Market Day in St. Remy

Wednesday, July  25th

Today is Market day in St. Remy.

We begin with an early breakfast and Robbi supplied us with a wonderful large sac to carry all of our purchases.

It truly was bustling and covers many kilometers of the town.

Right off the bat, I purchased a lovely straw hat from the craftsman himself, some jewelry, a bandana, some cookies and some amazing chocolates.

I also had to purchase another bag to carry everything I have already bought in Provence.

It was decided we would pick up some goodies for lunch and share back at the hotel.  I bought baskets of fresh fruit and cheese

When I could take no more of the crowds, I headed back for a swim and then met the girls to share our food.  The cheese we bought was amazing and the fruit tasted almost fragrant.

Later in the afternoon we left to visit St. Paul de Mausole where we learned the story of the life and death of Vince t Van Gogh.

I scattered some of Steve's ashes, where Van Gogh was shot and the we headed through the gardens where his paintings are on display.  We saw the hospital and room where he lived for a time and then headed off to Les Baux to see the illustrations of Van Gogh and Gaugin brought to life on the cave walls.

This was brilliant.  You walk in to the   Coolness  of a cave, it's dirt floor and gray walls and then it goes dark.  Vibrant music begins as the art is projected onto the cave walls, floors and ceiling.  It is breathtaking.

Walking around while the illustrations are moving, can really affect your balance, so it is best to just stand still and take it all in.

Out into the heat of the Provençal sun and off to the perched village of Les Baux.

This was my favorite village by far.  High up upon a mountain top, it contains, quaint shops tucked into the rock, wonderful restaurants overlooking the canyon,  a quaint very simplistic church, and a wonderful exhibit of Princess Grace's visit to Les Baux.

I purchases some linen and then entered a shop tucked away in the rock.  It had the most beautiful silk scarves.  The owner reminded me of the actor Bill Nigh, but spoke NO English.  We still managed a transaction all en Francais.  Just say " Canada" in France and they will love you.

Sadly we left the town too soon and then headed to wi Rey out in the country.  Jim gave us a private tour and it was wonderful.  The barrels are housed in a great room with a cathedral like feel to it.  We then tasted a Rose, white and red.  If I had room in my luggage, I would have bought some for home.

We returned to our hotel and had 20 minutes to refresh for dinner.

We dined again in our village, under a wonderful canopy

Dinner was,  a warm goat cheese salad, a lamb so succulent, I needed only my fork, and a chocolate mousse.  Of course this was all accompanied by a wonderful Sauvignon Blanc.

We wandered the village again, before retiring for the evening.