stones brought from Saint-Restitut, a village in the Department of the Drome known for its old stones. Inside the church, you can see alters, pictures, and statues saved from the old church.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDw-OcaJJmfPYAN9WufVDolJflrY2YWde5jltcfFxFd-TwVSq6Tza3rY7MxqR6JtdGKOMmF-eTKy-UuaQmE0gc19PQxprQgwV8Oa7PcbZNweQUsK-F2VsVnKpbyN6h-9YVPTXeB0CsmWfYTO7UAferKiZIWeb4FaZMM4RdOaDGKJBw7Lj2IQGzoKiS=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sainte-Cecile-les-Vignes parish church</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7gAh60uryegAwI0wWBiDmE7LkGLQQO_RaHqo_jO_jJcIyShIO1MpeWtNML3q8WNedCIRSaI9P0i8dXov00_D5SS6xM76uohEKJhu2_uZyhVPaP-6JNHiUjpOQtQ6qe_IGrRGloBr81_EbyUhAMaCZ6jAPDE4it5gb7QzDhAwCkaydOeOvL2agp4fw=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomatoes from the Drome</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnZAucZX5qi42euf5BGpCKsRGc0VwWCWZ-fmQVW7i4kGOMEFlGQ7g1Vjd90dPS9NecqsUbdyNyHcDp9g2K6gt8mpbODZTXmvimbaszbMhCbQfrJDeDaYNe7_0Llt-GA-FqITUuxHm0SIUb1wq6pEonunN8ZYmyAa1CI6DPsmwfJPDypwppgM_IEHwj=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More asparagus and the famous strawberries of Carpentras</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>Strawberries have been grown around Carpentras since the late 19th century. Carpentras strawberries means they come from the area around Carpentras, not what variety. You can find them at markets around Sablet between March and June. </div><div><br /></div><div>We were going to visit my elderly cousins who reside in a retirement community in Villeneuve-les-Avignons later in the afternoon. So, we bought a box of strawberries from Carpentras to take them as a treat. Cousin Mauricettes spent the first 21 years of her life in Carpentras. You have never seen a bigger smile on someone's face than when we told them we had brought them a box of Carpentras strawberries. I called them on Sunday morning to wish them Happy Easter and they told me they ate the entire box that evening.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy your trips to the local marches when you are in the South of France. We recommend you go early. Later in the day, it will be difficult to move around, let alone find parking. <br /></div></div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-13035804322651522722023-04-08T10:27:00.001-07:002023-04-09T01:41:28.255-07:00Tulips in the Vaucluse put on a dazzling display of color near Jonquieres. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are back in Sablet after an unusually long absence for us. One of the highlights of our sojourns in Provence, are the flowers that you find in various seasons of the year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can see cherry orchards in bloom in April and early May around the Plus Beaux Village of <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2013/07/venasque-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.html">Venasque</a>. The time to enjoy their fruit is late May to early July. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then Shirley's favorites, bright red poppies, known in France as <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2010/07/coquelicots-in-provence.html">Coquelicots</a> make their appearance in fields in May. The Coquelicots grow wild rather than cultivated so you can never tell where you will find them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2021/07/the-hunt-for-lavender-fields.html">Lavender</a>, the most famous flowers to be seen in Provence, bloom from mid-June to mid to late July, depending upon elevation. <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2021/07/sunflowers-in-provence.html">Sunflowers</a> bloom from late June to the end of July and are typically harvested in August. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back in 2010, I was surprised to discover fields of tulips growing near Violes, a small village near Sablet. I was surprised because we had never seen fields of tulips or read about them in any of the various guidebooks I have perused over the years. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since now is the time of the year when the tulips bloom, we went out to look for them on our first day back. We went to the area where we have seen them previously. Nothing! So, we made inquiries in Sablet, and discovered the tulips were growing in a different field farther from Sablet, near Jonquieres. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So yesterday, we went out again and were happy to find multi-colored rows of tulips alongside the Route de Carpentras into Jonquieres, with views of Mont Ventoux in the distance. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7wtzZ3R3w4s/ZDASoX9qSHI/AAAAAAAAflM/XF9yE5WQY3UOlFWZqYWd_jbf_-6W4RLkwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1680872095167013-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulip field near Jonquieres with view of Mont Ventoux</td></tr></tbody></table>I grew up in Southwestern Michigan about one hour south of Holland, Michigan. An annual field trip in elementary school was our trip to Holland, Michigan to see the tulips.<br /><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YvEal2xsrsM/ZDASnEXWd3I/AAAAAAAAflI/RrP22Bu9bS0xHti_RconcowDsyRAqlbXgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1680872090056918-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulip field near Jonquieres</td></tr></tbody></table>I learned back in 2010 that these tulips are not grown to be sold as cut flowers by floral shops or vendors at weekly markets that occur throughout France. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uekIJUanV80/ZDASl7W1EpI/AAAAAAAAflE/d9BOnQPxEewwlYZkkStQbkW_lWL9vvLHACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1680872085015243-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulip field near Jonquieres</td></tr></tbody></table>Rather, these tulips are grown for export to the Netherlands. In a few days, the flowers will be cut by a lawn mower type machine to save the bulbs. The bulbs will be harvested and shipped to the Netherlands. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hi5j-B4QM3g/ZDAShR9o0nI/AAAAAAAAfk0/h5T1f8AbNIgFxNSUkwTj7gBkF7uHI1AXwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1680872067981815-6.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulip field near Jonquieres</td></tr></tbody></table><br />If you are going to be in the Vaucluse during the month of April, keep your eyes out for fields of multi-colored rows of tulips.</div><div><br /></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535;">If you are planning a trip to the South of France, we would be honored if you would consider making our house in Sablet your home for your sojourn. We have weeks available in May and June, July 23 to August 5, and August 12 to September 2. Please reach out to me for information about availability and rental rates. www.sablethouse.com </span><br /></div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-48821285758847959572023-02-12T20:28:00.001-08:002023-02-13T12:03:31.073-08:00The Original Van Gogh Experience in the Carrieres des Lumieres at Les Baux de ProvenceI figure that many of you have seen the immersive Van Gogh Experience in one of the many US cities that have offered this program. But how many of you know that the "Van Gogh Starry Night" art and music program was first exhibited in the <a href="https://www.carrieres-lumieres.com/en">Carrières des Lumieres</a> at Les Baux de Provence in the South of France from March 1, 2019, to January 5, 2020?<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.viamichelin.fr/web/Cartes-plans?tid=city-1293640">Les Baux de Provence</a> is a picturesque village about 47 miles southwest of our home in Sablet, France. The village sits in a strategic location on a rocky outcrop with ancient houses and a ruined castle perched on top of the village overlooking vineyards and olive groves to the south.</div><div><br /></div><div>Les Baux de Provence is officially classified as a <a href="https://www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org/fr/">Les Plus Beaux Villages de France</a> - one of the most beautiful villages of France. The beauty of the village and the surrounding Alpilles mountains, makes Les Baux de Provence a very popular place for tourists all year long as I told you <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2014/08/les-baux-de-provence-beautiful-village.html">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The name Les Baux refers to its site, a baou is a rocky spur. Aluminum ore bauxite was first discovered near Les Baux in 1821 and named after the village of Les Baux de Provence. Bauxite was extensively mined in the area but by the end of the 20th century, the bauxite had been completely extracted. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NP-7Ce7DihM/Y-hJVhvKt_I/AAAAAAAAfHU/AzFPe4nkyYMwHN3SBoJY4QpqJI4FHk6_ACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1676167509084332-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les Baux de Provence</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>The Carrières des Lumieres is located 800 meters from Les Baux de Provence, a 10-minute walk from the village so you can get there easily if you are parked near the village. There is limited parking near the village or the Carrières des Lumieres, so you may have to walk a little.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The quarry of Les Grands Fonds, now known as the Carrières des Lumieres, was opened in 1800. The area's white limestone was easily worked and was used to build Glanum, the village of Les Baux de Provence and for the construction of the castle of Les Baux. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I mentioned earlier, a red mineral was discovered in 1821 in the limestone quarries. The mineral was used to extract aluminum and named bauxite after the nearby village. In 1935 after the first world war, with the emergence of new building materials such as steel and concrete, the quarry closed. </div><div><br /></div><div>In 2012, the village of Les Baux entrusted Culturespaces with management of the quarry. Every year since opening, Les Carrières de Lumieres has offered an immersive digital exhibition devoted to a major artist. In 2019, we had the opportunity to see "Van Gogh, Starry Night" in July and again in October.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PT-bTHoRdtw/Y-hJUewlL3I/AAAAAAAAfHM/FwrM1D38OCoocRTkhUdVdeHEUXBDXPQLgCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/1676167504024956-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Carrières de Lumieres</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div>To the right of the entrance, a larger gallery leads you under the mountain, towards an enormous hall divided by huge pillars left by quarry workers to hold up the roof. The 7,000 square meters (75,000 square feet) of walls and ceilings are used as natural screens to project beautiful 14 meter-high (45 feet) images. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div>There are no seats per se. Audience members walk around, viewing the changing images from different vantage points as their own shadows are eerily cast on the paintings. Some people sit on a few concrete slabs around the perimeter, some huddle together for warmth. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The pictures which follow show some of the artwork which was displayed as the program ensued during our visit in July 2019.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In 2023, the Carrières des Lumieres will present two new immersive exhibitions: a long program, "From Vermeer to Van Gogh, the Dutch Masters", and a short program, "Mondrian, the architect of colors".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are planning a trip to the South of France, we would be honored if you would consider making our house in Sablet your home for your Sojourn. Please reach out to me for information about availability and rental rates. www.sablethouse.com </div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-49423732316871176032022-12-05T10:52:00.000-08:002022-12-05T10:52:21.944-08:00Francis Mallmann's Gastronomic Restaurant at Chateau La Coste<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dear friends, we are in Northern California and enjoying fall weather in contrast to the crazy hot weather we experienced this summer, both here in California, and in Provence. We certainly appreciate that we now have a/c in our house in Sablet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You will recall that I told you about our visit to <a href="https://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2022/01/chateau-la-coste-wine-art-architecture.html">Chateau La Coste</a> in <a href="https://www.viamichelin.fr/web/Cartes-plans?address=Le%20Puy-Sainte-Reparade">Le Puy-Sainte-Reparade</a> in early January to see the unusual art installed around this 600-acre organic winery and art center which includes a luxury hotel and 4 restaurants.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This past August, we were invited by new friends Cesar and Danielle to eat at <a href="https://chateau-la-coste.com/en/restaurants/argentinian-restaurant-francis-mallmann.html">Francis Mallmann's restaurant </a>at Chateau La Coste. Francis Mallman is an Argentine celebrity chef, author and restauranteur who specializes in Argentine cuisine, especially Patagonian cuisine with a focus on Patagonian methods for barbecuing food. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He currently operates 9 restaurants worldwide including Francis Mallmann at Chateau La Coste. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZKfBsZwCzhk/YxkYJLxHFAI/AAAAAAAAdC0/q_fKQNgLAD8PaQNvyPsqEajd4ivL7EZFACNcBGAsYHQ/w583-h640/1662588963098095-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="583" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis Mallman at Chateau La Coste<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>One of the first things you see when you walk into the restaurant are the cooks in the open kitchen with its wood burning oven. The dining room is very comfy with wood ceilings and beams. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2n8cNCwsAGA/YxkYImuDGhI/AAAAAAAAdCw/qXLy1K-pFvMEBOnrFMHBf7yN_3pNKDTagCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1662588960803172-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood burning oven at Francis Mallmann restaurant</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>The menu is large, offering 9 entrees (starters) and 10 plats (main courses), and they all sounded delicious. I will be truthful; Cesar and Danielle and Shirley and I, we all love food. Cesar comes from a restaurant family in Nice, France, and you know my love of food; we went crazy ordering dishes to try.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rkqIx8c-ErU/YxkYHwlG8qI/AAAAAAAAdCs/lwttCa1pOtkAXWuUHBNaZHRhsETOzoDYgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h624/1662588958709133-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melon Salad, Goat Cheese, Radicchio, Cucumber and Fresh Mint.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iPvbH_3SSV0/YxkYFmpzvQI/AAAAAAAAdCc/umyNwUhwiV4JX7gSgzIz8vBZnp62cpkOACNcBGAsYHQ/w638-h640/1662588949428042-6.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="638" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Oven Beef Empanadas from Mendoza</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sn-n8ohj9B4/YxkYFCfemeI/AAAAAAAAdCY/IqiuDS3a2XsHkA7ZpUr9kQKJGHqyeLfIgCNcBGAsYHQ/w534-h640/1662588947057094-7.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="534" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly Sea Bass<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We don't eat pork, but I can vouch that the look and smell was awfully tantalizing. </div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PdRWiG3D8qQ/YxkYEabfApI/AAAAAAAAdCU/76mTnsiZjvAcD-2vAb0HTssC6H8vedR0QCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1662588944574398-8.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slow Roasted Suckling Pig with Fennel, Rocket Salad and Grilled Potatoes</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2jqV5IPU4HU/YxkYD6yUrII/AAAAAAAAdCQ/XiyeK7zA9QERlhpgnNoIlwE3mVDX0x6lACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1662588941801721-9.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetarian Tower</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XqZYs8yeZGE/YxkYDAQac4I/AAAAAAAAdCM/EDtRQuzMK9wyBlfD6B2ahRAc6yt1qfF0ACNcBGAsYHQ/w607-h640/1662588939250504-10.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="607" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sirloin Steak on the Bone accompanied by Mustard Potatoes and Grilled Onions</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NyN7z8gob-A/YxkYCqwLqQI/AAAAAAAAdCI/yqxfjDIdSeEvttfkLzZFB8EZQZagIF_nACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1662588936828522-11.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mustard Potatoes with Grilled Onions that accompanied the Grilled Steak<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We chose a lovely bottle of red wine from Hermitage.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XjiPy8A8k6g/YxkYB33YncI/AAAAAAAAdCE/tvBUolT-cnQR2sNP8lUc6CVLnrXMbm1UgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1662588934613167-12.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2017 Delas Ligne De Crete Hermitage</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VuyQQIHodso/YxkYBTiyNSI/AAAAAAAAdCA/N1S2Q8h3HLcMz9UB7K9CuJ7UDjUgHItZwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1662588932181235-13.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley and I with our friends Danielle and Cesar<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The menu offered 8 choices for dessert. We really didn't have room for dessert, but we chose a couple to share to finish our wonderful meal. </div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fqNwO7F2huA/YxkYAxmBJ0I/AAAAAAAAdB8/JU-UBr-CgocseKiFoXdsIKsQgS8Luuu-QCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1662588929995818-14.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert #1</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SZBoNbwz9Ao/YxkX_SAOR0I/AAAAAAAAdB0/VgHoKYnEsnQuxDwGM0Mz-uSXeizBOPzOQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h570/1662588924332726-16.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards the Chateau La Coste vineyards</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>We loved our meal and time spent with our friends driving to and from Chateau La Coste. If you are in Provence, we definitely recommend you visit Chateau La Coste and walk through the art installations that are spread around the grounds. It will take about 3 hours. Plan ahead and make reservations to dine at Francis Mallmann. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to try Chef Mallmann's food, but can't get to one of his restaurants, consider purchasing one of his cookbooks. I have tried a number of dishes from his latest book "Green Fire" and they turned out great.