Flowers of Autumn

Fabulous golden autumn crocuses dancing in the sunshine. Just popped their heads up in the last couple of days to enjoy the beautifuly balmy days of late September in the Luberon and they couldn't look more delightful nestling against the old provencal stone.

Gastronomy by the sea

Gastronomare in Marseille - a feast for the eyes and the stomach! Cooking demonstrations from the top Marseille chefs, food and wine tastings and the best fun of all, street food along side the Vieux Port. From Palestine to Sicily, Italy to Algeria and lots more - stalls from all around the mediterranean with great food accompanied by a glass or two of the refreshing local Cagole beer. What better way to spend a sunny September afternoon.

Two Lon! Two Lon! Two Lon!

Yes, Toulon v Toulouse at the Marseille Vellodrone stadium. With a near capacity crowd of 55,000 and incredibly patriotic Toulon fans the atmosphere was electric – all jolly good fun! A certain Mr Wilkinson played a leading role for “our” Toulon boys too.

God knows why French rugby seems to be on such a high roll these days. We can’t understand what has brought this about but there seem to be more and more foreign players down here and money to pay them. Perhaps it’s the influence of the “Top 14” games on Canal+ television or the success of the game after the world cup. Either which way there is even an English language web site now with a news feed which continues to prick our interest. http://frenchrugbyclub.com/

That's our man!

Oui!

As the Toulouse team gaze upon the face of Jonny and think .....

As you see the Real truth is that Provence has exciting big cities as well and we even play rugby!

Medieval Fete, Monieux

5th September. - This wonderful event at Monieux was the first of what we hope will be a biannual happening. We'll keep you posted when the next one comes around.

Vendage 3

When the press breaks down there's nothing for it but to get in there and squash the buggers down with your feet!


Who is that fat bloke anyway?

Vendage part 2

And back at the press the fruits of our labours are unloaded. Today its Roussanne and Rolle for the 2010 white.

The vendage began more than a week ago

And the weather has been perfect for picking. Early morning starts to pick the grapes before they get too hot, a boozy lunch with chez F, and an afternoon snooze. Eat your heart out Anglo-Saxanoy!

Who are these people?

This woman looks familiar