Saturday, October 28, 2017

Day tripping~Fontvieille and Maussane Les Alpilles~




























From St-Rémy you can get to sooo many places..
in fact if we go back..we will just stay there and drive farther for the small day trips..as the higher places ..that we have seen..we won't return..BEAUTIFUL..but we remember now..we went in 2008..and went back twice in areas while staying in Bar-Sur-Loup..so because these towns are well known to us..we would skip Les Alpes Maritimes next time..albeit we do not know..Cannes well..Nice..Menton..St-Tropez..etc..we just quickly go and come back..a 2 hr walk along the Mediterranean..
It's just that the driving in those higher elevations ..well I have mentioned it..scary.

























From St-Rémy you can have daily adventures..  get in the car and go..
many charming towns are within easy driving distance..such as Fontvielle..and Maussane Les Alpilles.




Fontvielle is home to the Alphonse Daudet Moulin and Montban castle..if you go..wear better shoes than espadrilles;)  It's a walk to the moulin;)
I love my espadrilles..and you can get some at most markets ..
all colors..charming little foot pleasers.
In Fontvielle some streets we walked were just loaded with charm..small cute..adorable..one man had classical music playing and came out to chat w/ us..right next to that house up there:)
Numéro 18♥
Look at that red door and her Zen garden out front..so many people in small towns..and larger ones..make their homes so darned adorable outside..
they say:"Come in"!!


Maussane..is also old world charm..and so many Deux Chevaux..really..so many..and an ancien lavoir..
Inaugurated in 1865.It is magnificent.
  Ap 2000 is the population w/ ap 320 days of sun per year.
Imagine walking along a beautiful street..and right there..this♥

Now even Jacques and I look in the widows of realtors offices..I was after all..a realtor for almost 30 yrs.

above..ap $4 million euros give or take;)

Our offer was refused;)Kidding.. no offer:)

The day trips from where one stays in Provence makes that one trip..so many trips♥

In the kitchen I made Isabelle Lambert's FABULOUS date squares w/ apples!  I have never made w/ apples..w/ oj yes with coffe yes..never with apples as and add-in..



Taking an online class that I am learning a lot about mixed media from..I am so bad:( THis one turned out ok and I was excited..I made a tall Fancy Lassie..it's in the mail..it's not good:( The class has wonderful tips and the artist is amazing  Kate Thompson..my class is Fancy Lassies..  



My garden journal for this last week of October..the big thing is..

Garlic is planted..over 100 bulbs.


So you divide the big bulb..not grocery store garlic..and plant the cloves individually..pointy side up..like tulips..

I use my dibber..it was a gift years ago..and ever since I started w/ garlic I use it..I don't think I have followed the rules for my garlic..certainly not:)  But it works ..I eyeball the space between..what looks comfortable for them:)

Speaking of tulips I thought I was planting 50..they are annuals here..  at least 12 bulbs were rotten..dust..I mentioned it at Costco and she said bring the bag back full..lol..no.


Have a great weekend..week..~



62 comments:

  1. I know you're having so much fun re-living your beautiful trip while going through and sorting all these our pics. We are too!

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    1. Oh thanks Chris..yes..but sometimes I have to ask Jacques..where was that market again? LOL..there are some things I never forget..some things he never forgets..:) A good team.
      I have no sense of direction..geography..history..physics..chemistry etc..he does.;)

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  2. Oh the beauty of France. How fun to get out and amongst the locals. Southern France is gorgeous though we didn't stay long. Love the lady painting. I have bulbs to plant too. We had our first freeze last night and I might hire the cleanup this year, if they'll do it for cheap enough. Need to get more. Just love them in spring. Guess winter is on its way. I even turned on the heater last night.

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    Replies
    1. I really think I am now made to walk the streets of Provence:) When not home adoring my little family..football was today..me who only had girls have a penchant for little men:)
      HIRE the cleanup..my mom would tell you so:)You have enough on your plate..although sometimes I welcome the intense distraction.

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    2. I am sure going to try and I need that wonderful bulb planter. I only have a spade. I must remember gloves this year as I get blistered palms.

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    3. I wonder where you can get a dibber? I am going to look into them..it's not a tulip bulb planter I find..I like the bigger thing:)Who would have thought so many yrs ago when I received this as a gift that it would be THE garlic bulb digger?:)

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  3. This certainly was a trip to remember....beautiful doors....charming people....gardens....
    Your painting is wonderful...love how the water colours flow across the paper.
    I am home from the cottage...miserable day....beautiful yesterday!
    I must plant my garlic....pointy side up!
    Enjoy your weekend...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    Replies
    1. I wrote this garlic post for you:)

      Rain will begin soon here..we had a frigid early start to the morning at the football field but it warmed up..the sun shone most of the day..

      Cheers back:)

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  4. What an amazing place to visit..

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    1. Krishna..to us it is..feels like home..but old..old old and of course far more picturesque..in totally different ways.
      A comfort zone for us:)

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  5. So, you are supposed to dig up the bulbs that weren't dust to return to the store? I don't think so!