</div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-13149951313015640122022-09-05T17:55:00.001-07:002022-09-07T10:52:41.802-07:00Excellent Seafood Restaurant near the Port of Le Grau-du-Roi and a Water Jousting Match to BootOn a warm Saturday a couple of weeks ago, we headed seaside to <a href="https://www.viamichelin.fr/web/Cartes-plans?tid=city-1289268">Le Grau-du-Roi</a>, a fishing port and beach resort, with cousins Jean-Marc and Christine. We figured we would find cooler temperatures near the Mediterranean Sea and bonus, we could try out a new restaurant I had read about. <div><br></div><div>Le Grau-du-Roi is a commune in the Gard Department about 1.5 hours south from Sablet. Le Grau-du-Roi is the only commune in the Gard Department to have frontage on the Mediterranean Sea. Le Grau-du-Roi is the second largest French fishing port on the Mediterranean. <div><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rVVoir_S0YE/Ywsme96RAhI/AAAAAAAAc04/fa6hVMXHG5405m3zQa63MzCa-m0p1ILSgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1661675126968524-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port of Le Grau-du-Roi</td></tr></tbody></table><br>I made reservations at <a href="https://levivier-restaurant.fr/">Le Vivier Restaurant</a> early in the day. As we made our way toward Le Grau-du-Roi, it became clear we would be quite late for our reservation because of heavy traffic on the A-9. So I called and they said come ahead, but get there as soon as possible.</div><div><br></div><div>When we finally got there, we were kindly welcomed and seated at a table on the terrace. The charming owner told us they didn't mind tardy arrivals but since the chef works by himself in the kitchen, they try to keep to their posted hours as closely as possible. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rO6BlE0bBVQ/YwsmdWi1a8I/AAAAAAAAc00/Ugjf9FO0DxISWH4oACtlV_97feNVh4pIwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1661675123041960-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Vivier in Le Grau-du-Roi</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br></div><div>The menu offers a wonderful selection of seafood and fresh fish with very tempting accompaniments. I debated between Couteaux, Razer Clams in English, that were dressed with a Safran Cream sauce and Tellines also in a cream sauce. For those who don't know, Tellines are tiny triangular shaped multi-colored clams. </div><div><br></div><div>Cousin Jean-Marc order a platter of mixed seafood that includes oysters, sea snails, and shrimp. The ladies passed on starters and said they would order dessert instead. </div><div><br></div><div>The owner steered me to the Couteaux, saying the Tellines were really tiny right now. I didn't know what to expect as I had not tried Couteaux before but was really happy I took her advice. They were perfectly tender and delicious with their sauce. </div><div><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-225wX8EohIg/YwsmcR2YvFI/AAAAAAAAc0w/k4MzJXvuDx4VbTUuiUJnCGWYUnBt39GqQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1661675119298036-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couteaux (Razer Clams)<br><br><div style="text-align: left;">The main courses offer a nice selection of fish, any of which I would have been happy to try. Cousin Christine chose the "Poisson du Jour" which this day were Rougets accompanied by veggies and a sweet potato puree. </div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kRRS1P1m4s0/Ywsmbq-_JMI/AAAAAAAAc0s/bpueLLsvcrcpWcOInUb5RDSgYJJt1qNSACNcBGAsYHQ/w638-h640/1661675115219110-3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="638"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rougets with Sweet Potato Puree and Vegetables</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br>Shirley opted for the filet of Daurade (Sea Bream) with a mint, dill and citrus broth accompanied by tomatoes and zucchini. <br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6xyTSYwbWZ4/YwsmagvwxGI/AAAAAAAAc0o/XO4mD3sDbNkMpKTV3IK78xh6nEA7f79UQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1661675110283776-4.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filet of Daurade (Sea Bream) with a Mint, Dill and Citrus Broth accompanied by Tomatoes and Zucchini</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br>Jean-Marc and I both ordered Whole Wild Fish which were a duo of whole fish, which changes plate to plate with a citrus cream sauce accompanied by crushed potatoes and veggies.<br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yg_SE6O8aLo/YwsmZCQ9sUI/AAAAAAAAc0k/r8yQYZHGpBk7XFwhOQkrMU-OwgA47jRRACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h616/1661675105810967-5.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duo of Wild Whole Fish with a Citrus Cream Sauce and Crushed Potatoes and Vegetables</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br>Our dessert selections were Frozen Citrus Souffle accompanied by a citrus coulis and fresh fruit,<br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0LJjvEuCL3Y/YwsmYDgPDJI/AAAAAAAAc0g/NA_TmsE9jh4UHl8At_zbfR1yqgcHRUJxwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1661675101740567-6.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frozen Citrus Souffle with Citrus Coulis and Fresh Fruit</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br>Lingot Glace accompanied by caramelized peanuts and fresh fruit,<br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2sHqRTL8C8k/YwsmXP4PiTI/AAAAAAAAc0c/kbwRmcrEx10M4LamdtyVAyZ_xlhZirQwwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1661675097052648-7.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lingot Glace with Caramelized Peanuts and Fresh Fruit</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br>Frozen Chocolate Souffle and fresh fruit. <br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yHGbCtqONi8/YwsmV1OD7iI/AAAAAAAAc0Y/oTmknl-LYYAoUp_Lkn764kESN24NdFdLwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1661675092843628-8.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frozen Chocolate Souffle with Fresh Fruit</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br>After lunch, we walked along the canal that connects the fishing port to the Mediterranean to see the lighthouse at the entrance. As we walked, we watched the water jousters (Joutes Nautique in French) in combat on the canal. </div><div><br></div><div>In water jousting, two wooden boats are rowed towards each other by eight or ten oarsmen. One jouster on each boat stands on a raised platform at the stern of the boat about 10 feet above the surface of the water. In addition to the jouster and rowers, the crew consists of a helmsman and two musicians, and jousters who will participate in the next match.<br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QzT1CNbR8v0/YwsmUxjX3WI/AAAAAAAAc0U/T9KAqcoAuKgihbpILz11jLnh0tp4bPMDQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1661675088215388-9.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Jousting Team</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br>Jousters carry a shield 70 cm high and 40 cm wide and a lance 2.8 meters long. They must wear white outfits and white shoes. As the boats approach each other propelled by the rowers, the jousters crouch with their lances directed towards their opponent. A direct hit will propel the unlucky jouster into the air before he falls into the water. <br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u8HhTATVC1w/YwsmTr0MekI/AAAAAAAAc0Q/jWHKdFjhU6o7Vx2Y9psIZQDwWZIPNJFiACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1661675083508299-10.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Jousting Team</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br>In case you think these matches have been created as tourists attractions, you will be interested to learn that jousts have been carried out since ancient times. There are records of jousts going all the way back to the time of Christ. This form of jousting is practiced in eight towns in the Herault Department and one town in the Gard, Le Grau-du-Roi. <br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kzq6CxR6kpo/YwsmSc8HtbI/AAAAAAAAc0M/TXEsSybVQUUwXA743XJpRjVL0_LiGT_kACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1661675078081595-11.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Water Jousting Teams Meet in "Combat".</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br>Our meal at Le Vivier with the dishes of very fresh fish and seafood prepared by an excellent chef made the trip from Sablet worthwhile. Finding out they were jousting on the canal was just icing on the cake. </div></div></div><div><br></div><div>I would recommend making reservations at Le Vivier as its a very good restaurant and very popular, especially during tourist season. Parking is available a short distance away. </div><div><br></div><div>Le Vivier Restaurant</div><div>7 Rue du Commandant Marceau</div><div>Le Grau-du-Roi</div><div>Tel: 33 (0) 4 66 53 23 36</div><div>website: https//levivier-restaurant.fr</div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-15793567729881687682022-08-27T14:08:00.008-07:002022-09-07T10:52:10.943-07:00Newish Bistro in one of our favorite villages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As long time readers of Our House in Provence blog know, one of our favorite villages besides Sablet is Villedieu. Its a small village (population 514), built on a hill overlooking vineyards, olive grows and pine trees near the Eygues River on the border of the Drome Provencale. <a href="https://www.viamichelin.fr/web/Cartes-plans?tid=city-1295853">Villedieu</a> is located about 7 1/2 miles northwest of Sablet in the direction you would take if you were headed to Nyons. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SVTqD9G8ZlA/Yv8z0skbojI/AAAAAAAAcmM/TROx8FxcYbYLuRYxRBXW_-k92-N1IbFSACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1660892111765803-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Villedieu Cafe</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Villedieu dates back to medieval times when the village was a Commandery of the Knights Templar who owned a chateau with a single tower. The village was founded during a time when potential invaders would come around so defensive fortifications were built which you can see as you visit the village.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="637" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZzFeozu_1lE/Yv8zzn7_DtI/AAAAAAAAcmI/ThqNVvFsjQkTXqCxR5fEBEv2bvO-F2V9ACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h637/1660892107571680-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Villedieu Town Hall</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In the center of Villedieu is a square with a fountain, recently dry to due to the extreme drought and plane trees call Place de la Liberation. The Mairie (town hall), a cafe, a creperie, and until just before the pandemic, an excellent pizzaria called La Maison Bleue were located on the sides of the square. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FW99BL3qNGw/Yv8zyi4b8HI/AAAAAAAAcmE/wWMHV_VRa1Yx8OSuy3BquEOq9Tvymq3GwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1660892103043456-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Bistrot de Villedieu</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div>During warm weather between April and October, the square becomes a grand terrace shared by the cafe and restaurants. Tables and chairs arranged around the fountain with the area for the cafe and restaurants defined by the color of chairs. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K9MX2e0slp4/Yv8zxVWFAZI/AAAAAAAAcmA/IvdgKxGE2-MYzxJkBtzJaMbWzDM6sifpQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1660892098719422-3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Villedieu Place de la Liberation</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br />Shortly before the start of the pandemic, our friend and chef/owner of the Maison Bleue Pizzaria sold the restaurant to chef Laurent Azoulay. He and his wife Rachel reopened the restaurant in June 2020 as the <a href="http://www.azoulay-gastronomie.com/le-bistrot-de-villedieu">Bistrot de Villedieu</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ludPN_g3Z2Q/Yv8zwT8ufnI/AAAAAAAAcl8/YWbdlalVG18N5g-K0KBJK6rPlD7-RSTQgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1660892093475762-4.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bistrot de Villedieu Server</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br />Chef Azoulay retained the wood burning oven of Maison Bleue and most of the food served at the Bistrot is cooked in the wood burning oven. Because of the pandemic, we had not been able to dine the new restaurant. We made up for that during our current stay by dining there twice; once at lunch by ourselves and once with friends for dinner. Menu was identical both times.</div><div><br /></div><div>Chef Azoulay is clearly a talented chef. In addition to the Bistrot de Villedieu, Chef Azoulay owns a one star Michelin restaurant called <a href="https://www.lekaila.com/fr/l-ekrin-restaurant-gastronomique-meribel-savoie">L'Ekrin by Laurent Azoulay</a> in the mountain town of Meribel.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Stxg4P5fm1U/Yv8zvPeKjZI/AAAAAAAAcl4/Z85Q4ajXWGIWFSWIDRYts3Dqrd0NBqXkgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1660892089571144-5.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zucchini Blossoms </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dZZGLFN2pIM/Yv8zuCkE1ZI/AAAAAAAAcl0/CJjRYEKqcDAMD8dOUmv_fukJ1g-a9a4SgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1660892084820095-6.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mussel Soup in Saffron with Spelt</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WcEpVMzB7VE/Yv8zs72z4SI/AAAAAAAAclw/78zYTGMi4_Mo_rOuY8i5RDB2-CMieHB5gCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1660892080270375-7.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spelt Risotto with Summer Truffles. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IKhLWzAmbV4/Yv8zrrr7BxI/AAAAAAAAcls/xqPgU-sLRs4aFFj-jXcFj82I89S5LLXtACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1660892075678309-8.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked Tomato stuffed with Rice and Beef with Arugula over Rice and Beef. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dAOAcF-g59s/Yv8zqrc7MQI/AAAAAAAAclo/HvkVvfnfI3or1RJMONgIoekphjJlY0RVwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1660892071679040-9.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apricot Crumble</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /><br />With our friends, he and I split the 1 kg Angus Beef "Cote de Boeuf" which was expensive but delicious.</div><div><br /></div><div>The owners of the Bistrot de Villedieu split their time between the Bistrot de Villedieu and their second restaurant in the mountains so the Bistrot de Villedieu is only opened during festival season from June 1 to September 30. </div><div><br /></div><div>The food was delicious and perfectly cooked and very attractively plated. The servers were very friendly, although service is a little slow when the square is full of diners. The only person who didn't seem to go out of his way to show any charm was the owner/chef.</div><div><br /></div><div>Le Bistrot de Villedieu</div><div>Place de la Liberation</div><div>84110 Villedieu</div><div>France</div><div>Tel: 04 90 28 97 02</div><div>website: <a href="http://www.azoulay-gastronomie.com/le-bistrot-de-villedieu">Le Bistrot de Villedieu (azoulay-gastronomie.com)</a> </div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-13229794051453017512022-04-02T20:25:00.000-07:002022-04-02T20:25:13.791-07:00Avignon and Delicious Lunch at Le Gout Du Jour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.viamichelin.fr/web/Cartes-plans?tid=city-1291647">Avignon</a> is 40 km southwest of Sablet, snuggled inside ancient walls along the Rhône River. The largest town in the Vaucluse, Avignon is very old, full of history, art, music and activity. I never get tired of wandering the narrow streets inside the fortified walls.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;">We come to Avignon to shop and meet up with cousins. Our stops always include a visit to the Nespresso Boutique, near Place de l'Horloge, to buy espresso capsules to take back to California (way cheaper). Shirley prefers to shop leisurely by herself so I go off to explore and take pictures.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;">Notre Dame des Doms Cathedral seen below is a Roman Catholic church located next to the Palais des Papes in Avignon. The cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Avignon. It is a Romanesque building, constructed primarily in the second half of the 12th century. The bell tower collapsed in 1405 and was rebuilt in 1425.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LJRXL_ZGaPI/Yki5QuN_QvI/AAAAAAAAa9M/Qxzi_PivCAEoM8Nfpnj5yPQW2gSyAOPQwCNcBGAsYHQ/w517-h640/1648933185248271-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="517" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notre Dame des Doms Cathedral</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;">The Pope's Palace seen in the picture below is a historical palace in Avignon, one of the largest and most important Medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. One time fortress and palace, the papal residence was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century. Six papal conclaves were held in the Palace, leading to the elections of Benedict XII in 1334, Clement VI in 1342, Innocent VI in 1352, Urban V in 1362, Gregory XI in 1370 and Antipope Benedict XIII in 1394.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UloiT-iiqc8/Yki5QDXT-jI/AAAAAAAAa9I/qJVrSBp0cX4Apupufq4tP-UHbxUDW-SqwCNcBGAsYHQ/w540-h640/1648933183242240-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="540" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pope's Palace</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;">In the center of Avignon on Place de l'Horloge you will discover the neo-classical town hall known as the Hotel de Ville seen below. It was built in the 19th century as a replacement for an older building. The </span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;">14th century Gothic clock tower from the original structure which gave the square its name was incorporated into the construction of the current Hotel de Ville.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s6s2ieLMfyQ/Yki5PoRz-0I/AAAAAAAAa9E/GmWGaShxBjgyBIvDBB33yt4RX1ZU_JMzQCNcBGAsYHQ/w410-h640/1648933181024134-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="410" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel de Ville and 14th Century Clock Tower</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>While Shirley shops, I choose our restaurant for lunch. We learned early on, that with the exception of cafes that are mostly frequented by tourists, it is not a good idea to drop into French restaurants without reservations. </div><div><br /></div><div>You will probably find they are "complet" (full) even if they have empty tables. You might get lucky if you show up just as they open their door for service. Most local restaurants with the exception of the aforementioned cafes for tourists do not turn tables like is customary in the United States.</div><div><br /></div><div>It appears the pandemic has been hard on restaurants in Avignon like the United States. So some of the restaurants that we have enjoyed over the years are now "permanently closed". So on our visit in January, I decided we would try a new-to-us restaurant called "Le Gout De Jour" which I found in the Michelin Guide.