Time to head for the shade and relax. 37 degrees and its hot, hot, hot. The swimming pool beckons or the shade of the oleander. Summer in Provence is well and truly here.
Just watching the world go by at a cafe in the centre of Roussillon. The reds and oranges of the ochre painted houses in this lovely old village just ooze the summer warmth. Just perfect for a refeshing beer or a glass of local rosé.
Another "Real" secret gem, right in the middle of Apt. Restaurant Les Platanes, 13 place Jules Ferry. A shaded garden makes the perfect setting for summer dining.
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.
Real Provence is a small independent tour operator specialising in holidays in three beautiful and distinctively different areas of Provence which together make up the area we call 'real Provence' - the Parc Naturel du Luberon, the Alpilles area around St. Rémy and the Cotes du Rhone area of the Dentelles.
This blog is about our work, lives in the Luberon and the holidays our clients have with us. We also let holiday houses which are sometimes featured here as well.