Provence the last few days

While in Provence we have visited Arles where Vangogh lived and worked as well as Roman ampitheatres and more.. We visited the Pont du Gard an ancient Roman system for transporting water and the sights of avignon as well as the city of Aix-en-Provence. Seeing so much ancient history is mind boggling we have been really awe struck.

                                                      Street dancers in Aix-en-Provence

All images copyright Corrina Tough 2012        

French Provincial Market Day

The markets here in Provence are certainly outstanding. At every turn a different fragrance plays havoc with my nose- bunches of Lavender, bowls of olives, preserved tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, all manner of seasonal produce. It seems like the colours are bursting vibrantly and waitng to be painted by an artist or eaten at least. The vendors gladly let you taste their wares because just one taste and you will have to have it! The village goes back to its sleepy town vibe when they pack up and then you can just sit out the front of a cafe or tabac and sip on a perrier while watching the people go by. The temps have been 28-31 degrees everyday so beautiful.

                                                All images copyright Corrina Tough 2012

Provence - a week for the senses

From Burgandy we made our way to sunny Provence. The temperature has been from 22-31 degrees so far. We are staying in a 200 year ol Gite in the middle of an apple orchard in a tiny place called Saint Andiol, just 10kms to beautiful Saint Remy de Provence and many other stunning places as you'll see in the posts to come. Our gite is so beautiful and we have a pool and all you can eat apples, grapes and figs. We have begun our week here with the St Remy markets on the day after we arrived. This was very busy and so many people. The stalls were full of amazing locally grown and made produce as well as clothing, linens and antiques- we were in heaven! A bit too crowdy for my liking but fab all the same. The food in provence is really gorgeous so fresh and vibrant- every mothful a delight for the senses.

The gite

                                             All images copyright Corrina Tough 2012

Flavigny -sur-Ozerain more pics

Here are some more shots of our days at Flavigny-sur-Ozerain what can I say?

All Photography copyright Corrina Tough 2012       

Day 4- Flavigny- sur- Ozerain

After leaving Giverny we make our way to the Burgandy region and the small village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain where the film chocolat was made. We drove through some amazing villages on the way and so the first few images may not be that great as they were taken through the car windscreen whilst driving. Then as we drove up an incline when we reached the top the view looking down over Flavigny was breath taking. This is the image in the opening scene of the film. Once in the village we were astounded at the ancient houses, the gothic church and Abbey and the rural back drop. My camera went into overdrive and it will be hard to pick the shots also we were here for two days so I'll give you a day 1 and 2. We stayed in an old convent and the owners ancestors had liveed in this village since the 1600's. Part of the house had been burnt during the revolution when the nuns had to sell off sections of the convent to people who made homes out it. The view from our rooms looked down over the village vege patch and the very one the priest is working on in the film chocolat. xxCorrina.

Flavigny- sur Ozerain view from top of hill

                                                 All images copyright Corrina Tough 2012

Rue Claude Monet- day 4

Today we decided to go back and check out Rue Claude Monet and the little village of Giverny- what a delight. Semi rural the town boasts many art galleries, and food places. To our surprise it was the day of an antique steam engine display and all the old guys and their toys displaying their wares. After walking the cobbled streets our appetite was calling us to the hotel Baudy a very old and beautiful little place that had a courtyard opposite outside with shaded umbrellas. Inside was more formal and out the back a surprise old gallery and sweet garden to explore.

                                                   Curtis the budding photographer

                                             Poached salmon with fromage rissotto. YUM!                            Our Menu has entree main and desert for 23 euro and was all devine! xxCorrina.
                                               All images copyright Corrina Tough 2012