Hello Provence

Driving from country to country and city to city really gives you a perspective on how people live in the area.  We got up early and drove to Provence from the South of France.  A very different vibe and community.  We got up early to make the Forcalquier Market.  There are daily markets all through Provence and this one happens to only be on Mondays from 830-1pm.  It literally takes over the entire town.  It is a big event.

We got a parking spot and make our way into town.  This particular marketplace supposedly is long on linens which I did see but did not pick up any.  Not sure it is my “look” but they are beautiful.  Here is the onion cart.

Figs

Meat man.  I have always loved how the trucks are so compact and they just open up and there you have a butcher shop.

Herbs

Chevre.  That is all she sells and makes.  I bought a piece.  It is really difficult to go through these markets and not just buy everything I see.

Honey.

Olives.  They are abundant through this market including lots of tapenades.

Big sun dried tomatoes.

Sausages galore.

The chicken truck.  I want one of those trucks!

Baskets.

We walked up into the higher roads of the town and sat down for a glass of rose and a salad to split.  Such a nice place, L’Aigo Blanco.  The kitchen was across the street in another building.  We were in a small square.  I mean small.  The other building was about 4 steps from where we were sitting across the street.  This was a perfect lunch.  Chevre, Jambon and Greens.

I returned to this store after lunch.  I had walked in earlier.  I bought some olive oil bowls, a huge cooking piece, napkins, spoon holders etc.  Very very Provence.

Then we went to the hotel, La Couvent Des Minimes.  It is absolutely adorable.  I love the lobby.  It is also the first official spa of L’Occtaine.  I plan on taking full advantage of that this afternoon.  Driving so defensively is starting to create some tension in my upper back.

Very psyched for dinner tonight.  New region, different type of cooking!