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rvPEAYQUD5M/Yki5PM-WeoI/AAAAAAAAa9A/CSTd2c9NFG4qMys84NWe8aguLlVmSFCdQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1648933178804801-3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley and I at "Le Gout Du Jour" with a glass of Mont Redon Gigondas </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><a href="https://legoutdujour84.com/">Le Gout Du Jour</a> restaurant is located just a few steps from the Hotel de Ville. The chef is a young Avignonnais (born in Avignon) by the name of Julien Chazal. He offers diners a variety of menu options including a vegetarian menu. The following photos show the dishes we enjoyed at lunch.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="573" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7nKnxPGqfcw/Yki5OjQeBiI/AAAAAAAAa88/vHiU1Dk1NTQSiMWrgffbtFua041rk8LCgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h573/1648933177000337-4.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Soup</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-myYsRwVFvxk/Yki5OIie5nI/AAAAAAAAa84/oMjCJ8g6OpAKYKJCcn6s8vGVvhUwpJxZACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h566/1648933175074589-5.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salmon Fillet for Shirley</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="589" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LrzNNeMWSYs/Yki5No3W7JI/AAAAAAAAa80/gOiZ8ooB1x8GQfcKXRXN0h8hum-5RgHNgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h589/1648933173159537-6.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venison Loin for Me</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="558" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dNgDgLCt2SI/Yki5NDTy1TI/AAAAAAAAa8w/VjCdeVOEUH4y8zCKbEKgD0k-NZap2JISwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h558/1648933171311148-7.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert for Me</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dVUh0PQPq_k/Yki5MgKsdTI/AAAAAAAAa8s/g1QZDZ7zumceLOq37wmy8Oj4NE5h6WpuQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h570/1648933169350452-8.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert for Shirley</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="595" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FbbV7GHfcJQ/Yki5MLZvUmI/AAAAAAAAa8o/gaArqeH1MDgCjiHsiwvOZ_2Jw6iSvBZwACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h595/1648933167087230-9.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Espresso and Brownies to Finish the Meal</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>I am happy we discovered a new restaurant to recommend to friends who visit Avignon. The restaurant is opened daily for lunch and dinner except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. As I mentioned earlier in the post, I highly recommend you make reservations and don't show up hoping to get seated without one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Le Gout Du Jour</div><div>20 Rue Saint-Etienne</div><div>84000 Avignon</div><div>Tel: 04 32 76 32 16</div><div>Website: www.legoutdujour84.com</div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-46319462150041581082022-03-14T11:51:00.000-07:002022-03-14T11:51:30.721-07:00Hunt for Sunflowers and Hike to the Fortress of MornasLast July, we went to Provence for the first time since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic. As I wrote in this <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2021/06/these-are-few-of-my-favorite-things-in.html">post</a>, shortly before our trip, about our favorite things in Provence, seasonal "floral" attractions such as red poppies, lavender, and sunflowers are high on our list. <div><br /></div><div>Since July is sunflower season, we set off one morning to look for sunflower fields around the town of Orange. We had been told there were large sunflower fields north of Orange and while we were there, we should take the time to hike up to the Fortress of Mornas.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yfgjXfIqXYM/Yh2CIG9dTvI/AAAAAAAAaf0/pnuLrYSWYVIOMIY1p-2a4RpR01aM6sabACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h494/1646101023522714-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunflower field near Mornas</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Sure enough, we found quite a few fields as we drove toward Mornas. Sunflowers have rough, hairy stems, and what most people call the flower on a mature sunflower is a flower head of numerous small flowers crowded together. The outer flowers are sterile, and the flowers inside the circular head mature into seeds, from which oil is extracted. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGBreD4ZO1BZTPwWPEL3dgwgu13SSIPlaJH6XW3YEA4alP6LKqXPoyJxLeS6WMbsKlR8W5XfgPt9QBxT9mc_tYmt091g_tbP08ryOCbI5MJOmQJYLorWguqCpW0xyEArtSNU2sWNuAQvBYy7Y0L7rOXyIN6FZA5Jc5ckSUPwa1Qj9aRSf6oSUA85W_=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGBreD4ZO1BZTPwWPEL3dgwgu13SSIPlaJH6XW3YEA4alP6LKqXPoyJxLeS6WMbsKlR8W5XfgPt9QBxT9mc_tYmt091g_tbP08ryOCbI5MJOmQJYLorWguqCpW0xyEArtSNU2sWNuAQvBYy7Y0L7rOXyIN6FZA5Jc5ckSUPwa1Qj9aRSf6oSUA85W_=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunflowers near Mornas</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Sunflowers generally grow to between 5 and 12 feet tall and bloom from late June to end of July with harvest occurring beginning of August. A common misconception is that sunflowers track the sun. In fact mature sunflowers typically face east and do not move. The leaves and buds of young sunflowers do change their orientation from east to west during the course of the day; once mature, the movement stops.</div><div><br /></div><div>We arrived in <a href="https://www.viamichelin.fr/web/Cartes-plans?tid=city-1294471">Mornas</a>, a medieval community that sits along the Rhone River halfway between Orange and Bollene. The village is longer than it is wide with a single street that runs end to end. At each end of the village, are magnificent, fortified stone gateways which guard the entrances to the village. Above Mornas, on top of a 450 foot cliff is the Fortress of Mornas. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KsnJQofF2-w/Yh2CHUIj5MI/AAAAAAAAafw/RU7V5euounMhM7gBJ7FdMkdi5Qk13CGUACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/1646101020752466-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">14th century Saint Nicolas gate</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>We had come to visit the fortress, so we headed up a very steep narrow road. About half way to the fortress, past the village cemetery, we came to Notre-Dame du Val-Romigier, a Romanesque church dating from the middle of the 12th century. It was enlarged during the Gothic era and restored several times over the years. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PK3Rp5zroZk/Yh2CGrWg2gI/AAAAAAAAafs/QFpUZVmFp705vNHXQ4KdH8XBp-U4Gj85wCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/1646101017978834-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notre Dame de Val Romigier Church</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After pausing our walk to stroll around the cemetery and visit the church, we continued up the very steep road to the fortress. Note, the walk up to the fortress takes about 15 minutes. The first part of the walk to the church is steep, the walk from the church to the fortress is very steep, on a wide, flat cement roadway with no shade. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JzJ8tzn93Ug/Yh2CGPjRhhI/AAAAAAAAafo/CCbeHADQudMJsD6vochaUiyghNSDaJdPACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/1646101014979931-3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fortress of Mornas</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The large fortress, with stone walls, towers, chateau and chapels was constructed on top of the cliffs in the 12th century by the Earl of Toulouse. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i4mRtno17FI/Yh2CDGJVnGI/AAAAAAAAafY/Hct7k5NzIDMnlBrLzfJs3nLISJ0eaTfmwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1646101004089811-7.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i4mRtno17FI/Yh2CDGJVnGI/AAAAAAAAafY/Hct7k5NzIDMnlBrLzfJs3nLISJ0eaTfmwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1646101004089811-7.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fortress of Mornas</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The fortress ruins are visible for a long distance to the west. If you have ever driven down the A-7 autoroute from Bollene past Mornas to the Rhone valley, you have surely observed it as you passed below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UqCtSBSwI-w/Yh2CFeiuETI/AAAAAAAAafk/P5HOHzrD9IcaozsHQQNSO4ORKGWTAevZgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1646101012398159-4.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fortress of Mornas</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Mornas was passed to the Avignon Popes at the beginning of the 14th century. The fortress was restored and improved with an outer wall built around the top of the hill to protect it from highway robbers that were looting and devastating the land at that time.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PtM_fv3-RjI/Yh2CCh93qMI/AAAAAAAAafU/N27Yp0ZE6i0l5H-cIMmMkBWbINyXewabACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1646101001348753-8.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PtM_fv3-RjI/Yh2CCh93qMI/AAAAAAAAafU/N27Yp0ZE6i0l5H-cIMmMkBWbINyXewabACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1646101001348753-8.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fortress of Mornas</td></tr></tbody></table><div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Protestants and Catholics fought fiercely over Mornas during the wars of Religion. In 1562, after killing women, children and elderly in the church, the Protestant troops forced the Catholic brigade to throw themselves off the walls. The Protestant Huguenots met the same fate when the Catholics recaptured the fortress in 1568. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6COVIs9v0qQ/Yh2CDxD6pyI/AAAAAAAAafc/efNRYYYnMWQz8T0ltQVL65t3vkn3zZj7ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1646101006729700-6.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6COVIs9v0qQ/Yh2CDxD6pyI/AAAAAAAAafc/efNRYYYnMWQz8T0ltQVL65t3vkn3zZj7ACNcBGAsYHQ/w524-h640/1646101006729700-6.png" width="524" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley below the Fortress of Mornas</td></tr></tbody></table><div></div><div><br /></div><div>After the French Revolution, the fortress was abandoned and fell into ruins. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wuXC7Q1S7Qs/Yh2CEl2hyAI/AAAAAAAAafg/---yq2etydUtV8Nyo8JX5O95y8qJ5TpXgCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/1646101009474556-5.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fortress of Mornas</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Starting in 1978, the "Les Amis de la Forteresse" association has been restoring the fortress back to medieval times. </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PI2wPM_3AEg/Yh2CBg4haMI/AAAAAAAAafQ/g94HSy_JD-stQkkrfxy1lR9kDUHV9gS3ACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/1646100998120319-9.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley at bottom of the path leading up to the Fortress of Mornas</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>If you want to do an serious climb, or look for sunflowers, then head to Mornas. You are probably curious anyway about the fortress on the hill if you ever drove past on the A-7 autoroute. If you go there during truffle season, there is a very good restaurant that is famous for their truffle menus in Mondragon that I told you about <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2016/08/truffle-season-and-lunch-at-la.html">here</a>. </div></div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-82357366091458514302022-02-28T10:25:00.002-08:002022-08-18T23:55:45.381-07:00Visited Wine Friends and Best Lunch Ever in Chateauneuf-du-Pape One of the many things that drew us to Sablet was its location in the Cotes-du-Rhone wine appellation and proximity to renown villages such as Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Chateauneuf-du-Pape. We like all the wines from this region but our favorites are the wines produced in the AOP located around the village of <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2015/11/a-visit-to-chateauneuf-du-pape-and.html">Chateauneuf-du-Pape</a>. <div><br></div><div><a href="https://www.viamichelin.fr/web/Cartes-plans?tid=city-1292150">Chateauneuf-du-Pape</a> is a small medieval village spread out on the hillside at the foot of ruins of an ancient chateau. From the chateau hill, you have an impressive view in all directions, mostly of vineyards and the Rhone River 1.9 miles to the east. It is best known for the wine that is produced from the vineyards surrounding the village. <br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="451" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EZaF0sz43oI/YhZ7e9SoneI/AAAAAAAAaVc/IvRwl285UJQxM7_TyezTd4GVIwNqGqzMACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h451/1645640569825876-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateauneuf-du-Pape</td></tr></tbody></table><br>Our favorite Chateauneuf-du-Pape winery is located just outside the village on the Route de Courthezon. We first became acquainted with <a href="https://www.domainedelacharbonniere.com/">Domaine de la Charbonniere</a> when we tasted wines for our first wine list at Bistro des Copains in Occidental, CA. We have been fans ever since. </div><div><br></div><div>The domaine is owned by the Maret family, daughters Veronique and Caroline and parents Michel and Mireille. They have been making wine since 1912 when Michel Maret's grandfather bought the domaine as a gift for his wife who was the daughter of a local vigneron. Michel took over in 1978 and started bottling and selling wine, most of it out the winery door.</div><div><br></div><div>Veronique took over winemaking from Michel in 2012 after working alongside her father beginning in 2009. Michel, although now retired, still drives the tractor and helps her in the cellar. Veronique and Caroline are the 4th generation of Maret's to oversee the domaine. Mother Mireille continues to manage the vineyard team.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="459" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9EQLdD7wRz8/YhZ7eJfTkhI/AAAAAAAAaVY/V6siAWz2xB8aD0EUh0Vlmq0a_Asu8ucKACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h459/1645640567197826-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine de la Charbonniere</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>There are several cafes with outdoor terraces and a gastronomic restaurant with one Michelin star in the center of the village. Although this is a tourist town, there are not many tourists shops besides those selling wine as the business of Chateauneuf-du-Pape is wine.</div><div><br></div><div>The village streets are narrow, curving around the hillside or climbing up and down between the houses up to the chateau. The buildings are old but everything seems to have been completely restored. </div><div><br></div><div>You can get to the chateau ruins at the top of the village by walking up Rue Joseph Ducos past the front of the Town Hall to the Church at Rue des Papes. Just to the left of the church are steps that lead up the wide stone-step street to the chateau.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LDa1efGUHpw/YhZ7dpWXD8I/AAAAAAAAaVU/CU4Fh__w_z01ZUfKrJI3l3Eij8cuKNt1ACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h512/1645640564863070-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michel in the Center of Chateauneuf-du-Pape</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>One morning back in January, we headed to Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a degustation (wine tasting) at Domaine de la Charbonniere. We had read reports that the 2019 vintage was outstanding throughout the Cotes du Rhone and we were eager to see our friends and taste their wines.</div><div><br></div><div>As our visit came to an end, they said La Mere Germaine Restaurant opened a sister restaurant in the village last summer that we should try. We are always up for new restaurants so Veronique called and made a reservation for us to have lunch at Le Comptoir de la Mere Germaine. </div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="515" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y0gHLAcIWnU/YhZ7c345ZWI/AAAAAAAAaVQ/ed_ZCdspWworXVok_29Ud9-F1E2BprT7gCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h515/1645640562583513-3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Comptoir de la Mere Germaine</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div><a href="https://www.lameregermaine-chateauneufdupape.fr/le-comptoir/">Le Comptoir de la Mere Germaine</a> is in a new complex a few steps from the center of the village. There is a terrace with views of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. I imagine it would be a lovely place to dine when the weather is a little warmer.</div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q16fJXJTPzI/YhZ7cUMwtRI/AAAAAAAAaVM/jm_ko4DvUFsP118eCb3naslc5QlqnxwogCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h488/1645640560040533-4.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the terrace of Le Comptoir de la Mere Germaine</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>We entered at the time set for our reservation and after the obligatory checking of our Pass Sanitaires, we were offered a choice of all the tables since we were the first diners to arrive. Although, it was a beautiful day outside, it was a little brisk so we decided to sit at the comptoir in front of the rotisserie. </div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GFQ1ZksIhUw/YhZ7b08ohDI/AAAAAAAAaVI/sYOypE19LiIuNZJLj8bIZ-DPIrbufW-ywCNcBGAsYHQ/w500-h640/1645640557599786-5.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Rotisserie au Le Comptoir de la Mere Germaine</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>The Comptoir de la Mere Germaine has an extensive wine list including many selections from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Since we had just come from Domaine de la Charbonniere, we chose the AOP Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2015 Cuvee Domaine Rouge. </div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KSJ2xNU1jhM/YhZ7bPDusuI/AAAAAAAAaVE/Vm28mWTWbaEJmrF8Igum047FMyFAh9SVwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/1645640554462823-6.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine de la Charbonniere </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>We chose the leeks in vinaigrette and chickpea hummus with little rolls to share as starters for our meal. </div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aFUSFD9xj5I/YhZ7aWwPU3I/AAAAAAAAaVA/7Y6L74jvvnkRLtShCDkomIzH3uLHsihqQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h542/1645640551739684-7.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leeks in Vinaigrette</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>Our position at the comptoir was conducive to chatting with the cooks preparing our meals. They told us the Comptoir de la Mere Germaine opened on July 14, 2021, so quite new. </div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="403" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tC-nnY9fpyU/YhZ7Zqet9AI/AAAAAAAAaU8/CZqE6wDYM2saCGVaOsHenRnnB-PmBzT2QCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h403/1645640548813013-8.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chickpea Hummus with little rolls with herbs and spices</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>I went with the farm chicken from the Luberon roasted on the rotisserie. It was accompanied by roasted potatoes. </div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z47Pc1TJq40/YhZ7Y1hn_9I/AAAAAAAAaU4/T1A32TUNLrQW-keqlOtgFlcK2hX6oEvpgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h458/1645640546177654-9.