A Sunny Lunch at Le Plongeoir, Nice

We flew into Nice, France, and stayed a few days. Recent articles on Nice had mentioned that Nice was experiencing a renaissance since covid. It has been about 15 years since we were here last, and the time was right for another visit. We stayed in Vieux Nice, home for 20,000 people, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We ate well, strolled the famed Promenade des Anglais along the water, and took in the Monday brocante (flea) market.

A few days later we drove and stayed at the picturesque port and small town of Cassis, along the Côte d’Azur. Enough time for an evening dinner along the port, and to take in the Wednesday market there. A quick stop at Domaine du Paternel for wine tasting. This area is known for gorgeous white wines.

Above Cassis is the start of the Route des Crètes, one of the most scenic routes along the highest cliffs in France which allows to you view the coastline and out to the Mediterranean sea. Breathtaking!

Picturesque Cassis Port

Market Day at Place Richelme in Aix-en-Provence

On to Aix-en-Provence for a day and night. A vibrant university town with magnificent architecture and a grand wide boulevard called Cours Mirabeau. We had one of our most memorable and delicious lunches at Les Vielles Canailles at this tiny little restaurant, know for the talented chef and extensive wine list.

Hiking at the Gardon du Gorges, A UNESCO Biosphere

After almost a week in France, we rolled into our village around Uzès. So happy to be here again, to further explore our area, work on our little mas, and search for decorating treasures from brocantes and flea markets.

It is not all work, we have taken time out for market days, long lunches, and one day we hiked part of the Gardon du Gorges. It is an incredible gorge carved over time by the Gardon River. Steep cliffs, rushing river water, and natural landscape have earned this protected pristine gorge a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere site.

My New Wall Sconce, Upper Left, for the Living Room

Sharing with you the vintage sconce I found for our salon, living room, stone wall. Small, delicate, a perfect size. It is French, and pre-World War II. It cleaned up beautifully, and adds a touch of elegance to our rustic room.

Our Neighbor’s Beautiful Stone House

It is beautiful here in the autumn. My neighbor’s vine-covered stone house is a site to relish in the fall.

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend from France…Bonnie

Lunch time in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue With New Friend

Outdoor cafes and restaurants are virtually a way of life and extremely important for socializing with friends and beasts. Some friends are invited and some just make their way to your table. You hardly can go wrong, taking in a moment to yourself, a refreshment, a possible bite to eat, and a chance to catch up with your day.

Cafe Time in Aix-en-Provence

Take a beautiful outdoor cafe, mix in a bit of sunshine and fresh air, add a steaming cup of espresso, and viola, your day is made.

One of the most beautiful and impressive places to sit in a cafe and experience the "cafe life" is on Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence. It is often called the Avenue des Champs-Elysees of the south. This grand boulevard with its massive plane trees and ancient moss-covered trickling fountains was first laid out in 1651. Nearly 400 years later, it still is a wonderful boulevard to sit at an outdoor cafe, and just experience life. I suggest the famous cafe, Le Deux Garcons towards the top of the grand boulevard.

Lunch time in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue With New Friend

Outdoor cafes and restaurants are virtually a way of life and extremely important for socializing with friends and beasts. Some friends are invited and some just make their way to your table. You hardly can go wrong, taking in a moment to yourself, a refreshment, a possible bite to eat, and a chance to catch up with your day.

Cafe Time in Aix-en-Provence

Take a beautiful outdoor cafe, mix in a bit of sunshine and fresh air, add a steaming cup of espresso, and viola, your day is made.

One of the most beautiful and impressive places to sit in a cafe and experience the "cafe life" is on Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence. It is often called the Avenue des Champs-Elysees of the south. This grand boulevard with its massive plane trees and ancient moss-covered trickling fountains was first laid out in 1651. Nearly 400 years later, it still is a wonderful boulevard to sit at an outdoor cafe, and just experience life. I suggest the famous cafe, Le Deux Garcons towards the top of the grand boulevard.