Friday Fille.
Enfin or at last as they say in France.
My friend Laurie took some photos of me for my blog
She told me to run around and jump. Easy for her to say, she is a runner. I jumped about two inches off the ground. Laurie wasn't impressed, either was I. But at least she took my photo.
In the background stands one of my favorite churches in France. It is the Basilica of Sainte Marie Madeleine, in St. Maximin. It was constructed in 1295 after Charles II of Anjou, Count of Provence and nephew of St. Louis, found St. Mary Magdalena's tomb, he wished to create a place of pilgrimage. The Basilica became part of the path to Saint-Jacques de Compostelle.
In a nearby small non-touristic village near St. Maximin an elaborate window/facade surprised me. That is what I like best about France, even in the smallest, most remote, out of the way place historical beauty can be found.
Petra, who left a comment yesterday asking if I could write down some of my favorite places to visit in Provence.
Gladly!
But before diving in, let me say that one of the best ways to discover France is to pick an area or two, reserve a hotel for the first two or three nights and then wander, let your mind and heart guide you take the off beaten path, get lost, find beauty in the smallest detail, sit at a cafe and watch the day unfold at a marketplace… Buy a baguette, some cheese, a bottle of wine and have a picnic.
Chez Bernard's Restaurant is literally on the edge of the Mediterranean sea. Off the beaten track, very simple decor, good food, (try their fish soup) do I need to say, amazing location? You'll need to walk about ten minutes on a small path to get there. Do not forget to go bring a swimsuit for a swim.
|
|
Calanque de Magaud Chemin de la Mer Toulon – 83100 |
|
|
La route du Cap Brun, |
|
|
04.94.27.20.62. |
Awhile ago I wrote about WHAT TO DO IN PROVENCE. You can find it by clicking on the colored link.
My most favorite time of the day is twilight. Especially in the summer where it feels as the sun doesn't want to go away, and days linger until ten at night.
If you are a foodie come to France. Your taste buds won't know what hit them. If you come to France forget about calories, because if you don't you will deprive yourself of one of the most extraordinary pleasures and wonders of French cuisine, which would be a big mistake.
Try finding the best croissant, the best baguette, stop at wineries, go to the fish market (every Friday morning) in Marseille, try Puyricard chocolates… take a class in making Chocolate. Or a cooking class, plenty of the best listed here: Cooking classes in Provence.
And you must eat cheese! Plenty of it! 465 different French cheese and counting.
Visit the small Provencal town Banon famous for its pungent raw unpressed cheese which is of a fine soft white pâte that takes it form when wrapped in a chestnut leaf.
Cheese and other Provencal Tours: Off the Beaten Path.
Bonnieux, is a very beautiful perched village in the Luberon. It is charming with little shops, winding streets, galleries, cafes and antique shops. OLEASSENCE en Luberon which sells organic ingredients to make your own natural dermo cosmetics. It also offer personalised workshops to create your own cosmetics and bath and body needs. The owner/pharmacist Christine Cuisiniez, offers various theme workshops Monday – Friday, advance booking is advised.
I'll add more of my favorites… maybe I should do that on Fridays?
Friday Fille's French Favorites, has a good f-ing ring to it (oops I am sorry :))
Other places to go in Provence:
A must!!! The Blue Coast Train (a commuter train with a glorious ride!)
A great blog about what to do in Provence: Provence Post
Of course I am biased, I love France, after twenty five years of living here with my French Husband and two sort of grown up children, I must say… the best way to see Provence is to come visit me! Especially if you have the brocante bug.
Leave a Reply