Life in the Vaucluse

May in Roussillon

Of course spring in the Vaucluse can be a varied affair. Arriving late last week it promptly started to rain and was pretty cool. Perfect timing for the opening of the pool. We visited (in the rain) the chateau in Ansouis and while the house itself was interesting, the inside was not what we were expecting.

The chateau HAD been in the family Sabran since the late 12th Century but sadly they sold it 2 years ago. It all looked a little sorry for itself given the walls had marks where pictures had hung and the furniture a mish-mash of antiques. However we were told that the new owner was going to restore it to its former glory, let's hope so.

Ansouis does have a great restaurant though, La Closerie, with an extremely good value set lunch. Superior cooking at a good price.

 Talking of food, we finally visited Le Mas Touteron just outside Gordes. Lovely courtyard setting with some of the best cooking I have had in a very long time. I would describe what we had but I know that once I start writing.. well, this would be a long post. Let's just say that it's well worth a visit.

How good is this?

  It's sometimes hard to believe that we live in the heart of this lovely village. Last Saturday we were taken by our friends to dinner at the David, pictured here.

Yes, it's the place right on the edge of the cliff. Not only does it have the most spectacular view, but it has cooking to match. And best of all, it is less than a 100 yards from our house!

 

 

 

En Cassis

We took a trip down to Cassis today and although the weather was a little grey there was still quite a bit of activity at the harbour. It was also market day and so that added to the atmosphere. Clearly everyone is gearing themselves up for the new season and the waiters at out restaurant were certainly enthusiastic... probably will have had enough by mid summer!  Still, if you're after a harbour front town in a great setting, with some good seafood restaurants - albeit quite touristy - then this could be a good place to visit... be prepared to walk from the car park though...

A new perspective

After 4 years in Roussillon it was a bit of a surprise to find a new hill to clamber up and see the village from a new angle. 

Snowed in - nearly!

     

The day after we left, the region was covered by a blanket of snow and Roussillon was cut off. Even Marseille Airport was closed apparently. It's quite unusual for the village to be blanketed like this so it was a great shame that we missed it - and that we weren't snowed in!

New Year in Roussillon

Following our tendency to try and visit somewhere new each time we visit the Vaucluse, we went over the new year to Martigues. Only 20 minutes from Marseille Airport and very close indeed (!) to an oil refinery, it is actually well worth a visit. Known as Little Venice for its canals, Martigues is

a little fishing town and perfect for some bouillabaise...   

We're doooomed, think I'll move to Roussillon!

  

We escaped all the chaos last weekend and went to Roussillon for a few days. Popped up to Mont Ventoux for lunch, views were stunning in the autumn light. Could see Mont Blanc one way and just make out the sea in the other direction.

Autumn in Provence is fantastic! Our ochre cliffs have been likened to a mini Grand Canyon - our autumn colours must therefore be a mini New England - stunning!

 

Christmas

Another Christmas in Roussillon and it was fantastic.

Le Broulliard

A foggy trip to Roussillon last week meant that we took some atmospheric pictures...

 

Flying around the Luberon

Flying around the village last week was a great way of seeing the colour of the ocre soil for which Roussillon is famed. This was part of a half hour flight on a small Cessna from Avignon-Caumont. The route, across the Luberon villages, was one of four routes to choose from. A great idea if visiting the area!