An "Orange" Day!

Some like it hot! How hot is a personal preference.

In my younger years the heat was not a problem for me!

I enjoy sunny and moderate temperatures, however if it is going to be like the "hazy, hot and humid days of summer" ... please add a Mediterranean sea breeze!

And hot it is in Provence right now, we are in the midst of a heat wave, the temperatures in our part of France have been between 33 degrees Celsius in the shade and as high as 38 degrees Celsius in the sun.

So you can choose to hibernate inside trying to stay cool or plan your adventures for the cooler times of the day before midday.

As we only have a few days left, Friday we opted to visit "Orange" a commune/ town in the Vaucluse located 21 kilometers north of Avignon and renowned for its' Roman Architecture.

Orange was founded in 35 B.C. and in 1981 it's Roman Theatre and Arc de Triumph were listed as Unesco World Heritage Sites.

Our visit to Orange reminded me why I started a blog. It is like my personal diary, my memory bank. 

We've been to Orange once before but now I don't remember when ... I remember the how we got there and where we came from, ...  but don't ask me what year? 

It was awhile ago!

We were staying in Avignon and decided that we would take the train the next morning to visit Orange.

I know it was a Thursday because it was "market day".

When we woke up we could hear all kinds of noise outside of our hotel window  (sirens, drums, someone making loud announcements on a loud speaker, etc.) this actually was what woke us up ... there was a train strike! 

After checking out what was happening with the trains ...  we went to the "Gare Routiere" / bus station and off we went on the next bus to Orange.

As we had visited the sites previously, today we had a more relaxed day ... we did look at the sites, but no tours!

We enjoyed wandering the town "Centre Ville" streets, checking out some shoppes and making a few little purchases and of course the obligatory "lunch".

The Arc de Triumph ... 

The amphithéâtre ...

A Florist Shop ... with the most unique items for the home and garden!

Here I found the perfect photo to use for a cousin's special birthday greeting! 

Who wouldn't want this in their garden, an all in one water fountain and wine chiller? 

And today serving a chilled "Rosé" ... perfect for this hot, hot weather! 

 

          

Of course while we were wandering Monsieur was checking out the menu boards and the atmosphere of the many cafes and restaurants.

Where will it be today?

Ah perfect with a view facing the ampitheather...

A cool, refreshing melon salad ...

Salmon and curried rice ...

Apricot tart ...

I'm going to do this with my crystal water glasses ... add some greenery and flowers from my bedding plants ... " a perfect centre piece "! 

                                        

Time to head back to our little oasis in Sarrians for a chilled glass of rosé.

                            

Hope you enjoyed our casual, relaxed tour of "Orange"!

In and Around Crillon Le Brave

Join us today for a short walk around the village of Crillon le Brave.

I hope you are wearing good walking shoes, sunscreen and have lots of water with you. 

As it turned out the walk was not as short as I anticipated and described in the brochure.

Don't get me wrong I enjoy walking but not in very hot, hot weather ... I prefer cooler temperatures for my exercising and we were having a lunch date afterwards ... nothing worse than sitting in your "perspired" soaked clothing!

Monsieur Honey had discovered this village on Tuesday when he went on his mountain climbing excursion to the Mont Ventoux summit.

We arrived in the village at the reasonable time of about ten in the morning. 

This should be good. 

The information we had said the walk was only 2.5km and should only take about 45 minutes.

No problem I thought, I normally walk 4.5 to 5 kilometers in an hour when I put my mind to it.

Monsieur was going to be the navigator today and after a quick coffee we were off with plenty of time to do the walk before lunch.

What do you think you're doing? Don't you know how hot it is going to be today?

 

We started at the luxurious hotel ... after a wander around and a view from the terrace.

The instructions were fairly clear but when you make one wrong turn it's a whole other walk or "story" and that's exactly what happened!

Oh yes ... now that's what I'm talking about! Beautiful views and a place to do my Aqua jogging!

This guy was wondering what we were up to also ...

I don't think that's the way ...

La Porte Gérin ...

The walk took us through the pretty village streets, climbing limestone steps up and down again; then into the surrounding countryside amongst the vineyards, olive and cherry groves.

Wait for me Monsieur Honey!

That's exactly what I visualized what the table looked like when I read "A Year in Provence"!

At this point we are both more than hot, hazy and dripping wet. 

Let's find our way back to the square!

Rehydration and refuelling with wonderful views ...

Today's lunch at Restaurant Le Saint Romain...

Salad starters, barbecue ribs with roasted potatoes and ratatouille and it's now strawberry season so of course "Strawberry Melba" ... made with strawberry sorbet and strawberries from Crillon.

                  

After our cooling off and leisurely lunch  ... it was time to walk back to the car which was parked below the village.

                        

Lots of potential ... a pretty courtyard with magnificent views below and the Dentelles de Montmirail in the background. I know you can't see it but believe us this place is ripe for restoration!

           

Beautiful village, more of a strenuous walk than an easy stroll and a delicious lunch with my best friend!

    Can you smell the lavender? It's just starting to bloom!

Fun at "The Fun Coiffure"

It is only natural that atleast once I post about a visit to the French "coiffures".

It seems it does not matter the size of the village, town or city in France you will always find several "coiffure" shops for both men and women. 

Here in Sarrians there are five shops.

Monsieur Honey most assuredly always has to have his hair cut while we are on our extended adventures.

He had the delightful experience of having "Sylvie" cut his hair while we were in Céret.

Well it happened today.

My hair no longer was behaving and I was desperate for some beautification.

I had hoped that I would survive the "8 weeks" in between appointments and be able to go to my usual stylist back home. 

Martine kindly arranged a "rendezvous" for me at her "Coiffure" shop in the village. 

While Monsieur Honey was having fun climbing the mountain Tuesday morning, I had fun at the "Fun Coiffure" where the "très gentille" owner Sophie made me feel alive again with a bit of colour / highlights, a good cut and style.

I probably spoke the most French that I have in awhile with Sophie ... I wanted to make sure I still had hair when finished and didn't come out screaming with "pink" hair! 

                                 

It all turned out well.

Here I am in the chair with the coolest hairdryer used to speed up the colour processing time from 35/ 45 minutes reducing it to 15 minutes. 

It's like a flying saucer that goes round and round. I was all finished in under an hour and half!

Great service!

I am feeling like a new woman! 

Here I am with my no fuss "wash and go" style!