Ripe for the picking

Grenache, Mouvedre, Syrah? Its picking time in the Luberon again and ripened by the superb summer weather this year, these grapes are certainly ready for the picking. Word has it that 2010 is going to be a very good year.....

The 'Septembristes'

The 'Septembristes' - the people in the know about one of the best months to spend time in Provence.

We find them strolling Lourmarin market on a sunny Friday morning

pottering around the Marché Potiers in Roussillon on a warm sunny Sunday.

and enjoying dining outside in the evening at Le Fournil in Bonnieux.

We and the 'Septembrists' are just simply enjoying one of the best September's we can remember in Provence.

A little piece of Holland right here in Provence

Well why not bring it with you?

Lavender holidays

Friday was our day off, (the first in months!), and we went up to the Plateau de Sault.

To our astonishment there was still lavender to be seen or was being cut.

We always tell our clients taking Lavender holidays that 2nd week of July can be relied on to see the Lavender at it's best colour at least up on the Plateau, perhaps a couple of weeks before in the Luberon. The start of the year was very wet in Provence which made for a late flowering, however August is astonishing. June July & August for Lavender holidays. Wow!

Lavender, lavender everywhere

Its here, its now, its blooming everywhere! Yes its Lavender time in Provence and doesn't it look just wonderful. In the Luberon valley the small lavender fields in full bloom are hot spots for photographers and painters. On the Plateau de Sault the higher altitude fields are just beginning to show that beautiful colour we all dream about.

My six point football plan

1. Never again employ anyone other than an Englishman to manage an English team. Pay only by results. No contract longer than 3 months.
2. Eliminate work permits to play professional football for non-European people. We have enough Englishmen who want to earn a living playing the game, we don’t need to feed the talent pool of foreigners ever again.
3. Pick a much larger pool of players for the national squad, if the first 26 don’t perform bring in the second or the third without compunction
4. Establish an exclusive training programme for young players who want to play for their country on an expenses only basis and choose only from this pool. Seek commitment to the squad above all else
5. Accept a longer term view and acknowledge that we need to grow a team of Englishmen that are committed to country first and the rewards of professional football second.
6. Listen to the voice of the country in all things football.
7. Never listen to a rant :-)

Haute Provence

We're preparing tailor made holiday vacations for a number of clients visiting the lavender fields of the Haute Provence. Visiting the Gorge du Verdon to see the Canyon and driving the Route de Cretes is a must. How about this for a taster?

The tiny blue line is of course the river running through the gorge.