Day Trip in Provence to Gorges du Verdon

On one of our days in Provence, we decided to drive from Avignon to Castellan.  My husband wanted to flyfish in the Verdon River before we left.  The drive proved to be a quite delightful 4 hour trip.

 Through the area where lots of lavender grows- not quite blooming yet, but the poppies were magnificent!

rows of lavender getting ready to bloom in the next 3 or 4 weeks!

 

 The rose bushes in every little town were big and lush.

 

 Valensole in Provence

 

Stopped for breakfast in this quaint town and saw this unbelievable chateau-------

 The grounds were impeccably manicured.

 

 

                                            On my bucket list to stay there sometime!

 Driving by St. Croix du Verdon

Finally we reach the Gorges du Verdon and it was truly one of the prettiest places on earth.

As we round the corner of this narrow windy road, we see sheep in the middle of the road.
Next a black sheep dog runs into the middle of the road, barks continuously and goes in circles, until he is sure all the traffic has come to a complete stop.  Then he turns his head and looks up the hill and gives 3 more barks and all of a sudden, a large herd of sheep start down the mountain , cross the road and go down the other side of the hill.

That was one really large herd of sheep! 

Loved watching them - I don't see that very often in the states!

 

We continue along this river and enjoy it's rustic beauty, stopping at several places.

 

We finally arrive at Castellane, where my husband can finally find a shop to purchase a French fishing license.

He is really itching to get in this gorgeous river.

This area is also known for rock climbing.

 Another field of sheep grazing on the way to our fishing spot.

 Finally, Jay is in the water, trying to catch the perfect fish.  While he fishes,  I am sitting in the car reading French home magazines ( I should preface  that by saying, I am looking at the pictures , can't read a lick of French), when I look out the windshield and see another-

 yes another--

 huge herd of sheep coming towards the car. So of course, I grab my camera!

By this time , they have surrounded the big fat BMW, and I am in heaven with my camera!

 Finally the end of the herd, followed by 2 sheep dogs and the shepherd himself! 

 

 Isn't this picture great?????

 

 

They head across the old wooden bridge and up the hill.

 How wonderful was that??????

With just a little time in Provence- simple things seem so special.

Heading back to Avignon, passing through all the tree lined streets heading in and out of the villages.

St. Remy, Provence, France

St Remy in Provence was an enchanting village. 

 Full of streets of houses of old stone and worn shutters, it was so quaint!

 

 

Even the dog grooming signs were chic!

Tree lined streets were full of great shops.

But it was the artisanal food products in St. Remy that I will never forget! First stop was the chocolate shop - Joel Durand.  My friend Jill had told me not to miss it- so when we arrived we quickly spotted in near the center of town.

 

They were in the process of making rose flavored chocolates.

Joel Durand store window.

 He is famous for his Chocolate alphabet.  Each chocolate is inscribed with a different letter - each one is a different flavor.  I really enjoyed his herb chocolates of thyme and lavender.

Next door to his shop was a confectionery called Le Petit Due.  I could not resist the sugared mint, rose, and violet flowers.

Across the street from these shops was a large house that was home to an amazing store full of culinary delights!

 

 

First of all the décor in this store was amazing- a true visual treat for the eyes.

 

 Love the white lacquered arm chair with the orange fabric.

                                          Love the way they updated this old crystal chandelier!

 Bannister detail going up the staircase.

 

A painted canvas that was lit from behind with a simple light bulb. Clever!

 

 Tasted these pulp infused vinegars- divine! Especially the tomato basil one! 

 Pretty candied fruit- wonderful with hard sharp cheeses.

 

Got a few of these home without breaking them!

 

The town was full of adorable restaurants-

 

 This one was stunning!

 

Great place to stay!

 

 

This one really looks like Provence!

 

 

But we decided to eat here based on the recommendation of one of the shop owners.

 

As you sit down, you are immediately given this little crock of olive tapenade.

 

                                                Beef Carpaccio - so gorgeous and so good!

 Roast pork over this yummy potato and broth combination

 

 

 

Too many choices - 

But ultimately I settled on the Rum Baba!  This was the prettiest presentation on Rum Baba on the trip so far.  A yummy pastry filled with whipped cream in the canning jar and a sherry glass filled with rum to pour over the desired amount!  It was wonderful!

                                              I loved the gooseberry on the lid as a garnish.

 

 

It seemed so strange to sit and have such a large meal and drink wine in the middle of the day. But after all, all the shops closed from 12 to 2:30.  So what's a girl do while she waits for them to re-open??  Enjoy a 2 hour lunch in a courtyard in Provence of course!