Les Quatre Saisons

#Provence#LeCastellet#LesQuatreSaisons

Our first few days in France were spent in Provence at a most wonderful place full of charm and character.

Located in the countryside amongst pine trees and vineyards you will find "Les Quatre Saisons" near the medieval village of Le Castellet.

As we drove up the long laneway and approached the gates, we knew we were in for a pleasant experience.

The gardens were lush and fully in flower ... a Mediterrarean floral splendour!

The guest rooms surround the pool area ...

"Vignes Gourmandes" our room decorated with impeccable taste...

 

The owners Patrice and Didier have been welcoming guests to their beautiful home for a few years now.

Every morning a delicious petit déjeuner is served, and if you advise them at what time you will be eating ...

It magically is ready at the appointed hour.

As the weather was very pleasant, our breakfast was served on the terrace outside our room and every morning when I opened the curtains to the French Doors ... 

The table was set and an assortment of delectable goodies was provided.

A wonderful start to the day...

In the evenings you may dine in the owners' home (with a reservation).

As the 1950 song by Eileen Barton goes ... "If I knew you were coming I would have baked you a cake".

It is always nice to know if you will have company for dinner.

The west facing dining room overlooks the gardens and down into the vine filled valley.

Patrice was a restauranteur / chef in Paris, here he shares his passion of cooking by creating wonderfully sumptuous dinners.

We chose to eat here in the evenings and not once were we disappointed.

The atmosphere was relaxed with soft background music.

The menu is always a surprise made from fresh products daily ... 

Our first night we chose the three courses offered ...

An aperitif ... Ricard for Msr. Honey and I enjoyed a peach wine and some delicious tapas.

Starter   ... A salmon/crab/mango tartare

Main      ... Slow braised beef in a flavourful red wine sauce and potato gratin

Dessert ... Apricot tart 

Before the dessert course we received an icy alcohol infused sorbet ... each night a different flavour!

                              

                

On our second evening ... the theme night as our grandsons would call it ... "Fish night" absolutely delicious!

    

A small fish, filleted filled with fresh spring vegetables ... the sweetest peas and young green beans!

Monsieur Honey loved all of the meals; he especially enjoyed our last evening's main course ...

and asked Patrice for some secrets of the recipe ... so if you are coming for a visit and dinner to our home this may be on the menu! 

It was delicious just like all the dishes served.

Needless to say ... this was an absolute exceptional experience!

Merci beaucoup Patrice and Didier and we hope to some day return to your beautiful home.

Website: www.lesquatresaisons.org

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.