Monday, August 15, 2011

Time with friends

It is often said when you move abroad that you will never be short of friends!
Well I think that is assuming you move to a sunny and warm climate!
Pictured here is Ian & Sheena, I met Ian in 1983 whilst working in Estate agency and Steve & Debbie, I met Steve in 1977 as his grandparents lived close to me in Surrey (he is Canadian and lives just outside Toronto).
It is always enjoyable to have friends staying, an opportunity to take time out and go and visit all those fabulous places that the region is renowned for.
As ever, one has to start with the important bits - a restaurant for lunch! sadly closed on the day we were in Saignon but we are told well worth a visit! 
And so instead we headed up to the rocher at the height of the village where the views are spectacular (as are the health and safety rules - be careful!)
360 degree views from the top!
And so after this, we moved on to something very close to my heart and typical of the region- wine !
A degustation at a chateau is essential. And where better than Chateau Canorgue, just outside Bonnieux .
We were lucky enough to meet with the owners daughter Natalie Margan who provided a generous tasting and useful commentary on their Bio wines.

The chateau is also known for being used in Peter Mayle's film 'a Good Year' directed by Ridley Scott, both of whom have houses in the area.
 It starred Russell Crowe
The old bassin makes a fabulous photo with the church in the back ground.

But I have to say, everyone's favourite village is Saint Saturnin Les Apt.
The church spire,village house roof tops and chateau make a fabulous picture.

As does the Moulin.


And if that does not satisfy Karen is still on show outside the hairdressers!


This must be one of the most photographed houses in the village!

Another popular town to visit is L'Isle Sur La Sorgue - or the Little Venice of Provence.
It has numerous antique shops, a market on Sunday and several great restaurants and bars.

more silver than you can shake a baguette at!
And some interesting objet d'art!



And finally after all this excitement we went star gazing in Saint Michel L'Observatoir
where we had great views of the southern Alps and we were less than an hour from home!
These rather curious buildings were perfect for star gazing.

August 9th to 18th is the optimum time for shooting stars.
All in all a fabulous week in provence!











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