Poppies and irises galore

Fabulous colours everywhere through the Luberon valley today. A real picture. And soon the colour will begin to show on the lavender - it takes my breath away every year.

Views to die for

Replenishing our wine stocks with Cotes du Rhone today at Cairanne then a spectacular drive through the hidden Vallée de la Toulourenc below the northern slopes of Mont Ventoux. Superb views of Brantes village. And even better from the village down into the valley below.

Urghh!

Seen in the "garrigue" this afternoon. Dead trees covered in this stuff - lots of critters inside the webs. Anybody give us a "Real" tip about this one?

Can't be anything to do with the heat could it? 36c this afternoon. Phew what a scorcher!

Was it hot!

Now here's a "Real" tip, get there before 10 o'clock. Where? Coustellet market of course. The yuppie love in continues to go from strengh to strengh, Sunday was heaving but so much good stuff on sale. Did you spot the ex-prime minister? We know where the racing drivers were but surprising to see the footballers. Come on Jenson, championship now please.


For some it was a bit too hot ... to even walk.



And some culture, Bach's second movement for strings .......

The cherries are just arriving and there was a bit of a scrum to get your share. Did I say 10? Make that 9:30.


The balloon's certainly gone up at Coustellet however, we've even got our own Sunday morning sushi bar.

Yo! Or was that Wo ... either way I may be sticking to the beer and oysters at the Gare but more of that another time.

PS 31c at 12:30 -lovelly

Do they Really mean this?

Oh Yes!

Unfortunately two cars were swept away in January. The Real tip is to visit Provence between Easter and All Saints.

Cassis

No "Real" secret about Cassis, everybody knows it's a beautiful place I guess. We certainly had a lovely day yesterday.

Idylic Lunch?

Sunday lunch locations don't get better than this one, ...Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.


Typical menu of three courses €29.00. Not bad but the "Real" tip in May is to remember the insect repellent for your legs! Guess who didn't.

Regards
Spot

The Saturday Scene

Did I ever tell you about where the "Real" people take their coffee or apero in Apt? Now this is just between us and not for the tourists so keep it under your hat.

A few years ago a new bar opened in Apt, "Le Petit Zinc". A few mature grown ups gathered who enjoy a joke and a drink - don't ask for the "coupe de boules" or you'll get more than you bargined for! Suffice to say a formula for success, especially on Saturday mornings during the market.

Not everybody was quite so impressed however, M. Garlin has had his plant stall outside every Saturday for more than three decades and feels that he's being rather pushed out by the bar clients. Imagine the situation when next door changes hands and a new bar opens catering for the funky people who enjoy a bit of U2 or Eminem at full bore whilst taking a "noisette". Welcome to "Central Soul"!

Harmony was at last found yesterday, the sun shone, there were just enough people in the market to still get a parking spot, produce was piled high, spring was sprung. Balance had been found between the music, the flowers, and the jokes.

My first Blog

Real Provence has a Blog

Wow!