I'm really hoping that there are at least one or two of you
who've texted your girlfriends and exclaimed "We're going to Provence!"
So, this is what you must to do on Sunday in Provence.
Hop on a train and visit the L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Market.
Its just a short journey from Avignon and a perfect way to spend the day.
Each Sunday the town is taken over by the largest outdoor market in the Luberon area of Provence.
The backdrop of the Sorgue River and several moss covered waterwheels,
amidst a massive food, antique and flea market.
Not to mention cafes, shops and restaurants. It's all of Provence laid out before you.
Food, wine, bread, olive oil, antiques, cheese, textiles, architecture. Seriously wonderful.
Even a bit of rain couldn't put a damper on this day, although there was one slight altercation.
I mentioned that we walked out of one French restaurant in Avignon.
In Sorgue, we were actually asked to leave a restaurant!
It was time for lunch so we found a restaurant, sat down, ordered wine (priorities)
and began perusing the menu. About the time the waitress slammed the closed bottle
down onto the table and walked away, we started to question our choice.
We opened the wine and poured (again, priorities),
only to realize that the menu wasn't going to work for a variety of reasons.
We eventually got the attention of the waitress to let her know
that we weren't going to be eating after all. Major faux pas.
We weren't welcome unless we were going to eat.
Sharing a plate of fries between us was also not an option.
We asked if we could at least finish our wine before leaving which led to a visit
from the big burly chef who encouraged our immediate departure.
We all stood up and grabbed our glasses.
You've never seen four women chug down a bottle of wine so fast.
This was followed by 45 minutes of giggling (remember, we hadn't eaten yet)
as we searched for another dining option.
Can't take these girls anywhere. Trouble in Provence.
Thankfully, Gina is fluent in French or there is no telling how it would have played out.
It actually turned out for the best, because we ended up sitting outside and having the
most wonderful crepes for about half the price.
Not to mention a titch more wine. This time enjoyed at a much more leisurely pace.
And sitting down.
I realize that this post has a ridiculous number of photos,
but seriously, Provence is just gorgeous. I can't help myself.
Throughout our day at the market, we each purchased a bit of food.
Cheese, baguettes, fruit, meats, spreads, sweets and wine.
We ended our day with a massive feast under the stars back at our B&B.
Perfection.
So, there's your Sunday in Provence sorted.
Have you been kicked out of a restaurant before?