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rotisserie Farm Chicken from Luberon with Roasted Potatoes </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>Shirley selected the filet of Bar (seabass). </div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f0R4G3Alh4A/YhZ7YRrYqFI/AAAAAAAAaU0/ZPY73ItD5Lo3QVJZ64x8czoDCG7TZLzxgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h502/1645640542688826-10.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filet of Bar (Seabass)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>We were happy to see the restaurant menu included a selection of sides including a pan of seasonal vegetables.</div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L9wRBwAwjsM/YhZ7XU8CDpI/AAAAAAAAaUw/qU7cwLgyXNkTvRfepdZFJ-K7GjlqxtiUACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h482/1645640540505240-11.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sauteed Pan of Vegetables</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>We shared a Lemon Meringue Tart to finish. </div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N2bnXsPVS0Q/YhZ7W6Q65MI/AAAAAAAAaUs/ZrNdm5ImnEEOnWYbKuUtp_S-7Km-P6Q7gCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1645640537992456-12.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon Meringue Tart</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>The culinary team working in the open kitchen on the other side of the comptoir were happy to pose for a picture. </div><div><br></div><div>We have not been to the La Mere Germaine since long before it was awarded a Michelin star during the pandemic. In fact, it was not very good as I recall. Also, we have not found any dining establishments in the village that we would recommend. </div><div><br></div><div>So I am pleased to say the Comptoir de la Mere Germaine offers a welcoming mix of friendly, professional team, comfortable, well lit dining room and last but not least, generous portions of very good food, albeit not quite as refined as at some restaurants we frequent. </div><div><br></div><div>Having said that, we will return again and again. In fact, we enjoyed our meals so much that we made a reservation before we left for the next Saturday for lunch. </div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gdyqqC1jTIk/YhZ7WL84ZtI/AAAAAAAAaUo/VKbdSNcUP5oA79j6R2oewRSdh3KEZ5RXQCNcBGAsYHQ/w604-h640/1645640534715331-13.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="604"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Culinary Team</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>Here some different dishes we tried at the aforementioned Saturday lunch. </div><div><br></div><div>We shared a vegetarian board of confit eggplant, zucchini and focaccia to start.</div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="461" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MFXGuJYcNW8/YhaBeKJZ_VI/AAAAAAAAaWc/eDcpAkjd49YL-M9V3Q4T9eggRCs_DI_0QCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h461/1645642102381683-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetarian Board with Confit Eggplant, Zucchini and Focaccia</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>For my meal, I chose the rumsteak a la Rossini which is essentially a steak pan-fried and topped with a hot slice of fresh whole foie gras, briefly pan-fried at the last minute. I will be honest that I didn't know that "a la Rossini" means it comes with a slice of foie gras. Having said that, hey when in France...it was delicious. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="467" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WD8OaKsiisc/YhaBde0X89I/AAAAAAAAaWY/NlLDeoI2zK0ZcCOy_JqxOMFynRoE4iZ_gCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h467/1645642100357534-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rumsteak (Sirloin) a la Rossini </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>Shirley ordered a filet of trout from l'Isle sur la Sorgue. </div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="549" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-afRQDGC0xXY/YhaBcy_tTTI/AAAAAAAAaWU/bEB8XSEAuJQkNOwSCtXbCy0kvpm5hUApgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h549/1645642098344547-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trout from l'Isle sur la Sorgue</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>From the list of sides on the menu, we chose a bowl of crispy, hot frites. </div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="582" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zVIA2MZ_Rng/YhaBcXre7hI/AAAAAAAAaWQ/aIYhSKkLT48F01xAEspNR37PGTG0SO5CACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h582/1645642096420789-3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side dish of Crispy French Fries</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>To finish, we got the Mille-Feuille to share. This was sort of deconstructed and I didn't think it was all that special and would not order again. This was the only disappointing dish we had during our two meals there.</div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GRJ6i3P1jZk/YhaBb4_NzrI/AAAAAAAAaWM/ZWOvrUHbQO44wRedhceLTntwGHR35ccGgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h395/1645642093992261-4.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mille-Feuille to share</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>If you are in the area to taste wines from AOP Chateauneuf-du-Pape or just looking for a good place to have lunch in wine country, I recommend that you make a reservation at Comptoir de la Mere Germaine. There is a large public parking lot a short walk from the restaurant. You will not be sorry. </div></div><div><br></div><div>Le Comptoir de la Mere Germaine</div><div>4 Rue des Consuls</div><div>84230 Chateauneuf-du-Pape</div><div>France</div><div>Tel: +33 4 28 69 00 60</div><div>website: www.lameregenermaine-chateauneufdupape.fr/le-comptoir/</div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-87366495553607492342022-02-18T11:28:00.001-08:002022-02-18T11:28:24.896-08:00Visit to Grignan, a Plus Beaux Villages de France and Lunch at Long Time Favorite Eatery Le Poeme de Grignan Restaurant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We often make visits to Grignan in the Drome Provencale, an area that falls between the Rhone River and Alps north of the Vaucluse. Since we were last there in the summer of 2019, Grignan was added to the list of <a href="https://www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org/fr/">Plus Beaux Villages de France</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So on a overcast Sunday in January, we drove to <a href="https://www.viamichelin.fr/web/Cartes-plans?tid=city-1297783">Grignan</a> for a walk-about and lunch at <a href="https://www.poemedegrignan.com/">Le Poeme de Grignan</a> Restaurant. Our route took us past olive groves and fields with rows of lavender, which come summer will magically transform into a sea of purple and buzzing honey bees. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Grignan sits on large rocky hilltop topped by a castle. Construction of the castle began in the 12th century, but it wasn't until the 13th century that the Adhemar family expanded it to a huge fortress. In the 17th century, Francois Adhemar de Monteil transformed the fortress into a luxurious residence.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The castle was completely ruined in 1793 during the French Revolution. Early in the 20th century, a Madame Fontaine spent her entire fortune restoring the castle to its former glory. Today the castle is owned by the Department of the Drome. You can see interior pictures of the castle on my post <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2014/02/visit-to-grignan-in-drome-provencale.html">here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6yn6EzkwIlA/Yf68ajQTJlI/AAAAAAAAZyg/i46O_E_5j88ERp33rH33i8HUQa2tegB1QCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1644084329798142-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Castle and Village of Grignan</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div><br /></div><div>Located under the castle terrace is the Collegiate Church of the Holy Savior. The church seen in the right side of the picture below was built between 1535 and 1539. The Renaissance facade is flanked by two square towers and a Gothic rose window. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BSYCUcWaw8w/Yf68aCHj6yI/AAAAAAAAZyc/jQYS4SmxOg4LgHBNaXfnLX-LKu0ihCZ4wCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h440/1644084327325569-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer View of Castle and Collegiate Church of the Holy Savior</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The Lavoir du Mail seen in the picture below is a 19th century wash house with a circular basin inside 16 Doric columns. The lavoir is named after the game of mail that was popular then: a game using a wooden ball and a mallet.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="443" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ae90n4kFSNk/Yf68ZXtiodI/AAAAAAAAZyY/nK2Ne0oOTbYf39k56zEYNLGSTijEm4BIgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h443/1644084324748132-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavoir du Mail (wash house)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WzjCZU03NEI/Yf68YxKzoAI/AAAAAAAAZyU/D3Y5NKvsBL4r6fFM3WiqrlxG3X04bfhNACNcBGAsYHQ/w489-h640/1644084322032137-3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="489" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grignan village square</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Grignan became renown in France during the 17th century when Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, the Marquise de Sevigne, a French aristocrat, famous for writing letters, wrote about Grignan and the surrounding area in letters to her daughter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Madame de Sevigne caught a "fever" and died in April 1696 in Grignan. She is buried in the Collegiate Church of the Holy Savior. She is revered in France as one of the great icons of French literature. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The fountain shown in the photograph below was built in 1840 at Place de l'Horloge in the center of Grignan.</div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1LNu4dOI0hA/Yf68YIuWkvI/AAAAAAAAZyQ/RLXNHAjLfoIkUGv2_sBACQE2-5c-mdfmgCNcBGAsYHQ/w558-h640/1644084319279828-4.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="558" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountain topped by statue of Madame Sevigne</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>We walked into Le Poeme Restaurant and were asked "avez vous reserve", did we have reservations? "Yes" I said, and immediately we were asked to present our Passe Sanitaires to prove we were fully vaccinated and boosted. We noted that since we had last dined at Le Poeme, the restaurant's interior had been nicely updated.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VgF2ow32aLU/Yf68XcrkaaI/AAAAAAAAZyM/_KGu9GebXOYBFMjaPpOSgfSO0jbmuDb8ACNcBGAsYHQ/w551-h640/1644084316758206-5.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="551" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley at Le Poeme with complimentary bowl of black olives from Nyons</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>As is our custom, we passed on aperitifs and went directly to the wine list. I chose a red from the Grignan-les-Adelmar AOC which surrounds Grignan from Domaine du Chardon Bleu. It was 100% Syrah, more typical of Northern Rhone wines than the Southern Rhone wines we are use to.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-484INeWmrGc/Yf68W14M2CI/AAAAAAAAZyI/tSuN-lxHeXE4FxJ1sVgs-EQPbgAEPAEHQCNcBGAsYHQ/w386-h640/1644084314361862-6.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="386" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my wine selection<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="515" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zBjo9VBl-j8/Yf68WAhUPuI/AAAAAAAAZyE/xSD4JZSyxEA4HG7_QZFbEE6Nz-JOdRETwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h515/1644084311703301-7.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amuse Bouche of Mushroom Soup and Duck Breast</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>In France, it is common for chefs to serve an "Amuse Bouche" to diners to enjoy while waiting for their food orders to arrive. It is a way of saying "welcome" and pampering them with something special. The Amuse Bouche at Le Poeme was delicious and more extravagant than most.</div><div><br /></div><div>The pictures which follow show our meal as presented to us at our table.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-95oiK3icBiU/Yf68VSf4aLI/AAAAAAAAZyA/8dpjHzP3kw0HjRsmnYUQ8bO00XOCkncmgCNcBGAsYHQ/w624-h640/1644084309164570-8.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="624" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetable Soup with Truffles and Morel Mushrooms for Shirley</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cQlQGWcTmU4/Yf68U0wacAI/AAAAAAAAZx8/uh-SGM7zT2oJtSsnAJtpcpIKkEXcrATkQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1644084306761843-9.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scallops with Sunchoke and Potato Puree with Truffles for me</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FCS5ubTzjU4/Yf68Ua3EfzI/AAAAAAAAZx4/ZhP-37MxJBE0rHjIhvprspGpJiZPxjH-gCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h534/1644084304284047-10.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filet of Bar (Sea Bass) with Rice, and Spinach in Red Wine Sauce for Shirley </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YcsO5AwFpgk/Yf68Tl4JGpI/AAAAAAAAZx0/ZpMo0cRLvXwPmSnK3mNXhLaaI74BG8uCgCNcBGAsYHQ/w638-h640/1644084301440133-11.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="638" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veal with Root Vegetables, Mushrooms and Haricots Verts for me</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>We shared a dessert to finish our meal. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-64DUar9CR38/Yf68S9PtqvI/AAAAAAAAZxw/T-3E_jRr9HwJyFqOm6P_SdU-XKyoKSEEACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1644084298752826-12.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yuzu Lemon Souffle with Vanilla Ice Cream and Strawberry Sorbet and Mango</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-64DUar9CR38/Yf68S9PtqvI/AAAAAAAAZxw/T-3E_jRr9HwJyFqOm6P_SdU-XKyoKSEEACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1644084298752826-12.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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</div><br /></div><div>When we walked in, there was only one single gentleman seated in the restaurant. By the time, we left, all the tables were filled with diners enjoying Sunday lunch. </div><div><br /></div><div>We highly recommend that you always make reservations in advance for restaurants. We have seen time and again that restaurants with open tables throughout the time we are there will none-the-less turn away diners who arrive without reservations. </div><div><br /></div><div>Grignan is a very pretty village and lots to explore as recognized by the <a href="https://www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org/fr/">Les Plus Beaux Villages de France</a> association. There are several nice restaurants in Grignan, of which Le Poeme is our favorite.</div><div><br /></div><div>Le Poeme de Grignan Restaurant</div><div>8 Rue Saint-Louis</div><div>26230 Grignan</div><div>France</div><div>Tel: +33 4 75 91 10 90</div><div>www.poemedegrignan.com</div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-79039570324311311442022-02-02T18:13:00.000-08:002022-02-02T18:13:45.613-08:00Dining recommendation near Les Baux de Provence, a Plus Beaux Villages de France<br /><a href="https://www.viamichelin.fr/web/Cartes-plans?tid=city-1293640">Les Baux de Provence</a> is a picturesque village about 46 miles southwest of our house in Sablet. The village sits on an elevated site with ancient houses and ruins of a castle perched on top overlooking plains to the south.<div><br /></div><div>The village is classified as one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". The beauty of the village and surrounding Alpilles, a small range of mountains, makes <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2017/05/an-extraordinary-program-of-art-and.html">Les Baux de Provence</a> a very popular place for visitors all year long.</div><div><br /></div><div>The name Les Baux refers to its site, in Provencal, a baou is a rocky spur. Bauxite, a rock with high aluminum content, was mined extensively in the area but by the end of the 20th century, all the Bauxite was completely extracted. </div><div><br /></div><div>The area surrounding Les Baux de Provence is known for production of high quality olive oil. The olive oil pressed from this area is labeled AOC Vallee des Baux, an area covering about 4,250 acres in the heart of Les Alpilles.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqhYeN6MFc1pd5K4ZuRhcroK2WQmJUmXRdtSAIkRu3dpMQzMnXCIf2i1l23lw0SBIb3ZOXCmHKLt73no3nPMQlATzDJG4ix4N9_mT6evaRTToeTENb89w9ED-jXD80FS1LlDY2sgFtuhX-380zwJDfz-GYMJbOCH7SjiKsvpA0_jC5zlh1R_fY7GfL=w640-h445" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les Baux de Provence</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We headed to Les Baux de Provence on a beautiful day, albeit fairly cold, typical for a winter day in Provence to find hand made pottery for our daughters at Shirley's favorite pottery shop in the center of the village. </div><div><br /></div><div>While our favorite local restaurant, Le Bistrot du Paradou was open, we decided to try a new-to-us bistrot called Bistrot de l'Aupiho a little south of Les Baux off the D27 in the direction of Maussanne-les-Alpilles.</div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://www.domainedemanville.fr/en/restaurants/the-aupihos-bistro">Bistrot</a> is located at Domaine de Manville, a 247 acre property with 5 star hotel, 18-hole golf course, spa, Michelin starred Restaurant l'Aupiho and the aforementioned Bistrot de l'Aupiho.<div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDsSf2kKKnhyqWNBtyqMBWdEY3W-HhEKP4RigKQsGZNK961cnF9ER9g2sQaIO_VBv9Nq1EdEirRZLOWtBQSIaxoBUqrvj768zSyN3BFkcUoVIiLeYaYZVZL0UYire7wY2Jy8sAiJBgtJ4Cz34_LffFcedEin4SFcdmLy2nF5uMDaxgPMWkSbO-JwWZ=w640-h459" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bistrot de l'Aupiho</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div>We were seated on a covered terrace with plenty of ventilation as we prefer during time of COVID. We had dressed to be outdoors, but before too long, some diners fled to the interior as they found the terrace a little too cold.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK0rEnCCvNpktNYstC26-kgXFGmowxWwEvmIgVbxX0IMOqsyeGrIuv8xGYew6iDK1ujZJrM_IU2NFnwMMUD5lIa2vh4hqXynxqoS0JC6O2Sq0Ij3jDgg4STBg8EUKqvegFmNLv9q55R54I5t4bJxqi-YhumOZmjt0zB-01jrSClYJy5E3E0Q7QDVWM=w490-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="490" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley at Bistrot de l'Aupiho</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Bistrot de l'Aupiho does not offer a typical 2 or 3 course menu at lunch so you choose from a nice selection of a la carte offerings. At night, they do offer a 3 course "Menu Decouverte" but everyone at the table must choose this menu. </div><div><br /></div><div>For our lunch, I chose a red wine from a local domain called <a href="https://www.massainteberthe.com/">Mas Sainte Berthe</a> which I knew was located at the foot of Les Baux de Provence. We have not been to this winery but as the wine was very good, we will put it on our list of places to visit next time we are in the area.