Monday, August 25, 2014

Postcard from Lourmarin






Postcard from...LE MARCHE DE LOURMARIN





There is no better way to capture the true spirit of Provence than to head to one of the wonderful, local outdoor marchés.
Everyday is market-day somewhere in Provence and from the largest to the smallest, from the most touristic to the simply local ...they are all fun. Appealing to the 5 senses, the Provençal Marché is a lively display of color, conversation, delicious local gourmet specialities, pretty fashion items, and basically, temptation at every stall. 

I love all the 'marchés', but the one I always go to at least once, is the Marché de Lourmarin. First of all, Lourmarin is a delightful village at the foot of the Luberon, with quaint streets filled with lovely boutiques and art galleries. It has adorable terraces (and by now, you know how I love my terraces...people watching remember...) where you can grab a bite after the 'marché', or if you've gotten an early start, a little coffee or 'apéro' before heading home to cook up all your freshly purchased goodies. Lourmarin boasts the very handsome "Château de Lourmarin" and, last but not least, also has a reputed inhabitant in the person of Peter Mayle, author of "A Year In Provence."  This may contribute to the number of english speaking visitors you may come across no matter the season. 



The village of Lourmarin

The 'Renaissance' Château 


  A little 'à propos' music to put us in the mood...en français...



 "Les Marchés de Provence" -  Gilbert Bécaud and Brigitte Bardot in 1957 -


Now grab a basket.... 








so much choice...

Can't get enough of these...

and let's go....


Lourmarin is so pretty, a major tourist magnet I grant you, but soooo pretty and the market, although crowded in the summer, will fill your every need! PROMISE !!




First the fruit and veggies...

Just as good dry as they are fresh...

 

Nothing beats french bread...n'est-ce pas?

Spices...







say cheese...




 And don't forget the olives...




 some flowers perhaps...










So many wonderful things for the home...




These lavender 'fuseaux' will perfume your linens...

and just in case you're a little short on linens...














Oldies but goldies...these goodies will add a touch of Provence to your home

Now THAT'S a real "bar" of soap!



ZE  "Savon de Marseille"
Natural sponges to go with...

Wooden bowls made from the olive tree

Colorful hammocks for 'la sieste'

Even toys for the boys...(the young and...young...at heart)

Colors, colors, colors...

Rainbow on your wrist...

And hats, hats, hats...



Spotted: Valentine in Lourmarin  wearing her new hat, acheté au marché, of course...



NOW that your basket is full, how about a little stroll in search of the perfect café for a well-deserved break (ok and some people watching...) 






















Ahhh...I think this will do just fine...pas vous?

 So what will it be...café...thé...???


Hmmm...

Or when in Rome...Ahem....Pastis anyone???


Maybe we'll run into Gérard Isirdi, a famous local painter who lives in Lourmarin and paints people who...people watch !








and...drink Pastis (or is that wine??)


By the way...Market day in Lourmarin is on Fridays from 8 am to 1 pm... I guarantee you won't go home empty-handed...






Voilà...c'est fini... for now... but my next post will be about something completely different, much more contemporary...Read all about in my next...


Postcard from... LES RENCONTRES D'ARLES


A très vite... 


credits:-www.isirdi.com, www.seeprovence.com, www.panoramio.com, chateau-fort-manoir-chateau.eu

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