a Curious Canadian in Provence
La Barlie de Robert
At this time of year in Provence, along the roadsides and dotting abandoned orchards, are wild orchids. The last thing I expected whilst foraging in early spring was to find myself hopping and gyrating in an effort not to trod on the abundance of flowers sprouting above the grass. Last year, after witnessing the relay of different varieties turn up in between the weeds; I can say that wild orchids are quite common in Provence.
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So I’m perhaps little nuts but at this time of year I love to sit in the evening with a glass of wine, talk to my man and shell fresh peas. Those plump lovelies are so delicious it’s worth the effort, and relaxing too.
Right now in the Luberon it’s all about the cherry blossoms. There are many weekend vide greniers and lots of fresh foraged asparagus, arugula/rocket, thyme and more to be had in the hillsides.
Yesterday, we spent 3 hours at the notary as we’re buying a house. It’s a complete ruin and very old so all the boundary lines are tricky. There’s even a secret passage! Things won’t really move ahead for another couple months (it’s France) but exciting nonetheless!
Foraged finds from a recent rather long walk. Roquette (arugula), flowering rosemary, wild asparagus, aneth, and flowering thyme.
So I’m perhaps little nuts but at this time of year I love to sit in the evening with a glass of wine, talk to my man and shell fresh peas. Those plump lovelies are so delicious it’s worth the effort, and relaxing too. I know I’d probably say something different if I had a couple kids running around but for now- all is peaceful chez moi.
Another luxury of time created the monster that is me going for a walk at this time of year. A 30 minute adventure turns into 2 hours of hunting beneath olive trees and on craggy cliffs. All for the satisfaction of returning home with a bunch of wild asparagus. Once you train your eye to see them- you’ll never be at peace going for a walk in April again! (in Provence anyways).
For the next two months things are going to get a little arty around here. I’ve been offered a corner of the studio at the NG Artist Residency in Eygalières. I picked up a paint brush for the first time in years yesterday. Watch out for developments on social media… (if the results are worth sharing!)
And without further ado, here are my selection of April events in Provence. Enjoy the spring veggies. Perhaps I’ll see you at the market…
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Spring is Upon us! Or, at least, it is here. I remember growing up in Montréal when you could smell the spring mud and ice thawing, there would always be one last snow generally right before my birthday on April 26th. Urgh. For all of you in colder climes, you’re almost there!
Here is my list of things I deem interesting going on in Provence this month. Enjoy and let me know if you attend any of the events and what you thought! Feel free to add any other suggestions in the comments.
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wild onions that were growing in front of my neighbour’s house…I don’t think they minded that I ate them!
Things are starting to feel decidedly Springy here in Provence. There are orchids in the grass, the almond blossom has just dropped in time for the pear trees to start budding. We’ve had, as seemingly everywhere, a mild winter. We haven’t had anywhere near as much Mistral wind (though I have moved to a village that is thankfully much less windy than where I was before (close to the Rhône river).
If you’re curious about our house renovation, I’ll be posting a lot more during the upcoming weeks. Sadly, in February, my computer died and I had not backed up as much as I would have liked. It was a bit hectic! Anyways, we’re half way through the renovation and our house is finally starting to resemble something. We’ve hired a couple masons to help us in the next two weeks so that should be interesting! Stay tuned!
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