Frenchlife- Part Nine- Bandol

We spent our last three nights in Bandol at the home of some friends R & M in the hilltop town of Cadiere l'Azur.

They have a  wonderful view from their terrace on the third floor of their home in the village.
We were welcomed with champagne and lunch there before heading out to explore the town.

We had been to Cadiere about 12 years ago and noticed  some changes in the centre of the town but its character was still the same.

More shops for M and I to look into while M & R waited patiently outside.

Time for a photo

Our visit coincided with my birthday so the next day we headed to the nearby town of Bandol for lunch

A quintessential French mediterranean coastal town 

We all had the bouillabaisse and it was the best I have ever had.

This dish can not always be perfect- the stock can be too fishy or not rich enough, the fish must be very fresh and the rouille silky with a bit of heat.

I could spend a bit more time in this area

Very tempted to swim 

A tour of local wineries that afternoon - in particular our favourite Domaine Tempier

Sadly it was not open - but we think we saw the legendary owner Lulu sitting at the table under the pergola.  We left her in peace.

We found another winery to do some tasting "Gros Nore"

And then headed  to another favourite "Pibarnon"

 The next morning after dropping into the vide-grenier ( borcante/flea market) we headed to Castellat, 

 a neighbouring medieval hillside town

And came unexpectedly upon a medieval festival

Back to the magical terrace for  a late and long lunch into the evening

A magical holiday with a lot of great memories.

Frenchlife - Part Eight - Blauzac and Uzes

We loved the town where we were staying on our home exchange

Thought about buying this house for sale

And enjoyed our daily walks around the village and the stop to pick up croissants from the Epicerie.

We enjoyed the close proximity of the larger town of Uzes

admiring the shops there

Wandering around the old streets and feeling the age and history of the town around every corner 

and stopping for a drink or a light meal at one of the cafes around the square

Two weeks was definitely not long enough.

Frenchlife- Part Seven - Pont du Gard

We are staying very close to the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge built in the 1st century AD.

We have been here before but it is so impressive and the day so brilliant we headed out to visit again

It originally extended from Nimes to Uzes  (50kms) most of which was built underground. 

This bridge was built to cross the river and the water ran over the third level.

It continues to amaze me how the Roman engineers built something like this so long ago and it is still standing looking so good.

C'est moi, looking mighty relaxed!

This olive tree was planted in 908 AD and is still surviving - something about the French terroir perhaps?

Frenchlife - Part Six - St Remy de Provence

It was a busy market day day in St Remy de Provence when we visited on Wednesday

We stocked up some cheese and olives (not too much as we leave Blauzac on Friday)

This porchetta and lapin caught our eye, but was not a purchase

Admired the pottery 

Wandered through the narrow passageways, admiring the pretty houses and ancient buildings

  Learnt that Nostradamus was born and grew up in St Remy

Bought some chocolate from our favourite chocolatier

and listened to some music