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirw40uxqWqmDewn1I1U1Bsg6czaqC_lgjSpr6Jvq5YIJfpoUT7ychEadw7RfyXGFSWjAiWJYdzgx7c4mSiv_iYMSCWpIDX5F_zyx_MWrW4mqTYTKE-zN5bGUg4r8cx-AmYMACCcNdsML-ajjIxW-ABdxRoOeIAikrDH8FAKZjYDrfLAAB8LamZSfoJ=w517-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="517" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2019 Mas Sainte Berthe Les Baux de Provence Rouge</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>It is rare to find simple green salads on menus in France. Sometimes the chef will prepare one if asked. But usually, green salads on menus are accompanied by a protein, not usually cheese. So we were really happy to see a list of "Extra Sides" on the Bistrot's menu that included a Salade Verte (green salad). </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3-F0cT2CuGCQ7GiRfDbmWZO44qBV_a0gC5tK-gQoZ8o8niR3M4k-_4rVxmtSe8sumW5aoz3cTU-mjcJ3TzwS7kus9hSeSlTGzRIGgwCl2V8mNgonTSu5zNupdEOzk7FKU5ovyNh3bMCHzUrmkZdGeQw0UMpyvkz14D6O2uqVNx-OjUiNtQgGluLfZ=w604-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="604" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Salad from the list of Extra Sides</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div> </div><div>The list of "Extra Sides" also included French Fries so we ordered a plate of those as well.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIDl-DeKNod-dcTQfbn_0ZwtVb9RVkm7RfX0OsAnRfGkTluQrx4eERI5am-39nn5rJE1-N70r3clrw8RicP-tcW2U6tGVMkD6123yjyniemWHXnthSWI-sN2iB4qgCcTFZn5-TnZbvJKS_SwOiVauowbzChzT2OaxO7HHp8HDNn578kB6llocO-nU1=w448-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="448" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French fries from the list of Extra Sides</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>What follows are pictures of our main courses and desserts.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisY_cOmwh13Ra1JbyQ8zrKwvlJQWT-OA5XlzYYvjigO5eIRRp2GvOfd4i09T_8pZwFUPXjI-2M4WOV99jhnYRtVvp1LUfCbwPmPwmOTucadZjvUrq1_a5OiPi5L7L8MdTiqr99bEL4esIdEEbvgPbvDmOTI6igUMvPCVleXzI_dJeMuTnG_Rz9aLEE=w640-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beef Cheeks braised in Red Wine Reduction served with Mashed Potatoes and Gribiche Sauce</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSNEg8Z0xnE2Dk05o5Xc-wa-6qCkprEFi-atomnYgAZr4QmK3_LuQIZBjsQfihjdjpLmWkSZLefBQTosQruVrVzEOlaXSsG4C_qwxEDU47_JZwg82IL9n2illW5n40u8sttgENVmCQFbfBwgrE_hVbDFR0w0qOBdUA1nhZy3Mbflwl8HmOBXMvHDZ1=w635-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="635" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cod Fillet served with Celery Root puree and Cruciferous veggies</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWvmPOt8HgwwXlK2atOlAMm87SlwrWyYqmITh0ngFCwttsICN9wMiPg8Q5YHmLbYjv0I7Wi8DU1zuNCVhTLabT-Qes0CMdiLRRIjn56VJZB191kvEZQ0bKWL_nlgxseRtA8Fw-wqVzpGp7bJ-89kXob2ggBiWzgPPs8nt6m4loB7RWnrlBtd22fFP1=w640-h480" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pear Tarte </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiV3uW2ZTjZ_-IxKUt4xX355MePQwa9R47nSXRyGqPYinY_OWF6YsBNUfYq3H_SlRKlu-bSbPy24VRiKcbVVFO66uh_7r9MucPwlsUN_Mq-PWCIWQz9RDID6c6Vny9GMDP3kMC5Cl1lNC3ts8PK3aOsXc7eaKBTJHyTCt_UYA5aRrQ10O4Rw5MrZIWs=w640-h480" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarte Tatin with Honey Truffle</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div></div><div>We did not take cheese but did take note that the Bistrot's cheese selections come from <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2011/10/we-love-cheese.html">Lou Canesteou</a>, our favorite cheese shop in Vaison-la-Romaine. </div><div><br /></div><div>After our lunch, we walked into the village and discovered our pottery shop was closed. Oh well, at least we discovered a nice new bistrot where we will return on future visits.</div><div><br /></div><div>Le Bistrot de l'Aupiho</div><div>Route de la Terre-des-Baux</div><div>13520 Les Baux de Provence</div><div>France</div><div>+33 4 90 54 40 20</div><div>www.domainedemanville.fr</div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-13910159745688414392022-01-16T02:15:00.001-08:002022-01-16T02:15:38.528-08:00Visit to Aigues-Mortes and discovery of family ties to French Huguenots<div>It had been quite a few years since we visited Aigues-Mortes so when cousin Jean-Marc suggested we go somewhere on the sea, I suggested we go there. I still recall the first time we went to Aigues-Mortes, years before we bought our house in Sablet, that time with Tante Edith, Jean-Marc's mother.</div><div><br /></div><div>Aigues-Mortes was founded in 1240 by Louis IX, who was to become Saint Louis on a swampy strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea. The 1st King of France to have a Mediterranean port, he built the future Tower of Constance and a castle which no longer exists, and developed canals towards the sea, Arles and Montpellier. He left from the port of Aigues-Mortes on his crusades in 1248 and 1270.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Tower of Constance seen below was completed in 1248. The tower is all that remains from the castle built during Louis IX's reign. It was almost certainly the gatehouse tower, designed to be impregnable with its 18 feet thick walls. A spiral staircase leads to the different levels of the tower. </div><div><br /></div><div>On the top level is a terrace which was used as an outlook post and a lighthouse to guide boats and ensure that they paid their custom duties. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTXxFbyHaAnhTRZpC2LcN8ntBL3fIdFuT1THKW9XULl3hxQOWozswo3Qhbhf__mEF1hd_3eMLiAX_3qbjtSIHFE_x_6lK8pVm0etjXqOQ5ih-fdigK-HP0uZSD1EZBhrSxJq7_QbPG7Y7hPe9p2QTMcB7ZK7Mc3YRqT6QfjHHlG_bvY0XirbJcYDEv=w473-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="473" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tower of Constance</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTXxFbyHaAnhTRZpC2LcN8ntBL3fIdFuT1THKW9XULl3hxQOWozswo3Qhbhf__mEF1hd_3eMLiAX_3qbjtSIHFE_x_6lK8pVm0etjXqOQ5ih-fdigK-HP0uZSD1EZBhrSxJq7_QbPG7Y7hPe9p2QTMcB7ZK7Mc3YRqT6QfjHHlG_bvY0XirbJcYDEv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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</div><div><br /></div><div>The 5,380 feet of city walls were built in two phases; the first during the reign of Philippe III the Bold and the second during the reign of Philippe IV the Fair, who had the enclosure completed between 1289 and 1300. The canal leading to the original port was on the north side of town.</div><div><br /></div><div>We parked and entered into Aigues-Mortes through the Porte de la Gardette, the town's military gate. It is the only gate with the remains of a drawbridge. It was the only way into town from the 16th to the 18th century. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhA_WV1Dl3r8dOdOXyvZPkBYJATIivub-0eexypi8_hyc8rbgNOZfNKD1Au4Ieul8Y2iZTyt1TwY423PD-zr2r2LY-9j88Z72eF7mwEFBPt9PqmU9qE1GvDTIzfUhM_-x2XX7rjvtP2mQvXJIzDqGBzX0xrEOZ3h7BAFA6gT4RFlZgUr-FppZVYKrvA=w632-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="632" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porte de la Gardette (The Gardette Gate)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhA_WV1Dl3r8dOdOXyvZPkBYJATIivub-0eexypi8_hyc8rbgNOZfNKD1Au4Ieul8Y2iZTyt1TwY423PD-zr2r2LY-9j88Z72eF7mwEFBPt9PqmU9qE1GvDTIzfUhM_-x2XX7rjvtP2mQvXJIzDqGBzX0xrEOZ3h7BAFA6gT4RFlZgUr-FppZVYKrvA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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</div><br /></div><div>Place Saint Louis is the main square of Aigues-Mortes in the center of town opposite Porte de la Gardette. In the center stands a monument to Saint Louis installed by James Pradier in 1849.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9d2weJm6cCUIKmCfvDV7QBAE_1l9RO8O3KLYn4AcFfj9dQsjxt9UrCskF1h9oHULdccKbenYWrxwiV5PKV3Ys5UwYQPUAU4ctqhPUJC9I4CHjL4B3N9uk0zvjJAh0ivRxdf3SkUZnzjRiXaoCtVM6q7dciz99SSuDCa1PsrfGmH9fsabicbQ2nSIa=w482-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="482" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monument to Saint-Louis at Place Saint-Louis in Aigues-Mortes</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYP_SgqXtnKoHOLWFs_F1G29Df5FrDFayh3M8lNVtbZIS1CeSzACwkjfFRPikcSQjVfQP6Yc1T1wHbjtqz1zIwIk2r6YwzJXUfYu1gHHOD6nReAYOU5SR6wa_Xd-zcqIdUBq0HqlXCv8m3jP78tNUP8KAeGEcfrehKj7EAckDSEnv_HmeEZTGC2aGY=w489-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="489" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aigues-Mortes Street</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaYdokcTJj5oo0kq0KovZvR93VFdIILcR21DcaQwYkeMrDVkdlujlSd5vN6lG1UHpHLigcdhML4t87tH0ZUFSGQ8UETE9X7uJ6kFQ_Y-nWOBTJ3S_RHuIbZ_0bAwX8uex99LTomZ4Ntv30hsKpH7geg-23NeDgQXWjW_wNQDUVtqL2s6wM2sLxmYjR=w501-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="501" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The North Wall</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXfTCIMX3p3UhvHE10S1P1cFeSojiQj8MuXm7N6WWPGhyzqY-C0NxBZ05sI1DIt11we9mSA0MO0CplM6tjaJ3ZBahI0-22A3-410OYQHyHs0hMRLYMBPxALqJwnezuYhI0a8VipLY0X7vb4jsaZNoWG-a9oJnvesfI3dRsG-Crzzdn8aASZ9OFiMyb=w480-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aigues-Mortes street seen from the north wall</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXfTCIMX3p3UhvHE10S1P1cFeSojiQj8MuXm7N6WWPGhyzqY-C0NxBZ05sI1DIt11we9mSA0MO0CplM6tjaJ3ZBahI0-22A3-410OYQHyHs0hMRLYMBPxALqJwnezuYhI0a8VipLY0X7vb4jsaZNoWG-a9oJnvesfI3dRsG-Crzzdn8aASZ9OFiMyb" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The Tower of Villeneuve seen below is a good example of a corner tower, designed to provide additional protection.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX-ZGGPQ8X_mgP2C8e23yDFCVdLhKdT9aMfpjDgalAvEjWH13wzR30G1LPAjIurPNZz86eOpPxyKHF9zXWFKzF6L2I6fa5OGxAEJOz2mPBqf6fNBfA0mjtKWMZrQpLINLsD9m0g68rk6Qy6ZpRJc1eULjTuy5wUfuT0PINq-LExGKlKvxt4vFlqulQ=w640-h504" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the north wall from the east wall. The tower of Villeneuve is seen on the right.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX-ZGGPQ8X_mgP2C8e23yDFCVdLhKdT9aMfpjDgalAvEjWH13wzR30G1LPAjIurPNZz86eOpPxyKHF9zXWFKzF6L2I6fa5OGxAEJOz2mPBqf6fNBfA0mjtKWMZrQpLINLsD9m0g68rk6Qy6ZpRJc1eULjTuy5wUfuT0PINq-LExGKlKvxt4vFlqulQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The towers on the east wall were often places of refuge during the fighting between Roman Catholics and Protestants. Marks left by missiles can still be seen.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhORrmOoJGDXEXvN94y9iOzsLuyikRlXSRPbgIyjBpFl5gqjzhkHyrjR4k73b_x_8bTGFvS3fRCcu0-KUgeyROb6xUuvu4_ks9Mkw9C7FzqIaWcBGoIsg38BJp_ae2Wl9FeZBR79Btzj6Ji9swYTixWr2VcJ9Dyed3XyYyBrQTBlLpY-qLHEMbTxM5T=w499-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="499" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View through barred window to the Tower of Constance</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8tWytWdKKDJ8Z6QXiYMenS-yft6U3I1228YX35_WumeKgFZGMbNqutSjEorowfJ3NHv_dntBXtumHTsAKQ2gnCMwlT7C1WuuB76CgIoPbD7y5EZ-OJiXgTlMc9_FoDx8nXS5Ec-VoPmBuMAwelUerfpKmo692kT8DujGq8FxydHyqpAgMli3zlxfe=w558-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="558" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View toward the north wall and the Porte de la Gardette</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8tWytWdKKDJ8Z6QXiYMenS-yft6U3I1228YX35_WumeKgFZGMbNqutSjEorowfJ3NHv_dntBXtumHTsAKQ2gnCMwlT7C1WuuB76CgIoPbD7y5EZ-OJiXgTlMc9_FoDx8nXS5Ec-VoPmBuMAwelUerfpKmo692kT8DujGq8FxydHyqpAgMli3zlxfe" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The south wall seen below is protected naturally by water where boats have sailed since ancient times. The bottom of the south wall was strengthened with earth excavated to make the Beaucaire canal in the 18th century. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTnXdfnm52Bb2Xoaw5GgXRar6lR5cqOgw1490Vz9WyUonJTRi97QdJewz07JMkEEZ7VGs-vEfzneqHB_TKHtHghFKanAUyonh2uE1zaH0XVFN6QiKZ6L49tmUoUI__3OfGfgVBbxE9vgYxJxJfozBp5AydA5fBgI5EuK5nxaI8hoiJrNdUnJf7b8xa=w452-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="452" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South wall and the Salins du Midi salt marsh</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxbyiY0BClnWQ37lutSu6Q_LWCrU7fAhSiVSk0E8dM1qGM8A9leza1Dgt4HVl_5gLW7_M1IA2zwXoqG0xHoZIpKsqGR9NHkwqCWMLptqz9J2Tqrs67ykvWlfJWxKIyy9un9xmxKeG31gGR961z1YokJSfQhuK-oBv9-piAmvXmmITOXKQpSOPsfTVQ=w640-h454" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aigues-Mortes marina seen from the west wall</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxbyiY0BClnWQ37lutSu6Q_LWCrU7fAhSiVSk0E8dM1qGM8A9leza1Dgt4HVl_5gLW7_M1IA2zwXoqG0xHoZIpKsqGR9NHkwqCWMLptqz9J2Tqrs67ykvWlfJWxKIyy9un9xmxKeG31gGR961z1YokJSfQhuK-oBv9-piAmvXmmITOXKQpSOPsfTVQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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</div><br /></div><div>Between 1575 and 1622, Aigues-Mortes was one of eight safe havens granted to Protestants. Upon revocation of the Edict of Nantes (the Edict was promulgated by Henri IV in 1598 and recognized the Protestant religion in the kingdom of France) in 1685, Protestants were subjected to severe repression marked in Languedoc and the Cevennes in the early 18th century by the "Camisard War". </div><div><br /></div><div>Beginning in 1715, ordinary women, often from the Cevennes (a cultural region and range of mountains in South-Central France on the south-east edge of the Massif Centrale) were imprisoned for having simply attended religious services or simply being suspected of having done so. </div><div><br /></div><div>Marie Durand, a French Protestant was imprisoned in the Tower of Constance on the 25th August 1730. The exact reason for her imprisonment is not known; perhaps because she attended a Huguenot gathering with her mother, maybe because her brother Peter was a well-known preacher, or perhaps because of her marriage. </div><div><br /></div><div>Marie was not released until April 14, 1768 after being imprisoned for 38 years. All she needed to do to be released from prison was to renounce her Protestant faith. The word "resister" scratched by her or one of her cell mates with a knitting needle into the stone wall was an expression of her faith. It was recorded that she was asked daily if she would renounce her faith but daily refused. </div><div><br /></div><div>Upon her release, she returned to her childhood home where she died in September 1776.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjms2LULXpprNWmQgOGi0H1uz80GZkzmGCOBzK47WWljYCbkPvtmiq0qZKSdHdMqucsXXSl02mdJNvqtaFnYHeD4XlpZy6YvNVa-3VWoiWm8kf3wAsXgVnh8869eNi0qlNxn_ztoaShFk0BtIGQRPwQCv1b6wc-MhNNrUXyHp0TXdGTgEI3AxPn4s2i=w480-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tower of Constance</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="549" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQkaV7UtQcYN9FgvaWjkWa5jltya9N3fV1G3a8ebXMxBQn9m3zzdbTyXerbAsaTlO5pIHSf4uvO6UnRWhI0xmQw2s_DeziVbkDWrtKWVBv05c5q5rgcWHrfEXSQbL_I9K3fHyVEhjb4KBAIyY3Zmd65LLLPvNHCBAYCRUO_K-wajU0OTVo2VAhFQ0h=w640-h549" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of north wall and Porte de la Gardette</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The Salins du Midi which is shown below is a salt company in Aigues-Mortes which produces the famous "sel du Camargue". Each year, this area produces 500,000 tons of sea salt. Salt production in Aigues-Mortes goes back to antiquity. In 1856, the various salt marsh owners united to form the Salins du Midi salt company. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDPq5tMEIEc255sZUQAKw6EL7tixnEc89u4fZMmpwsccECIeom_Wro_aIIiv0dAjJFrySH32ts4BkPEnJLeQ41VqvITZx8VvuVMZYdHKIasTq6N5KI0tOpTEcgSfWv6Wkl82oNqTAlKFxXTA5g-xixO6E_acG1lnNbkpdYJbvI0cf90nAwS0L8p_Y3=w640-h429" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salins du Midi salt marsh</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDPq5tMEIEc255sZUQAKw6EL7tixnEc89u4fZMmpwsccECIeom_Wro_aIIiv0dAjJFrySH32ts4BkPEnJLeQ41VqvITZx8VvuVMZYdHKIasTq6N5KI0tOpTEcgSfWv6Wkl82oNqTAlKFxXTA5g-xixO6E_acG1lnNbkpdYJbvI0cf90nAwS0L8p_Y3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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</div><br /></div><div>A few days after our visit to Aigues-Mortes, I was texting cousin Annick about our visit to Aigues-Mortes. She texted back to say "your grandmother on your father's side was related to the chief Huguenot Pierre Laporte, better known as Roland". </div><div><br /></div><div>I discovered he was the leader of the Camisards, a band of 1000 men he turned into a disciplined army. He refused to lay down arms until the protections of the Edict of Nantes were restored. He was betrayed to his enemies and was shot on August 14, 1704 while defending himself against his captors. </div><div><br /></div><div>My cousin ended by saying "you too are linked to this history by your grandmother born in the Cevennes and married to your grandfather Ulysse. Did you know this?" I found out that Roland was born in Mas Soubeyran very close to where my grandmother Jean-Louis was born in the Cevennes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Going to Aigues-Mortes during the off-season is much better than during the tourist season when it is run over with tourists. This was a very enjoyable visit and we encountered only a few people as we walked the defensive wall and around town.</div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-11841569858547647362022-01-14T06:16:00.000-08:002022-01-14T06:16:10.282-08:00Delicious Lunch at Le Comptoir du 7 in Uzès <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every day trip almost always includes lunch. Before we go, I Google for local restaurants and check out those that were chosen by the inspectors to be in included in the red Michelin guidebook for the area. During our time in Provence now, we have run across more than a few who are closed for vacance annuelle for a week or more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Despite the challenges of les vacances annuelles, we have been fortunate to discover some old favorites and new to us restaurants that are open. When cousin Jean-Marc called me the night before our rendezvous in Uzes to confirm plans that I told you about <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2022/01/meet-up-with-cousins-in-historical-uzes.html">here</a>, he said make sure you make reservations for lunch tomorrow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have dined at several restaurants in Uzes over the years that have been quite good. I was curious if there might be one that was new to us and going to be open the next day. I like to call during dinner service as you usually reach someone to answer the telephone. Sure enough, they answered the phone at <a href="http://www.maisonsaintgeorges.com/le-comptoir-du-7-%C3%A0-uz%C3%A8s.html">Le Comptoir du 7</a>. They would be open for dejeuner the next day and had a table for 4 of us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After walking around the weekly market in Uzes for a while, we ran into Jean-Marc and Christine and headed over to the Le Comptoir du 7 restaurant. It was close by on the ring road that surrounds Uzes. We walked in and were immediately asked to present our Pass Sanitaire showing that we are fully vaccinated. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OCdOyuE4dEA/Ydf4_gwTuMI/AAAAAAAAYvk/n3oGFGARss0WYpIbMnV6BwNYGjQQZs-_gCNcBGAsYHQ/w410-h640/1641543931309984-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="410" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Comptoir du 7 Restaurant in Uzes</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>l<div>The interior of the building is a long half-pipe with stone arch ceilings and walls which we found were from the days when the building was a relay station for France's version of the pony express. Le Comptoir du 7 Restaurant is the 2nd of 2 restaurants owned by the Maison St George Group.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The menu changes seasonally based on what is fresh locally and what arrives on a daily basis at the market. The cousins went with the 3 course menu of the day and we went with choices from the a la carte menu.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R4wxZ6fWGKE/Ydf49Nv3bII/AAAAAAAAYvY/QqxceHsGnZ0f77tD6jMld_f2wT0V0ZNAwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1641543921785775-3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley's Filet de Bar with Beet Puree</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E5FbD42k-Wk/Ydf48T4F8OI/AAAAAAAAYvU/W-2BY79rCWs41z-l8UmNfDDjlX9k1gKVACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h520/1641543918619141-4.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Lamb Shoulder<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QU2jR3uOrH0/Ydf47fxTcOI/AAAAAAAAYvQ/Gpwj8QJF3hESTvhsESZO9R2RmsUIzvUDwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h442/1641543915372554-5.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cousins Filet of Salmon from the Menu of the Day</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div>The ambience was pleasant and our meal was very good and service was friendly and attentive. Definitely would return here again if we are in Uzes for the market or after a trip to the Pont du Gard. </div><div><br /></div><div>Le Comptoir du 7 Restaurant</div><div>7 Boulevard Charles Gide</div><div>30700 Uzes</div><div>France</div><div>http://www.maisonsaintgeorges.com/</div><div>Tel: +33466221154</div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-69722196150878108402022-01-14T01:49:00.000-08:002022-01-14T01:49:08.162-08:00Chateau La Coste - Wine, Art & Architecture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every time we come to Provence, we schedule a day for fun with cousin Annick who lives in Rognes, about 1 hour south of Sablet. She always comes up with new places or activities for us to experience such as walking around <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2011/11/lacoste.html">Lacoste</a>, climbing Mont St. Victoire, visiting the <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2012/05/visit-to-marseille-and-le-panier.html">Le Panier quarter in Marseille</a>, to name a few. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today she proposed that we take a two-hour Art and Architecture walk at <a href="https://www.viamichelin.fr/web/Cartes-plans?tid=tomtom-12500063232054">Chateau La Coste</a> in Le Puy-Sainte-Reparade, a short distance from Rognes. The day was coolish, but the bright sunshine and blue sky made her proposal sounded very attractive for a day in Provence in time of COVID.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Chateau La Coste is a 600 acre organic winery and art center in Le Puy-Sainte-Reparade. The vineyard is owned by Patrick McKillen, an Irish art collector who has created a center dedicated to wine, art & architecture. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Chateau La Coste includes luxury hotel Villa La Coste which include 28 suites, and 4 restaurants including Helene Darroze at Villa La Coste and Argentin Restaurant by Francis Mallman. While the restaurants are pricey, it costs only 15 Euros to walk the property.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They said it takes about 2 hours to walk the Promenade d'Art & Architecture, a collection of about 40 art installations, mostly sculptures. It took us over 3 hours to visit the site. Below, there are picture of a few of the installations that I particularly liked.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The spider below was created and installed at Chateau La Coste two days before the death of the artist. She said the spider was an ode to her mother. "She was my best friend. Spiders help and protect us, just as my mother did for me."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sAbhMcKTU1g/YeByJPASFyI/AAAAAAAAY_c/UbK5lFx0rUMjRQ_jKUyFvvoU1BhTVhs9gCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1642099233729556-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crouching Spider by Louise Bourgeois</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div><br /></div><div>After research, the artist chose to use slate from Donegal for the bridge below in the north of Ireland for two main reasons; first because it has naturally horizontal lines, and second, because the stone is made up of iron and copper, which makes it oxidize so that with age and weather it develops red and orange tints of rust.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1FGAmJrkeyk/YeByH-9hsyI/AAAAAAAAY_Y/JPIRv-O41-MwyslDnOwikoOmKLOwQs9ZQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1642099227066068-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley standing on the Donegal Bridge by Laurence Neufeld</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The work below is made up of more than 1000 tons of limestone in grey, blue and red extracted from a quarry in Portugal. The artist deliberately chose to leave the marks and dents of extraction from the quarry.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IPAMULu-1BU/YeByGa7HhQI/AAAAAAAAY_U/jqIhQ2HAd5c-Y9yY3czCG9ewTXd1vo1-wCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1642099222904369-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall of Light Cubed by Sean Scully</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4YgHB3IqeEQ/YeB1WdBYxpI/AAAAAAAAZBA/EwDhALzJiQovybPPixxPkA7YMqNgV2mqwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1642100054320875-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateau La Coste Vineyard</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>In the piece below, scales made of cast iron are suspended in an archway made of stone from nearby Rognes. The piece also include natural magnets from China. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pvdws_iRDdU/YeByFHYJrwI/AAAAAAAAY_Q/Ld5t8n-U7fwGodf7P102UlRMzuen2KAmACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1642099217806878-3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Psicopompos by Tunga</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The Oak Room below is integrated into an old stone wall and is composed of oak trees grown in Burgundy and transported to Chateau La Coste. After removing the bark, the artist interwined the oak trunks to create a circular form. The trunks were replaced by smaller branches and then twigs to create the ceiling. Approximately 1200 pieces were used to create this structure. The work does not require extra material to support its shape.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-twz3GU44sII/YeByDylyUyI/AAAAAAAAY_M/Xa9j5QN9htkqhEnYhFimkyM7-6AyBsS-ACNcBGAsYHQ/w614-h640/1642099213865864-4.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="614" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oak Room by Andy Goldsworthy</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>In the piece below, 19 tetrahedra are arranged together to form a sphere. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MOaxnTZ5ZNo/YeByC5pPRlI/AAAAAAAAY_I/EkFTCm36J1AW1ZPQojUkOuqsRp7ytWNEACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1642099208548045-5.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schism by Conrad Shawcross</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The installation below links an ancient Roman pathway to its modern counterpart and it is steeped in historical references. The path follows the contours of an ancient Chinese object, the Ruyi. The paving stones were taken from the Marseille port.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f1dQ3gMOmsw/YeByBl5GEwI/AAAAAAAAY_E/eCyVRV5n9Y0-CHZq8p3h1hcUGck7LG8PwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1642099199908797-6.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruyi Path by Ai WeiWei</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The title of the piece below is a Japanese term which expresses how "rays of light filter through trees". This piece is made from ipe, a dense South American wood also known as Brazilian walnut. 1.5 tons of stainless steel support 12 tons of wood and the complex structure is made from 239 beams, ranging from 1.5 to 11.5 meters long. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hWdxzCxlusQ/YeBx_Qn5hBI/AAAAAAAAY_A/RMq8fWLfPe8dBVq0hQh7gotYzqYI9w-UgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1642099195183030-7.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Komorebi by Kengo Kuma</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Originally, the chapel below was a small place of worship for the local inhabitants of this countryside. The original structure dating back to 16th century was devoted to Saint Gilles and was notably a place of passage for pilgrims in route to Santiago de Compostela in North-western Spain. The artist restored the chapel and a framework composed of steel and glass now wraps around it.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IHOr7-y98wE/YeBzGGdIsfI/AAAAAAAAZAI/ZkJmKgYbx1s3RUEsd1UbklDT8v0vWSHXwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1642099477184675-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Chapelle (The Chapel) by Tadao Ando</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9cUOwq6bHxU/YeBzE6DjFZI/AAAAAAAAZAE/072kslCy3gQgBX_fGqAnqf66r2FLxbZAACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1642099473202931-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of La Chapelle</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The vibrant red of the red cross is reminiscent of the color of wine produced by neighboring vineyards. Paired with the transformable nature of glass as a material the color of the cross makes reference to transubstantiation, the belief that the wine is transformed into the blood of Christ during Catholic mass. The glass globes which make up the cross are reminiscent of rosery beads.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xEx-64Kyr8o/YeBzDWsTliI/AAAAAAAAZAA/5uYhcApOFLI537GUsiJHXQJdsAjbSNr6wCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1642099467900435-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Grande Croix Rouge (The big Red Cross) by Jean-Michel Othoniel</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zw40f2mwWpA/YeBzCfeMCXI/AAAAAAAAY_8/BU7kclhseuwkbVeNjvN2J96Z1wuCrhGBACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1642099461596379-3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient Wheat Threshing Floor</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>There are 7 foxes in the piece below. They are stopped in their tracks on the small hill and appear to be hunting for something. Although they may appear identical, there are slight differences between the figures. Each fox is unique; with a bigger muzzle, a lump on their back or a dent or bump in front. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GiYI8BzivOk/YeBzA1R1UTI/AAAAAAAAY_4/8rWTl58AcpIV2VYSMu43LsbaLSQ7mRjRgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1642099457072878-4.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foxes by Michael Stipe</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>In the piece below, there is a oak wine barrel at the end of the steel platform. Hidden inside is a porcelain kitten.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FxuzI2x0V34/YeBy_t-praI/AAAAAAAAY_0/15P1ZFI4WiwTc4rpHJ7ZxI1zmcWPzW8bACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1642099452149522-5.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self Portrait - Cat in a Barrell by Tracey Emin</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The aluminum and stainless steel work below toes the line between sculpture and and architecture. It is an interactive work, you can slide the panels, changing your perspective from inside to outside according to the position from which you look. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ciPTyO8uL80/YeB0WMM-8TI/AAAAAAAAZAw/eQWTXAZfOvMT7Mp647OaTs81gXQQ8T_gQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1642099798249927-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multiplied Resistance Screened by Liam Gillick</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dms7pdoJduM/YeB0VKleMpI/AAAAAAAAZAs/qdXLSK7n6bULZ6z1voQLjeDJi06qBWcdgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1642099794139303-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Marriage of New York and Athens by Frank Gehry and Tony Berlant</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tgTdFdFbEfI/YeB0UMW8YLI/AAAAAAAAZAo/kYSZVTP_VasJn1Vt6iArHpFcMWcONIfzACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/1642099789433451-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards the Pavillon de Musique (Music Pavilion) by Frank O Gehry</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>When pushed, the piece below, the interior mechanism allows Drop to spin, tilt, rise and fall and glide horizontally and eventually return to equilibrium. The work received its name from its levitating shape and its material, polished stainless steel which when moving seems fluid and light.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="509" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KgQ87bx9t6c/YeB0S-2dfWI/AAAAAAAAZAk/gPfbJ1oH0CMoNuMWbqVwT6vrxWsNtjlbgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h509/1642099785420153-3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drop by Tom Shannon</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The Pavillon de Musique below was created in partnership with the Serpentine Gallery in London. It was exhibited there before being permanently installed in its current location. Shirley followed their suggestion to try singing to test out the acoustics for herself.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EifUGpThDZo/YeB0R-zdg7I/AAAAAAAAZAg/YmnzczOLjgUooOXDDSAVIdZ1VEbKIzBRQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1642099781659959-4.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pavillon De Musique (Music Pavilion) by Frank O. Gehry</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The mobile-stabile below was the first work acquired by Chateau La Coste. It is one of the few works here that wasn't specifically made for the domain and was among the last last mobile stabiles released by Calder.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hW-IROQmvIM/YeB0Q4QQ7vI/AAAAAAAAZAc/v4u3AINqmM4_neal_mu97Dtly4YOr_abgCNcBGAsYHQ/w436-h640/1642099777920890-5.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="436" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Crinkly by Alexander Calder</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>Our walk-around the Promenade d'Art & Architecture would be wonderful any time of the year, it was particularly pleasant way to spend a day in the time of the Coronavirus. Please note, make sure you take care of any toileting before you depart as there are none along the promenade. </div><div><br /></div><div>Chateau La Coste</div><div>2750 Route de la Cride</div><div>13610 Le Puy Sainte Reparade</div><div>France</div><div>www.chateau-la-coste.com </div><div>Tel: +33442618998</div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-28870409907659408762022-01-09T12:27:00.006-08:002022-01-09T12:36:07.281-08:00Meet up with Cousins in Historical Uzès <div>There are towns and villages we happily visit time and again because of their uniqueness, proximity to historical sites, special markets, or cultural attractions. As Uzes has it all, a well-preserved chateau, cobblestone streets, 2 wonderful weekly markets, close to the Pont du Gard, and a Duke, it was an easy decision to meet cousins Jean-Marc and Christine in Uzes a few days ago.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.viamichelin.fr/web/Cartes-plans?tid=city-1291255">Uzes</a> is a well-preserved medieval town in the Gard Department on a promontory above the Alzon River. The old town, population 8,454, is surrounded by boulevards shaded by plane trees that have replaced the medieval defensive walls. Inside there is a maze of small streets and shaded squares lined with beautiful old houses and mansions from the 17th and 18th century. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pictured below is the 12th century Bishop Tower which was the seat of the bishop's secular powers, used as a tribunal and prison. This tall square tower is topped by an octagonal clock tower and belfry added in the 19th century.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lTe5hmy6TMU/Yda1v9Zm6FI/AAAAAAAAYuI/SYk5IWOhn2oyAXt0zxvLe1o8MPn24bvLwCNcBGAsYHQ/w486-h640/1641461179838820-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="486" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bishop Tower (clock tower)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div><br /></div><div>The Saint-Theodorit Cathedral seen below, was formerly a Roman Catholic cathedral, but is now a parish church, named in honor of Saint Theodoritus. It was the seat of the Bishops of Uzes until the diocese was abolished under the Concordat of 1801 and its territory passed to the Diocese of Avignon.</div><div><br /></div><div>The cathedral was destroyed during the Albigensian Crusades, rebuilt and destroyed again in the 16th century Wars of Religion and rebuilt again in the 17th century before it was gutted during the French Revolution. In the 19th century, a new west front was added.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Fenestrelle Tower avoided destruction in 1621 and is the only part of the cathedral which survives from the medieval structure. The tower is built in the style of the medieval Italian Lombard towers and is the unique example in France of a round clock tower.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P6HkQ0NxxLE/Yda1u2NiiVI/AAAAAAAAYuE/v3DdWP1_fp8we90iAu72LRQYa-D03uovQCNcBGAsYHQ/w602-h640/1641461175187820-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="602" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint-Theodorit Cathedral and Fenestrelle Tower</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>Saint-Etienne Church, the belfry can be seen below, was built between 1763 and 1775 on the location of an ancient church that was destroyed during the Wars of Religion.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="626" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a_2PRs61kks/Yda1tm03pqI/AAAAAAAAYuA/kmDFoWV3iEM5ySnD3koQByZWoSWbIbMCwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h626/1641461171663864-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clock and belfry on top of the St-Etienne church tower</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The Duche is the defensive feudal castle standing in the center of Uzes old town. The castle was never attacked or damaged and is in very good condition. Uzes is the "First Duchy of France", France's oldest and most important ducal peerage. Uzes was made a Duchy in 1565. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="605" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8d4wzDw7j74/Yda1s_b3lfI/AAAAAAAAYt8/ZrqgQYnPCZERqXPBMWqhuz4PwPHHBh2YACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h605/1641461168045847-3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The exterior courtyard of the Duche (Duke's castle) of Uzes</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The Bermonde Tower is the Duche's keep, built in the 11th century by Bermond 1st. The corner watch towers seen below were added during a restoration in the 15th century. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2pxDrcyA4Vo/Yda1ryA2GVI/AAAAAAAAYt4/2NJvCnPHgGcho9hJhHcVP4udrVmQK5XdgCNcBGAsYHQ/w569-h640/1641461163930299-4.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="569" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of an exterior courtyard of the Duche of Uzes</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>Since we had never visited the castle, we decided to take a tour of the areas open to the public. First things first, we began our visit by climbing 135 steps up a narrow drill-bit like stairway to the top of Bermonde Tower.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the top, there is a wonderful view of Uzes. This day was sunny but very cold and extremely windy, the Mistral and all. I had to hold on to my glasses because I feared they would get blown off my face and sent over the side of the Tower. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GsmzTLEEI9Y/Yda1qwu83VI/AAAAAAAAYt0/RB3jphXeMacu_nuP-5Xvp-AzUM13SKGMACNcBGAsYHQ/w637-h640/1641461159158351-5.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="637" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Saint-Theodorit Cathedral and Fenestrelle Tower from atop the Bermonde Tower</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The castle is a blend of architecture from the different periods of French history. It features 1000 year old wine cellar, feudal towers, ramparts, and both a Renaissance and 18th century facade. The apartments house fascinating collections of furniture.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KrY0FTa2bds/Yda1pvGpznI/AAAAAAAAYtw/tzTT6kXGzSIGlDTE-tl36IabterpSAZiQCNcBGAsYHQ/w524-h640/1641461155550330-6.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="524" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A "French" girl standing at the entrance to Duche castle</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q4LP13hXBLU/Yda1onbyDXI/AAAAAAAAYts/X4UtHIzaB6sVasajiA1WfXlUQm24nEKOACNcBGAsYHQ/w568-h640/1641461150052503-7.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="568" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An interior courtyard at the Duche castle</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>Jacques de Crussol is the current duke of Uzes and owner of the castle. Born in 1957, he divides his time between France, Switzerland and Italy. Just like the Queen of England, his family's flag flies over the castle when he is in residence. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LETEU7EtwjI/Yda1nbg6pwI/AAAAAAAAYto/gy53q4GviFgi3wApXLF9LYZCj06EQmHGgCNcBGAsYHQ/w417-h640/1641461146836867-8.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="417" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A portrait of Jacques de Crussol, the current duke of Uzes</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The castle's gothic chapel with its magnificent stained glass windows seen below is consecrated and masses are still held there. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e4FH4ibWEEA/Yda1mm-3PfI/AAAAAAAAYtk/QNbjvAQ7JqcbMFhzUQaxeIbSZw6G7isjACNcBGAsYHQ/w455-h640/1641461142849060-9.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="455" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Consecrated chapel inside the Duche castle</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The Uzes market is held every Wednesday and Saturday morning throughout the year on Place des Herbes and along the neighboring streets. With its fountain, arcades and terrace cafes, Place des Herbes is a great place to shop for regional specialties. Afterwards pause for coffee or a leisurely terrace lunch. Parts of Cyrano de Bergerac starring Gerard Depardieu were filmed there.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite all there is to see and do in Uzes, the Gard Department's most impressive attraction is a 15 minutes drive to the <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2020/03/go-visit-pont-du-gard-if-for-no-other.html">Pont du Gard</a>, a short span across the Gardon River built by the Romans to bring water from the Eure Springs near Uzes to Nimes. The Pont du Gard is definitely not to be missed.</div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-1168274175263599502022-01-02T06:38:00.001-08:002022-01-09T21:56:17.101-08:00Nyons Market and Excellent Lunch at La Charrette Bleue Restaurant<span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;">We arrived in <a href="http://www.sablethouse.com">Sablet</a> last Tuesday after being away for 5 months. We arrived too late to shop at the weekly market in Vaison-la-Romaine, which as faithful readers know, is our very favorite market in Provence. </span><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;"><br></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;">So on Thursday, we headed to Nyons (28 kms) on the north side of Vaison la Romaine in the Department of the Drome so we could wander around the bustling Provençal market that takes place in the center of town every Thursday morning throughout the year.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="http://www.viamichelin.fr/web/Cartes-plans?layers=0001&strLocid=31NDJkcDMxMGNORFF1TXpZd05ETT1jTlM0eE16azVPQT09" style="background-color: white; color: #336399; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">Nyons</a><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;"> sits in a natural basin on the right bank of the Eygues river, surrounded by hills and small mountains, which provides shelter from wind. The town gets an unusual amount of sunshine, earning Nyons the nickname "Little Nice" for its great climate.</span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #353535;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br></span></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;">Probably the most famous historical monument in Nyons, is the "Roman Bridge," a single arch bridge across the Eygues river built in Romanesque style between 1341 and 1409. Until the 19th century, the bridge was the main access road into Nyons.</span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #353535;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br></span></span><br><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9kviB2jnAZM/YdGH5UPXIrI/AAAAAAAAYok/SmS5rTHYV6QHm-aadF2JC2QucTSp7G_rwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h416/1641121761596049-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman Bridge, Nyons</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div><br></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;">The olive tree in the roundabout in the center of Nyons is a reminder that olives are celebrated in Nyons year-around with the Festival of Pitted Olives the weekend before Christmas, the Festival of New Olive Oil, the first Sunday in February, and Fête des Olivades, the weekend which follows Bastille Day.</span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;"><br></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;">We walked through the Saint Jacques gate, the only gate intact from the medieval defensive walls, to "Place des Arcades" and "Place de la Liberation" where the market was underway. "Place des Arcades" dates from the 14th century when it was set aside for markets and fairs in Nyons. The square gets its name from the arcades that surround the square.</span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;"><br></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;">Saint Vincent's Church with Saint-Césaire monastery and two nearby cemeteries formed the religious center of Nyons in the Middle Ages. Most of the modern-day Saint Vincent's Church dates from the beginning of the 17th century.</span></div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y_biPchu0d8/YdGH4VW1z-I/AAAAAAAAYog/42dWYM08x9M4XUgfYCCZ81aHDAXCBv4qACNcBGAsYHQ/w515-h640/1641121758234251-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="515"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 11.88px;">The bell tower of Saint Vincent Church</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;">The most visible monument is the Randonne Tower topped by pyramid arches on which stands a statue of Virgin Mary. The tower was erected around 1280, and at the time was used as a keep and military prison for the castle. In the 19th century it was converted to a chapel and renamed "Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours".</span></div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xd3AIt8OcWU/YdGH3vOf9WI/AAAAAAAAYoc/5Nh9m5rl0YkITIB0TcKjSv4RPlWIu3ZBwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/1641121754622853-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: start;">Randonne Tower, Nyons</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>After we completed our shopping and visits to an olive mill and the Roman Bridge, we headed north to La Charette Bleue Restaurant, a roadside restaurant where we have enjoyed some excellent meals over the years.</div><div><br></div><div>The restaurant is located 8 kms northeast of Nyons on the road toward Gap in the small village of <a href="https://www.viamichelin.fr/web/Cartes-plans?tid=city-1300333">Les Pilles</a>. Although it was a bit chilly, we had warm vests and chose to sit in the sun on the terrace in front of the restaurant. </div><div><br></div><div>We perused the menu while we nibbled on little toasts topped with black olive tapenade. I went with the "Menu Decouverte", 3 courses for 35 euros and Shirley opted to go a la carte. My first course was a gratin of mussels. </div><div> </div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="528" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_8cV3MUOq1I/YdGH2lNlwfI/AAAAAAAAYoY/-q2WNi7ZVmEinxXZS2_Fv0I-DlBZCvVGwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h528/1641121751651534-3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #787d85; font-size: 15px;">Cassolette of shelled Mussels in a garlic and parsley butter gratin</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>Shirley's first course was a <span face=""Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #787d85; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">warm flan of fresh goat cheese with mixed greens tossed in olive oil topped with an onion fougasse.</span></div><div><span face=""Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #787d85; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;"><br></span></div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q4xIFAnkn28/YdGH1_JxmZI/AAAAAAAAYoU/-8hatXuFsCM7htmSdD9l9E4pWgf7hAr2gCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h498/1641121748812159-4.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #787d85; font-size: 15px;">Warm flan of fresh goat cheese with mixed greens tossed in olive oil and onion fougasse<br><br><br></span></td></tr></tbody></table>After debating between Fletan (Halibut) and Merlan (Whiting), Shirley opted for the Filet of Merlan that was pan sauteed, topped with onion beignets and fresh vegetables, and served with a lemon grass sauce.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="547" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bn6vHb4LqT8/YdGH1L_8B0I/AAAAAAAAYoQ/l5hxuLkejZkU4PSuZtI6mvPmNldmzNymgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h547/1641121745631622-5.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filet of Merlan</td></tr></tbody></table><br>I was immediately drawn to the Canette de Canard (young female duck) pan roasted on the skin side. It was perfectly cooked rose just as requested. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="491" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--v-KfHDgCjQ/YdGH0SnXWXI/AAAAAAAAYoM/je73_Yr0Hik9LKoq21NJxw9-BuypoRdJwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h491/1641121742604551-6.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pan roasted Canette de Canard</td></tr></tbody></table><br>I chose the Opera cake and asked our server to bring two forks so we could share. Shirley wanted just coffee to finish. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BxIOGt1spW4/YdGHzq1H0RI/AAAAAAAAYoI/m-w-pej8aIMpwEdomcpOwhb8xItYXXaeACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h394/1641121739692179-7.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opera Cake</td></tr></tbody></table><br>We weren't up to a whole bottle of wine for lunch so chose one of the restaurant's half-bottle selections from Domaine du Moulin from Vinsobres. It was delicious and if you come across it on a wine list or store shelf, don't hesitate to choose it. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zE-fN8rTaIg/YdGHywLFLsI/AAAAAAAAYoE/EytvJgKO0QUakg5NSENKvsihcrGvK5KjwCNcBGAsYHQ/w589-h640/1641121736032617-8.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="589"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine du Moulin Vinsobres</td></tr></tbody></table><br>This was an excellent meal, service was attentive, and we felt very safe/comfortable sitting outside on the terrace despite the pandemic swirling around the area. We agreed that we would try to return for another meal before we head back to US.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">La Charrette Bleue</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Route de Gap</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">26110 Condorcet</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Tel: 04 75 27 72 33</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Website: </span><a href="https://www.lacharrettebleue.net/">Restaurant Nyons - Charrette Bleue | Cuisine Régionale Créative (lacharrettebleue.net)</a><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div></div><div><br></div></div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-50112549656470175182021-09-24T20:22:00.002-07:002021-09-29T11:31:01.460-07:00A Little Family Mystery about Le Barroux Resolved<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Who doesn't love a good family mystery? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My father Daniel Augsburger was born in Switzerland. His mother was French and at a young age, the family moved to the South of France. He came to the United States in 1939, just prior to World War II for college and pursue graduate degrees at the University of Michigan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Long story short, he never returned to live in France, met my mother Joyce at the University of Michigan and was offered an opportunity to teach, first at the University of Michigan then at Emmanuel Missionary College, now Andrews University in Berrien Spring, Michigan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was lucky over the years that I was able to travel with my parents along with sister Lydie and brother Dan as money permitted to visit his family living in France and Switzerland. I also got to live for one year in Strasbourg, France while he was on a study sabbatical. So we got to know our aunt's, uncles, cousins and other extended family members quite well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have looked at dad's Kodak slides and picture albums that record our trips to France and Switzerland many times over the years. A few years ago, my brother sent me CDs with pictures my father or someone else had taken of he and his family and some of he and mom at their wedding near Geneva, Switzerland. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I learned from cousins back in 2014 that our grandfather had owned a house in <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2014/07/le-barroux-village-with-impressive.html">Le Barroux</a>, France. I am not sure if I ever saw the picture below before we bought our house in Sablet but it immediately caught my eye when I saw it on the CD because it showed it was in a town called <a href="https://www.viamichelin.fr/web/Cartes-plans?tid=city-1293166" target="_blank">Le Barroux</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1027" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJh_wrDrvgk/YUosi30fA3I/AAAAAAAAXiw/7aXHetfHMWE4hmjaUBM5GMjJPKhkhLd1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Le%2BBarroux%2BFamily%2BPictures.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image of Road Sign and House found on Augsburger CD</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If I had seen the picture before, it wouldn't have meant anything to me because Le Barroux could have been anywhere in France or French-speaking Switzerland as far as I was concerned. However, since we have gotten to know the area around Sablet, I know Le Barroux is a small village (population 629 in 2017) set on a hill topped by a large 12th century castle just 13 miles from Sablet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sNJBuOyCbHI/YUpRf50ORMI/AAAAAAAAXjc/f-tfGNq4_3MWJGIXlreNK3twJf7phHBGACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1632260476792992-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Barroux Castle</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sNJBuOyCbHI/YUpRf50ORMI/AAAAAAAAXjc/f-tfGNq4_3MWJGIXlreNK3twJf7phHBGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1632260476792992-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We come to Le Barroux from time to time to hike around the village and to visit Sainte Madeleine du Barroux Abbey located outside of town. We also come to buy locally grown saffron as I told you about <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2011/11/laube-safran-saffron-farm-in-provence.html">here</a>. So when I saw the picture on the CD I was excited to confirm that my grandfather owned a house so close to our village and I like to think that my father probably spent time in the area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljVfuzoCcnA/YUvCjDhwUII/AAAAAAAAXlE/tFHn5_H2M3sU2MhdLSuAyNOWh2MBBtNcACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Le%2BBarroux%2BSaint%2BMadeleine%2Bde%2BBarroux%2BAbbey.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1459" data-original-width="2048" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljVfuzoCcnA/YUvCjDhwUII/AAAAAAAAXlE/tFHn5_H2M3sU2MhdLSuAyNOWh2MBBtNcACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h456/Le%2BBarroux%2BSaint%2BMadeleine%2Bde%2BBarroux%2BAbbey.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sainte Madeleine du Barroux</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Le Barroux castle was built to oppose Saracen and Italian incursions and went through major rebuilding in the 16th and 17th centuries. The castle was damaged during the French revolution, was repaired in 1929 with private funds, set on fire by German occupation forces in 1944 as reprisal for acts of resistance, and restored again in 1960.