    I love seeing your Provence images and indeed, you should be paid by the Provence Travel Bureau for motivating us to want to visit this glorious part of the world. Every image is a gem and I know each one brings back so many memories. I'm especially fond of the blue that is used so often but that red door was handsome! And I loved the wine shop!

    Your art piece is lovely. And those bars look delicious. I have cookies cooling right now. It's a cold, gloomy day and baking is therapeutic! Almost time to frost!

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    Replies
    1. It is gloomy here now too..and actually nightfall already.
      You are so suited to St-Rémy it isn't even funny.
      The cyclists were everywhere:)

      And ..so were the artists and beauty lovers.

      Wine..my dear is plentiful..adorable and affordable.

      And so good.Just saying:)
      We are planning our next visit.

      Like the show..

      Ths Is Us..
      there.

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  6. I just have to tell you that your photo's are simply stunning. You should be a professional photographer - the are just beautiful and I loved everyone of them. All of your blogs about France are terrific. I feel that I went with you. I have always wanted to go, but I am afraid that I will not make it. So my dear thank you for the wonderful blogs.

    Hugs,
    Mary

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    Replies
    1. Mary I am happy to take you visually where we went..we're not museum seekers though so you might eventually get bored at the aspects we loved.
      Thanks for your nice coments.It makes postng hem so worthwhile.Thank you!
      And you never know the places you will go:):):)

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  7. Once again some lovely pictures of France and your memories of this holiday. So nice. I enjoyed every one. Love your art, and the course. I struggle with loose art. I am so much a dot the i's and cross the t's person, too pedantic. I need to learn to loosen up more! Those squares are calling my name. I adore date squares and the addition of apple is just enticing me! I hope you are having a lovely weekend and rest after planting all that garlic! Where do you buy your garlic to plant? Each year I say I am going to, but this year once again, I have not! My knees let me down. Love and hugs! xoxo

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    Replies
    1. I replant the garlic I grew..my garlic journey started in 2 ways..a friend from Ontario shared some with me..and I happend to visit a gralic farm..I put 2 and 2 together and tried a few..success..well you know what that did to me..more the next yr and more the next.the last 2 yrs I have planted 100 ap.It is easier than plating tulips as the holes are much smaller..and you are not thinking..oh will they look pretty here?lol
      Howevr once out..huge blanks in my gardens:( But it's my most exciting harvest:)
      I am a stiff painter too..so stiff!:(

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    2. Well I think you are a very beautiful painter, so talented and a fabulous gardener, cook, mom, wife, nan, etc! xo

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  8. Love ❤️❤️❤️ That watercolor!!
    The colors! Superb

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  9. LOADED with charm! I love the blue and red doors and shutters amidst all of the lovely tan stone facades. And the orange cars! I love orange ;) It must be like a wonderful dream to you now. You are so lucky to speak the language and feel so comfortable with people you meet. They sound so friendly in Provence! I'm drooling at those date bars :) Never would have thought to add apples either. They look so good! I just planted my garlic this past week - only 38 though :) I almost thought I wouldn't get it done this year but went to the Farmers' Market and bought a variety of locally grown garlic from a man who supplies garlic to many fine restaurants here. Got them in the same day - thankfully. J'adore your Fancy Lassie ♥

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    1. You are turning into a garlic grower par excellence!! 38..you will have tons..wait and see..addictive isn't it?
      In the larger towns..like St-Rémy..Aix..you would not have a problem..so touristy most shops and restos that we went to..spoke English:)
      That FL is the only one that worked so far..I tried smaller..the face just doesn't work..
      oh well!
      Have a great Sunday pouring rain here.

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  10. I so enjoyed this post with my morning tea and toast. Makes me want to go! Love the espadrilles.💕

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    1. :) Me too I love espadrilles:) Enjoy your Texas day..I presume that's where you are now:)

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  11. When we were in NYC last weekend, I was speaking with an employee at MacKenzie-Childs and she told that Paris is her favorite city in the world. Although NYC is her favorite city because she lives there. She has been to Paris at least twenty times, and brings friends there and is their tour guide. I told her that Joe and I want to go with her. LOL

    Love the orange car! Joe planted his garlic yesterday. It's his baby :-)

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    1. Go with her.:)

      It would be so much fun:)

      We're country folk..so where we were is more us..but Joe a native of NYC..will love Paris and so will you...
      I love how garlic is Joe's fave planting..:)

      Fingers crossed for all of us to have great harvests..it's so darn good and pungent fresh garlic.

      Bon Dimanche Debbie et Joe:)

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  12. Monique your photos are lovely. France is such a fun place to visit, although we did not go to Provence. It shall be on my list. The garlic looks wonderful. I might have to try some. Enjoy your online art class. You are already fabulous!

