Le Beausset

#LeBeausset#LesQuatreSaisons#Provence

It is our last full day (Thursday)  in this most beautiful region of France.

First order of the day was to retrieve the laundry.

The clothes came back fresh and clean, meticulously folded and packaged. 

I am thinking I am liking this kind of laundry service.

The Provençal village of Le Beausset was busy Friday morning with the centre closed to traffic due to it's weekly market.

Streets and cafés were busy with shoppers both locals and tourists.

Normally market shopping would excite us, however right now we are not self catering... so all we can do is checkout all the fresh breads, cheeses, fish, fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices in anticipation of playing house using our kitchen in Uzes next week.

As we strolled around we were tantalized by the many aromas, fragrances and vivid colours of Market day.

 

We even found a "Chemin" to walk, although walking with Monsieur Honey was not quite the same as my "promenades" in the French countryside with Mademe M or my walks with Susie Q. in the Canadian enchanted forests.

Don't worry Monsieur Honey totally understands ...  

A lazy afternoon poolside at Les Quatre Saisons was enjoyed, followed by another delicious gourmet dinner prepared by our host.

Regatta in Bandol

When I opened the curtains covering the French doors to our terrace this morning I was surprised to see the table set and ready for Monsieur Honey and I to enjoy our first "petit dejeuner" at Les Quatres Saisons.

Now today is Thursday and way past the requisite Tuesday "laundry" day, so we asked our host to direct us to the nearest "laverie".

 

With verbal directions we headed to the nearby village of Le Beausset in search of a laundromat ... no self serve found!

We left our bags of dirty clothes at a pressing to be washed, folded and picked up tomorrow.

Then we were set to head off to the seaside town of Bandol.

I had no idea what to expect in Bandol, all I knew was that it was situated right on the Mediterranean and read that it was a popular coastal town in a region that produces great tasting wines.

We walked into the centre ville heading to the Quay along the coastline. 

It was a sight to behold...

And today it looked like there was a regatta underway ... Sailboats heading out of the marina in to the harbour, lining up for their starting place.

Tonight at dinner, Monsieur Honey said that he really enjoyed Bandol and maybe we should consider this location for a long stay! 

   And they are off!

Le Castellet

Today we are headed to our next destination Le Castellet, here Monsieur Honey hopes to enjoy the Provençal sunshine poolside and read his novel.

I hope to be able to put on my walking boots to wander through the countryside, vineyards and  nearby villages ... of course with my camera in hand!

... Fast forward to our arrival time near the village ...

We are driving on the Autoroute waiting for our approaching exit and I can see a village high above ... look way up!  

Remember, I am not fond of heights.

Monsieur Honey fooled me with promises of a luxurious stay at sea level, when in fact our Citroën had to climb a twisting and winding narrow road (up, up and up some more) and then we had to climb like billy goats further by foot from the parking lot.

This feudal, medieval village is perched upon it's promontory ... Providing long views over the the villages and vineyards below.

The cobble stoned narrow streets and alleys were lined with unique boutiques, shops and cafés.

After our stroll, we enjoyed an alfresco lunch at a "buzzing" Café in the square.

We reacquainted ourselves with the flavours and tastes of Provençal cooking ... so delicious!

A salad niçoise for Monsieur, à tartine royale for Madame and only a small glass of rosé ... as we had to drive back down to the bottom to find our place of lodging for the next three days. 

                

We finally found our way .... Welcome to Les Quatres Saisons!

P.s. I am having some technical difficulties with my font, hope to have corrected soon.

Sojourn to Seté

#TossadeMar#Sete#lepetitbistro#Risotto

Tuesday morning we said "Adios " to Tossa de Mar starting our travels north out of Spain into the south of France.

A window to the Mediterranean ...

A last view of the old castle ...

We had pre planned our stays for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday ...(more about that in the following posts) but only decided the previous evening to have a one night stop in Seté.

And it was Tuesday after all ... Monsieur Honey's line ... "It is laundry day!"

Checked in to our Hotel for the night and enjoyed a cool beverage on the terrace... Then wandered done by the water, discovered the laundromat and decided to do the wash before heading out of Seté in the morning.

We asked the barman for a restaurant recommendation and we were told to go to " Le Petit Bistro"... Ah yes we walked by it's closed doors. 

After some inquiring we learnt that it opened at 7PM, and we were advised to make a reservation by the hotel receptionist.

"Really, do we need one?" We both asked in disbelief.

"Oh, mais oui, Monsieur!" ... a table for two for 7:30PM was reserved.

At the appointed time, dressed for dinner we sauntered down the street ... Only to find an empty restaurant with the owner/ chef and waitress eating their meals. 

We were told to take a table and soon they would be with us.

Patiently we sat and wondered if we were the only ones for the night ... by eight thirty every table in the house was occupied.

As it was so busy ... we only took one photo so as not to disturb the other clientele.

The food was delicious and beautifully presented...

Here is Monsieur Honey's choosen dish ...

A creamy risotto with mushrooms, shrimp, green asparagus tips ... the shrimp were more the size of baby lobsters.

When it was served we both looked into each other's eyes and Monsieur became Grandpa for moment saying ... I know what our Mason would say ........."It's Bug Night, Grandma!"

The boys like to give their evening meals a themed name ... i.e. If we are having ham, it's "Ham Night".

Next morning after our petit déjeuner, we were off to the laundromat only to find the machines out of order ...

Welcome to France!