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TrhGvdMjnMY/YUpRfDW2GnI/AAAAAAAAXjY/5pwvkhQ-PUEkkDo7PxbL_LeriFd1cDEpACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1632260474290061-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Barroux Castle</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TrhGvdMjnMY/YUpRfDW2GnI/AAAAAAAAXjY/5pwvkhQ-PUEkkDo7PxbL_LeriFd1cDEpACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1632260474290061-1.png">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After failing to find the house when we first tried in <a href="http://sablethouse.blogspot.com/2014/07/le-barroux-village-with-impressive.html">2014</a>, I was eager to try again with the picture of the road sign from the CD as my guide to the property. So on October 6, 2018, with my cousins Jean Marc and Christine in tow, we headed off for Le Barroux to find the house or what was left of it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We arrived in Le Barroux and parked in the center of the village. We confidently walked up to the first person we encountered, a man walking on the street, who confirmed he lived in Le Barroux so told him what we were doing and showed him our picture. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were disappointed when he said he didn't know the village that well and these roads nor house looked familiar to him. He suggested we go see a lady who lived close by that he knew walks all over Le Barroux, maybe she would know where the house was located?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We knocked on her door and she opened. We explained to her what we were trying to find and why and showed her my picture. Turns out, she was born in the same town in Switzerland as my dad. She said she had an idea where these roads crossed and invited us in. She led us to her computer and pulled up maps of the area and pointed out where she thought it was and gave us some general directions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We figured out if she was right that the house was out in the direction of the saffron farm we had previously visited. After a couple of wrong turns and ending up on a very little road, we found the sign for Chemin Aqueduc and Chemin De Bois Long. As I said it was a very little road and more like a path which is in fact the English translation for "chemin".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7QIP6mPiymw/YUpVKoAo2lI/AAAAAAAAXj8/q1xuONe1HoUIFsg87Iwi5VqEhICD3BktQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/1632261415533754-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matching Road Sign</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7QIP6mPiymw/YUpVKoAo2lI/AAAAAAAAXj8/q1xuONe1HoUIFsg87Iwi5VqEhICD3BktQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1632261415533754-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From the junction where we stopped we could see a house that matched the one in the picture on the CD. Backed up to a forested area and vineyards all the way around the rest of the property, we could imagine why the property appealed to my grandfather. No one was around and it was hard to tell if the property was still inhabited or not. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jpf2GXb1SsQ/YUpVJ9djWQI/AAAAAAAAXj4/i6dibaM0W80QixKNDatojf6y4j1SHkbuQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1632261412736411-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Barroux House</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mbj0zxpNJ9U/YUpVJFN1f2I/AAAAAAAAXj0/0_GO9rjj6LMvjDkwny0zHH33yEy4jJ_JwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1632261410222015-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Barroux House</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mbj0zxpNJ9U/YUpVJFN1f2I/AAAAAAAAXj0/0_GO9rjj6LMvjDkwny0zHH33yEy4jJ_JwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1632261410222015-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While we were standing there chatting about the area and house, a car drove up, it was our new Swiss friend from Le Barroux who had driven out to see if she was right about the location of the roads. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LVISmEPV9W4/YUpVIuYk6fI/AAAAAAAAXjw/1pogiUEvk2QLBMNSjtyndBgMzyR9G_xCQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1632261408083466-3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Cousins with Le Barroux House in Distance</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LVISmEPV9W4/YUpVIuYk6fI/AAAAAAAAXjw/1pogiUEvk2QLBMNSjtyndBgMzyR9G_xCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1632261408083466-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This past July 27, Shirley and I drove to Le Barroux to see if we could find the property again. Shirley was quite sure she could, I didn't really have a clue besides being near L'Aube Safran. Thankfully, Shirley was right, she says women are better with directions because they have uterus homing device to find things.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the crossroads is called "Chemin Aqueduct" so I assumed that if we followed the path we might find an old aqueduct. Sure enough, after a walk down a dirt path off the main "Chemin Aqueduc" path, we found the remains of an aqueduct. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q0ESMFgf5L0/YUpVH97mgBI/AAAAAAAAXjs/ZS8vpF9rNHQqwqWc5kYEC6mJZjwvf7TZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1632261405420115-4.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Barroux Aqueduct</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q0ESMFgf5L0/YUpVH97mgBI/AAAAAAAAXjs/ZS8vpF9rNHQqwqWc5kYEC6mJZjwvf7TZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1632261405420115-4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was the remainder of an aqueduct built around 1840 by the Commune of Le Barroux. Le Barroux lacked water and the Commune built a 4 km long canal and this aqueduct to bring water from a spring near St Andeol. Only one arch remains, the aqueduct is unusual in that the canal rests on a circle rather than pillars. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mtrscngtmQ0/YUpVHUTQPJI/AAAAAAAAXjo/pc4uS94Hvi4aVtArwbh3nAbadTpj_VkygCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1632261402648870-5.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Barroux Aqueduct</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I am happy this mystery is solved. I hope to find some family member who can tell me when grandfather bought the property, if there was a particular reason why he bought here and how long he owned it. I would love to know for sure if dad spent time at this house. I assume yes since he had this photograph in his very large collection of family pictures.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are thinking about a trip to the South of France including spending time in Provence, we invite you to visit our <a href="http://www.sablethouse.com">website</a>. Our house is available for rent by the week or more. We still have weeks open in November and through the end of the year and in 2022 and beyond. You can reach me for further information by sending an email to chcmichel@aol.com. </div></div></div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-63397234613143716202021-09-19T13:12:00.002-07:002021-09-19T19:38:54.163-07:00Let's Go to the Market in Vaison-la-Romaine <span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;">We look forward to Tuesday mornings because it is the day for the weekly market in Vaison-la-Romaine. That morning, rain or shine, always finds us leaving the house early for the trip to Vaison-la-Romaine. A trip to a market, especially this market in Vaison-la-Romaine is my favorite thing to do. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><a href="https://www.viamichelin.fr/web/Cartes-plans?tid=city-138350-fra" style="background-color: white; color: #336399; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">Vaison-la-Romaine</a><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;"> is 6 miles north of Sablet on a winding road and then left around the round-about across the Ouvèze River. You know you are close when you see the castle on the top of the hill.</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uZRtytcMKCA/YUeDKC_1KRI/AAAAAAAAXhY/ijGVntJuJOoxm11yzTgJhaRGEppoxmrhwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h410/1632076569280209-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medieval Castle of the Counts of Toulouse that stands over Vaison-la-Romaine<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After we park our car near the Notre Dame de Nazareth Cathedral, we head toward the market and past some of the Roman ruins that are in Vaison-la-Romaine. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">The Roman ruins lie in the valley on the right bank of the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.85px;">Ouvèze River </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.85px;">in two main areas: La Villasse and Puymin. Some of the ruins of La Villasse are shown in the two pictures that follow.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wIOLxUbXX3c/YUeUZ8aozKI/AAAAAAAAXhw/YCsCF6FqYM8-14_xTdVHxD7gJZH3lp9vwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1632080915808917-1.png" width="640" />
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</div><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;">The weekly market is a kaleidoscope of colors and smells of Provence with up to 450 vendors in the summer (pottery, arts and crafts, food stalls of all kinds, local fruits and vegetables, linens, soap, regional specialties, clothing) and spreads out over Place Montfort, the main square in the center of town and nearby streets.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;">Most of the fish, meat, cheese, fruit and vegetable sellers set up their stands on Cours Taulignan or on one of the cross streets. The market is an ancient tradition dating all the way back to 1483.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TtYKCMx3QQI/YUeDGJL1exI/AAAAAAAAXhU/r_UJhnVb1GcglETsmjY1dnbMGhq6SiFEgCLcBGAsYHQ/w444-h640/1632076552988317-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="444" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of the food stalls are located on Cours Taulignan in Vaison la Romaine<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nLKkdamyK7w/YUeDCD3zvKI/AAAAAAAAXhQ/F16Fs1eGhq8QJk7-2aIhPxXPPadACOfMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h634/1632076544756460-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vendor selling individual heads and braids of garlic from Piolenc</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="499" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UOo61K5w-xs/YUeDAO0NyoI/AAAAAAAAXhM/_nFIh8hJwV0UqTRjrXD9zY03eRVV8PMJwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h499/1632076535221443-3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apricots from the Department of the Dr<span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">ô</span>me</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="491" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2gXcxVjF41o/YUeC9rUgzsI/AAAAAAAAXhI/SomsX4ddiCA4bV4JmCkD3XnaB5N3bHsJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h491/1632076526619810-4.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer truffles and dried Cepes (Porcini mushrooms)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RkCQPjA_L5Y/YUeC7gbSkAI/AAAAAAAAXhE/RhbSmDzDKmsVL-2GKyadDYnWtFHOw6LLQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h570/1632076509757875-5.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stone fruit including peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="413" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IZl5dVSqG_A/YUeC3QeUANI/AAAAAAAAXhA/pl8wUYhNkicKkui8DgEvSV6AL8uOb4z-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h413/1632076487016218-6.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A vendor selling paella to go</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>After we finish our morning shopping, me for fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese and fish, and Shirley for soap, pottery, linens, and souvenirs, we gather for coffee with friends at one of the cafes that line Place Montfort.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fsg6g0Ajg_o/YUeCxm6urKI/AAAAAAAAXg8/sGW3EBQXSmgRLEi8qy7lOOTBID_8wXkHACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h438/1632076464882480-7.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafes lining Place Montfort</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 14.85px;">Vaison-la-Romaine is separated by the Ouvèze River into two parts connected by a bridge built by the Romans in the 1st century AD; on the left bank is the old medieval town with the Castle of the Counts of Toulouse at the highest point and on the right bank is the ancient Roman colony and modern town.</span><br /></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MUcI26l2o_o/YUeCsBBLB_I/AAAAAAAAXg4/k8jRtPKWfkwVslptU3aEQDHgIsn-1rlAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/1632076436568162-8.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman Bridge that links the lower town and upper town in Vaison-la-Romaine</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Llb45XMjBUU/YUeClL0e33I/AAAAAAAAXg0/Wk5HSEzv2YsFZjjCdrQ4e3pHucKKW1HWQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/1632076426811885-9.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic Renault Car parked next to us</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.85px;">If you are thinking about a trip to the South of France including spending time in Provence, we invite you to visit our </span><a href="http://www.sablethouse.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #336399; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.85px; text-decoration-line: none;">website</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.85px;">. Our house is available for rent by the week or more. We still have weeks open in November and through the end of the year and in 2022 and beyond. You can reach me for further information by sending an email to chcmichel@aol.com.</span><br /></div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-72774962226513265492021-07-30T07:26:00.003-07:002021-07-30T07:26:43.780-07:00Walk Around Beautiful Historical AvignonWe went to Avignon so Shirley could shop so I took the opportunity to walk around and see what was new or different after our long absence.<div><br /></div><div>One of the first things I noticed, this was the first time in a long time that the Opera - Theater of Avignon didn't look like there was reconstruction taking place.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AyRLWH3LsoM/YQObyMVhG-I/AAAAAAAAW9M/_IEnJAxysckKYbwV5xBniVtCxVs1086RwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1627626418905070-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opera - Theater of Avignon</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div> The Opera - Theater of Avignon is located near the Pope's Palace on Place de l'Horloge. Built in 1825, it was rebuilt in 1847 after a fire. The Opera - Theater offers music, dance, theater and opera performances throughout the year.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Pope's Palace is a historical palace in Avignon, one of the largest and most important Medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. One time fortress and palace, the papal residence was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century. Six papal conclaves were held in the Palace, leading to the elections of Benedict XII in 1334, Clement VI in 1342, Innocent VI in 1352, Urban V in 1362, Gregory XI in 1370 and Antipope Benedict XIII in 1394.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CNoIQX2Jyo4/YQP3BBxHSiI/AAAAAAAAW-Y/o4fWd7yA78kCrPn0xaAk_aGDsSxMLEhkACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h502/1627649792288088-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pope's Palace</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>Next to the Opera - Theater of Avignon on Place de l'Horloge is the neo-classical town hall known as the Hotel de Ville built in the 19th century as a replacement for an older building.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4npAtO5m8sY/YQP2_rIwKJI/AAAAAAAAW-U/YCOQxmMAHmgWiUD-jRvQBmt-iOizciDeACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1627649786403094-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel de Ville</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>Only the 14th century clock tower remains from the original structure. The Gothic clock tower which gave the square its name was incorporated into the construction of the later Hotel de Ville.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FVKVyKTCxx8/YQP2-Ncmu2I/AAAAAAAAW-Q/Xc0GhPn389kavdKjDdR6Z7uPc8sjE6htACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/1627649781849162-2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bell tower of Hotel de Ville</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>The bell tower of Basilique Saint-Pierre Church seen below is a 14th century Gothic Church in the middle of Avignon. The current church was built over a 3 year and 4 month's period and consecrated on 20 September 1359. It stands on the site of a much older church which may date back to the 7th century though the first texts mentioning the church date back to 1068.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jK--sA3QUzY/YQP29PqEyOI/AAAAAAAAW-M/WbbCr6nf4tQ6jPFOUMMA-6etgoJfys9tACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/1627649776914775-3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilique Saint-Pierre Church</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>If you are looking for crepes, several good creperies are located on a shady square by Basilique Saint-Pierre Curch. If you are with kids who might not enjoy sitting through a multi-course meal, we recommend Creperie La Flourdiliz.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZEZPeH9tkQo/YQP_mNZRscI/AAAAAAAAW_A/Nafjo3ezb5gfMbqkq3DINin8SoBXySyNQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1627651988910130-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creperies near Basilique Saint-Pierre Church</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div>As our scheduled time to meet up with Shirley arrived, I headed to Place de l'Hotel and La Fourchette restaurant a few steps away. More about our meal there in a post to come.</div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7821474047907384633.post-28025154871127791912021-07-28T23:59:00.000-07:002021-09-19T11:16:07.888-07:00Petit Dejeuner (Breakfast) in SabletThis is living! Breakfast on the terrace in <a href="https://www.viamichelin.fr/web/Cartes-plans?tid=city-1295076">Sablet</a>. Baguette so fresh and hot out of oven from Festival Des Pains it was hard to hold. Nutella, lavender honey and butter from Normandy secured from Chez Mimi et Alain in Sablet and cheese (Banon and Roquefort) from <a href="https://loucanesteou.com/">Lou Canesteou</a> in Vaison-la-Romaine. <div><br></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k89uWE49LVA/YQJM8Qw-4NI/AAAAAAAAW7Y/Kgw-JsQkjLc9dKZcj4Gej26IOVP9tAmaACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/1627540718175702-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast in Sablet</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>Life slows down for us when we are in Sablet. So grateful we can be here.</div><div><br></div><div>If you are thinking about a trip to Provence, we invite you to visit our <a href="http://www.sablethouse.com">website</a>. Our house is available for rent by the week or more. You can reach us by sending an <a href="mailto:chcmichel@aol.com">email</a> to me.</div>Michelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02084254959003451085noreply@blogger.com0