Sometimes people ask me what my favorite season is in Provence. I usually say spring as I love the wild flowers but when October comes around I am at awe with the ruby reds and golden yellows. An October tour in Provence provides stunning colors and a quieter, less busy touristy atmosphere.
Yesterday morning, while walking the ancient Roman road near my house in Cavaillon, I stumbled upon more than ancient ruins. Not just one, not just two but a handful of lavender plants here and there. Surrounded by pine trees, thyme and limestone blocks from the Roman quarry I couldn’t help to marvel at this hidden lavender holding on to its fading purple flowers as if to give the curious wanderer one more treasure before winter arrives.
There is something about standing at the comptoir with a double expresso in a french looking coffee cup and starting the day with the locals. It was early morning and the indoor gourmet market in Avignon was just starting. It’s quite amusing to watch the French start their day at the market stand. If you ever go early to a market don’t forget to observe – a cultural experience guaranteed.
After sipping and enjoying my expresso with un peu de crème I meandered the market with my camera to capture the colors and textures. It was barely 10am and the merchants still seemed busy setting up, preparing food and finishing up their own café.
I can’t say that I was a culinary fanatic when I first moved to France, but I can say today that France has turned me into a foodie.
Produce, healthy pride, the way to savor, the way to mix and match, the art of eating and drinking – everything flows together making food much more than just a time to eat. It cultural, artistic, pleasurable, and indulgent. The word « indulgent » in France takes a new meaning (at least it has for me). It means you partake in a harmony of senses that please more than just your palate.
What attracts you most to Provence? The Mediterranean climate? Provencal cuisine and a rosé from the terroir? Stumbling upon Roman ruins and looking up at Medieval castles? What if I told you that Provence is also one of the treasured places in the world for an aphrodisiac?