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    1. You're too nice Linda! It's raining here..going to give my garlic a head start..what a ball you girls had:)

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  13. Dearest Nana, I just adore your tips about Provence. As a matter of fact I thought I could say I Knew it but ... I don't. I know fairly well Nice, Cannes, Monaco, St. Tropez and that's all.
    Next time we'll stay at St. Remy and make road trips from there as you did and suggested.
    I've been readind Isa blog and, this weekend I baked her apple and almond cake which came to be delicious.
    I would love to have a small garden to grow my own garlics as you do, but I don't. So I' obliged to buy them every single week.
    Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog.
    I wish you a happy week.
    Lots of hugs

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    1. I think you would enjoy that Nina..Aix..too..a bit farther but very nice..we found an apartment close to the bus..it was clean and in a good neighbourhood:)

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  14. In my sketch group we are not allowed to say that we are bad or our work is bad. *smile* The painting is delicate and lovely. The others are not bad, I say, even if they are not your favorites and just part of your journey and practice. (But I know what you mean.) Thanks for sharing Provence. I made the mistake, I've already shared, of staying in St. Remy and not renting a car. That blue, cornflower blue?, wonderful. I hope to go back one more time.

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    1. I was excited at how this Lassie turned out..I have tried smaller on watercolor paper and really..don't listen..bad;)
      This one is done in a hnadbook you recommended..not true watercolor paper.I love the handbook:)
      I am sure it was you:)

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  15. Your pictures are a delight, Monica, they made me smile. I pray I get to Europe one of these days, I can't get out of Illinois as of late!!!

    Keep up the good work with your art. It's a wild world out there with so many types of media we can pursue. I beat my head against a wall with watercolor and oils when I was younger-I couldn't manage so I thought I was a failure. Mixed media with paper and bits and pieces, I get lost in it.

    Thank you for stopping at my blog today, you are a breath of fresh air. :)

    Jane x

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    1. You are! So honest and down to earth..
      I can relate to a lot of what you write Jane..:)

      Have a good week..better than last:)May they just get better and better.

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  16. I don't know where to begin - such a wonderful post of gorgeous photos! You make me want to go to France :) Love date bars - so smart to use apples!

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    1. Isa has great recipes..she has a new book coming out..all about cookies..you may remember some of her other boks I reviewed..

      aplles were lovely in it.
      I know you love to travel..

      hope I am not boring you..not even half way through..oh lala..I should leave camera at home;)

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  17. Monique, I've just finished catching up with your latest posts about Provence. You have such a magic way of presenting everything through an artist's eyes. I'm siting here feeling enchanted. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and captivating words.
    Sam

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    1. It's been just sheer luck.. or not..
      Sam..Provence..has it's spell upon us:)

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  18. I forgot to say I love your new header. It fits you and your blog in such a beautiful way.
    Sam

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  19. I just came across your blog and love it, especially the beautiful photos. I love traveling in France and seeing this makes me want to go back.

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    1. Thanks Gerlinde..I love the South of France too..have a few more posts..next time I may leave my camera behind..as I took toomany photos because everything is just so full of charm:)

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  20. Vraiment de belles photos et cela m'inspire à faire les carrés aux dates/pommes d'Isa.

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  21. More stunning photos. I love the use of blue in shutters and gates, it goes beautifully with the clear sky.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. The blues..the ochres..the stone..so characteristic of the South!It is all a magic Kingdom!

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  22. Soooooo very beautiful. Thank you and have a happy happy day!
    Elisabeth

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  23. A trip I will never make. I am happy to enjoy yours.
    "charming little foot pleasers" : made me laugh - such a you thing to say.

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    1. Lol glad I make you laugh ..wait till you get my card😂Next year will be better!

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  24. So nice to travel with you this morning over coffee! Such beautiful photos. And, delicious looking date and apple creation! Yum. I've planted pansies and ornamental kale this week... alas, the bunnies have eaten ALL the kale! Hubby says I was the only one who saw them as "ornamental". Ha! Have a wonderful week, Monique. blessings ~ tanna

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    1. Bunnies and squirrels find our ornamentals..quite edible:(
      Lovely to see you posting again!

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  25. Love your espradilles! Your trip is everything that we loved about Provence. We stayed in Isle Sur la Sorgue and daytripped to St. Remy, Gordes, Rosillion, etc. Had a convertible, which David loved. Next trip will be back to Provence. Your photos are so artistic, just like you Monique.

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    1. Thanks Penny!

      I think Provence is artistic in it's own right♥
      Penny..Jeanie recommended a book to me..

      you would enjoy it as I am loving it already..
      Lisette's List♥

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  26. So beautiful Monique... I am a little behind on your adventure! Yum...date squares... I have not had those in a long time! :) xo

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  27. I know you're having so much fun re-living your beautiful trip while going through and sorting all these our pics. We are too!

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    We stayed in Isle Sur la Sorgue and daytripped to St. Remy, Gordes, Rosillion, etc. Had a convertible, which David loved. Next trip will be back to Provence.

    ReplyDelete
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