August 2009 - the summer heat continues - the last significant rain was on June 6th and 8th. Since then the temperature has been a steady 30 degrees but this week we are on yellow heat alert.
The is from todays Meteo France.
'Episode of extreme heat on the Vaucluse until Thursday 20 August. The minimum temperatures are typically 21 deg to 24 deg overnight. The maximum temperatures, sometimes close to the daily records are between 37 and 39 degree. Other departments are also affected by these high temperatures. Thus, Provence Alpes, Hérault and Gard have been placed under vigilance yellow.


It creates perfect conditions for growing the fruit and vines which are flourishing in the sunshine.
2009 could be a great year for wine.

It is a national pastime in France to avoid things that are correct! Paying tax is one, and paying a speeding fine is another. There are very few speed cameras in the area and no sooner than it is cleaned it is painted out again! La Provence, the newspaper even publishes where the Gendarmes are going to do road side speed checks so you can avoid them! So French and so wonderful!

For our Eighth wedding anniversary we spent the night at a friends chambre d'hote near Ilse sur La Sorgue.




The chef, James was trained by Martin Blunos and Raymond Blanc, both Michelin starred. Karen spent a couple of hours in the kitchen gaining a few ideas for our suppers!



The food was exquisite, starting with a pea veloute with a coconut froth, a fresh tomato confit followed.

Then a fillet of sea Bass on scallops with a Julienne of vegetables and butter sauce - Superb!




Naturally cheese followed and then a wonderful summer fruit sabayon with huge Blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Washed down with a bottle of white and red Cote du Rhone we were quite contented!

August is drifting past in true Provencal style. Hot days, warm nights, good food and wine and great company! Reflecting on the past 3 months, our first in business, we have been so lucky to have such nice guests reassuring us that our formula will work. Last weekend we shared dinner with our gite guests on our terrace, John & Lindsay from Berkshire and Thierry & Christine from just outside Paris.



Tomorrow is our 8th wedding anniversary so we are spending the afternoon and evening at a friends chambre d'hote nearby.

The past weekend saw the 'Fete Votive' in the village. Three nights of entertaintment starting at 10pm until 2am.


Friday saw 'DJ Dave' I did not get the call? Saturday was a live band - and they were certainly lively!


There is always a great turn out - lots of dancing, chatting, no trouble, not even a policeman in sight.

Our on going tourist research took us to the Fort at Buoux, famous for rock climbing and right in the heart of the Luberon Mountains, between the North and south side.



Dating back over 600 years the Fort is preserved, peaceful and fascinating. It has has incredible 360 degree views to the Southern Alps, Mont Ventoux & the Grand Luberon.



The steps down are challenging even to the fittest! but there is an easier way if you prefer!


We took lunch at La terrasse in Bonnieux which has stunning views over the valley.