a Curious Canadian in Provence : photography, art & renovation!
View of Marseille’s port from Saint Victor.
I have always heard great things about Moroccan hospitality. However, I was still surprised when Asma, French Moroccan blogger of Culture Cherifienne, invited me to her home in Marseille for a weekend. We had never met but soon become acquainted through a common excitement for both food and culture. Before I knew it, I was sent a gastronomic and cultural itinerary for our gourmet weekend in Marseille.
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During our recent stay at Mas d’Augustine in Languedoc-Roussillon, we took a quick drive to check out the nearby village of Saint Quentin la Poterie. Saint-Quentin has had a history of pottery making for centuries. Kilns (where the clay is baked) date back to the 13th century here. Today, it’s full of ceramic artist workshops. As I have a strong interest in pottery- I was able to drag Robin away from the pool for a couple hours to check it out.
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As a treat for Robin’s birthday, and the ongoing thanks he deserves for our renovation, we stayed for 2 nights at a charming boutique B&B, Mas d’Augustine, near to Uzès in Languedoc-Roussillon. Mas d’Augustine is a former silk farm. It was built in the late 18th century. Before owners, Jane and Gary bought the property in 2010, a lady named Augustine lived in this farmhouse for 98 years.; it seemed only right to name the property after her.
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For my birthday last year, Robin and I headed off for an indulgent long weekend at the Gorges du Verdon. When in Europe eh? We had already been to the Southern parts of the Gorges du Verdon where you’ll find many turquoise lakes. (As I’m basically part-fish this resulted in me swimming in the gorgeous clear water in my undies as my British man looked on embarrassed).
The best part of living in France, other than the Provencal markets, is the fact that you can get in the car and be in a completely different landscape in a small amount of time. We have spent countless days just driving around the French countryside admiring neglected farmhouses and roadside produce stands. I had always wanted to see the Gorges du Verdon; we decided that Spring would be the best time to visit as it can be a very popular destination in the summer. Here is the itinerary for our Spring weekend in the Gorges du Verdon.
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The Vineyards of Tavel
Last week we had to drive to the Ardéche to buy our stone sink for the kitchen. On the way back, Robin thought it would be a good idea to take the scenic route through the Gard. We didn’t realise just how scenic the route would be, or that we would find ourselves wine tasting.
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Robin and I have been living in Provence for 2 years and can you believe it- we’ve never visited Marseille except for getting lost in the city on our way to the Calanques which was slightly traumatic in our overheated Austin Mini.
There is no doubt that Marseille has a bad reputation. Just the other night we were watching a French TV documentary on the “quartiers nord” drug violence. Many people have recounted horror stories of their experience in the city but just as many other people have told us that there is nothing to worry about. We wanted to find out for ourselves.
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