After nearly 30 years of dreaming we've finally bought our own bit of Provence and spend as much time there as possible. A lover of everything about the area especially the markets, the Brocante hunting & cycling the quiet lanes. Blogging about my favourite things in the area from places to visit, shopping and cycle trips
I always think it’s a shame that we don’t have the same approach to markets in England as they do in France. As I sit with my first coffee of the day and a ‘pain au chocolat’ in a cafe in Apt the whole town is bustling, full of people and chatter. What is a … More Saturday is market day and I love it!
When we bought our little house it came with a pellet burner in the living room, which was the owner’s pride and joy. It certainly heated the room well & we were given a demonstration of how it could be switched on remotely using a Smartphone, so that the house could be lovely & warm … More Out with the old & in with the new – cheerio ‘Growler’!
Cycling around this area is a delight & even when it’s overcast (like today) it is a perfect way to spend a few hours. After an early wake-up I thought I’d hop on the bike & head across to the lovely Thursday market at L’Isle Sur La Sorgue aiming to arrive for mid-morning coffee. For … More A morning cycling & an afternoon upcycling
It’s hard to believe that it’s only 4 weeks since we left the house in Provence & headed back to the UK after a wonderful first summer there. When we left, the days were still hot (well over 30) and the landscape looked parched and bleached after the long dry-spell & even the leaves on … More Soft colours & golden light – Autumn in Provence
So often we find ourselves chuckling about the odd things involving animals that we’ve seen over the years whilst in Provence including a horse in a flat cap…… …… the sight of a piglet being walked on a lead in Lourmarin…… …….or the cat at Roussillon who delights in stretching out & rolling onto … More Andy meets a dog with a well rehearsed party trick!
Where has the summer gone? Since the 25th April (apart from 22 days back in the UK) I have been lucky enough to spend the rest of the time out in the Vaucluse, sorting out our new house & getting under the skin of the beautiful area we have called home for the Summer. It’s … More 4 months of living the dream
This time last week the boys were cycling the last leg of their mammoth cycle from Dartmoor to Sete in the South of France. The ride saw them cover nearly 1500km in just under 2 weeks. I think it’s fair to say they had a fantastic time & certainly it’s an experience they’ll remember for … More One Week on & some first thoughts on the adventure
Distance cycled ……… 80 miles Total distance cycled during the ride ………… 865.4 miles / 1392.4 km So boys how would you sum up the final day in 3 words……… Fatigue, Joy, End!! Firstly apologies for not posting this blog last night, but it was all a bit overwhelming, being back together as a family … More Day 13 – Carcassonne to the Finish Line at Sete
Distance cycled …….. 67 miles So boys how would you sum up today in 3 words? ……. Medieval Cart Track! Arriving in Toulouse last night I think it’s fair to say that Andy George & Tom felt they needed a rest. In the last 3 days they had cycled just shy of 250 miles & … More Day 12 – Toulouse to Carcassonne
Distance cycled ……….. 91 miles So boys what 3 words would you use to sum up today? …….. On a Mission! After another long day in the saddle yesterday the boys found a nice quiet site by a lake , just a short distance from the cycle trail. After a lovely evening & the realisation … More Day 11 – Damazan to Toulouse
Postcards from Provence and beyond 