Saint Martin du Crau, Les Baux, Arles, Maussane,  Wine Tasting and Saint Remy de Provence, Pont du Gard, Avignon, Salon de Provence, Aix en Provence,  France

Lots of places, anyone interested in what they are like or what we did in them?  For the record, Johanne doesn't think listing these places will have any meaning to you readers.  I want to use the words as a frame work to tell our story.  We are both right, it is all in the structure of delivery.  So, since I have the pen, currently, I win. Hahahaha.

You never really understand how much you miss a home cooked meal until you have eaten in restaurants for the better part of 3 months.  Saint Martin du Crau is our target for food shopping.  We have already agreed to splitting the cooking duties every other day.  Armed with a plan we dive into the isles to hunt for stuff.  The good news, French grocery stores have stuff, interesting stuff,  cheeses that don't exist anywhere else, only local and in season veg, free range, organic, chicken, beef, fish from the Met 100 km away.  Sure there are some canned foods and prepared meals, but most of the items are true to Provence.  The wine too is local.  Rose is the specialty of the area, they do have a nice selection of Cote du Rhone and Bordeaux to round out the selection.  Of course there are many more but we are only here for a few weeks and we do have other things to do besides tasting wine!  I know it's hard to believe but someone has to show some restraint. Thanks Johanne.

The village is closed.  Sunday's and Mondays are not really business days in the south of France.  Restaurants are open, but not much else.  Still, it gives us a chance to look around.  5 minutes later, we are done.  There is nothing here.  It's claim to fame is having the lowest population density in all of France and it shows.  We can't even see a bird.  They have a big supermarket and that is it.  So we leave.  Dinner plans in the wait.  To tell you the true, I can't remember what we ate but I can assure you, it was good.  Johanne does remember....Mom and Dad made delicios chicken scheitzel with gratin of potatoes...mmmmmmm

The rest of the week will be filled to the max with short trips to visit the best of the area.  Les Baux is first on the list and for good reasons. Considered one of the most spectacular villages in all of France, it is high, meaning there are a lot of steps to climb to get to the village gates. Here are Mom and Dad attempting the climb.

The height affords tremendous views of Provence, it is also why it was built to begin with.  This perch high in the Alpilles mountain range has signs of habitation from 6000 BC.  Ideally suited for defence it became the centre for power in the middle ages for a feudal lordship that controlled 79 towns and villages in the area.  The Lords of Baux were removed in the 12th century, however the great castle remained. Renowned for its court, famed for a height level of ornateness, culture and chivalry. The court often called the "court of love" attracted Troubadours from all over Europe who could often be found reciting poetry to.....  The dark times for the village occurred during the rein of Alix of Baux, who's men were dispatched throughout Provence to kidnap people for ransom.

In the event that the ransom was refused, the victim was forced to walk a gangplank over the cliff edge.

The castle was destroyed in the 17th century, by Cardinal Richelieu as a message to those that had been rebelling against Louis 13.

Today it is strictly for tourists.  In fact, only 22 people call the old village, home, a far cry from it's population hay day of 4000.  Filled with interesting shops, restaurants and hotels.  It is a beautiful place to wander and enjoy the historic architecture.  The shops have many unique Provencal items.  One in particular has a collection of "santons".  Small figurines.  Over 1,900 different characters, painted by hand from 18th century models.  Shoemakers, ironmakers, copper smiths, tailors, bakers, joined with the Saints to provide an artful view of life at that time.

A memorable place to celebrate a birthday.  Are these two going to give Dad the paddy whacks or walk the plank?

We did some olive oil tasting, Provence has some unique oil made from black olives, very different taste.  A full day complete we are going back to the house to prepare the birthday dinner for Dad's day.  Fresh Oysters, a Pork roast, wine, cheese and fruit. The perfect end to a perfect day.

More to come.

Be well

Sante