These last two days we have stayed in the vicinity of St Remy and seeing some of the local sights and town. We have been walking through the winding street, trying to see every part of this village.

Nostradamus was born here, and there is plaque up on the wall of the house where he was born. Further south s the Nostradamus fountain, although there is no running water at the moment.

Every week, on Wednesday from 6.00am to noon, is the local markets. Once again we walked through the village sampling the local produce and picking up new items for our meals. Todays specialty was Croquille St Jacques (scallops), which Walter cooked up tonight in a vanilla cream sauce, served will sautéd mushrooms and endives. We had this with artichoke and a specialty mayonnaise for dipping. Our next course was warm vichyssoise (leek and potato soup) with a crusty bread from the local bakery. Stephen had spent the previous day preparing stock for the soup, again all from locally produced foods. Finally desert, Deb & Jo had picked up some delicious white peaches that were full of flavour. We peeled and sliced these and served them with a lavender cookie that we had purchased previously in the week at the market, a caramel butter salt ice-cream, and drizzled heavily with a caramel sauce which I had just made. It was a feast and with a glass or two of a local rosé wine, it was one of our best meals yet. All of this was prepared by us, from local produce that was collected by a shared effort, using things that we just had in the pantry (not a planned menu). I only wish that we had taken some photos.

Just on the outskirts of the village is the Roman Ruins, Site Archeologique de Glanum. We had visited this yesterday but this afternoon, the girls went over to see the ruins as they didn’t go yesterday. Quote from Wikipedia: “It is particularly known for two well-preserved Roman monuments of the 1st century B.C., known as les Antiques, a mausoleum and a triumphal arch. the oldest one in France, located at the site.”. What was most amazing about this place was that while some things were gated or roped off, most of it you could still walk through, and climb some of the steps, stones and monuments. There was still water in the old spring and now inhabited by gold fish.

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The house we are staying in, here in Saint-Remy-de-Provence is secluded away of the main streets on a gravel road. Looking from the gravel road, you wouldn’t think to look twice at the place. You would consider it “ordinary”. But up close and inside through the electric gate, you would soon notice that the place is “extraordinary”. Manicured gardens with lots of wild flowers and herbs, swimming pool (although unusable at the moment), outdoor patios and lounge furniture and a large grass lawn that makes up the surrounding to this two story villa.

On the inside, take a look the though the following photos, I think it’s magnificent.

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Today we arrived in St Remy Provence after an early start this morning, a four hour drive and stop in Avignon.

We picked up Walter and Deb & Jo from the TGV station that just arrived from Paris as we got there. The timing couldn’t have worked out better. So, the 7 of us arrived at the house where we will stay for a week and settle in.

The house here is beautiful, four bedrooms, two suites, and two large bedrooms, family area, dining room, spacious kitchen, outdoor meals area, and on spectacular grounds with a pool.

After shopping at the local InterMarchet, we headed home to cook dinner. Cooking with the freshest garlic (still green) and fresh eggs, lighly boiled fresh pasta (fettucine), lardons, cream, freshly grated Parmesan, pan fried into a cabonara. With a delightful side salad, crusty bread and a glasses of wine, it was a great meal. We followed this with an assortment of local Provence cheeses, creamy goat, rubochon, and a blue cheese. It was some meal.

After dinner, some of us went for a walk around the walled city. It was alive with restaurants and diners, and a buzz for Saturday evening dining. It was a picture to be seen.

I am looking forward to settling in for the week and enjoying my time with Stephen, family and friends.

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