pinkbirdflies

Journeyd from St. Remy through pine forest, olive groves, vineyards, river valleys and rocky hills to the coastal town of Cassis. A beautiful town on the Meditteranean Sea with dramatic cliffs, pebbly beach, pretty harbour and calques (coastal fjords) only a short boat ride away. Had lunch at a superb Michelin Starred Restaurant accompanied by Cassis wines of course. 

Drove through the Provencal countryside to the stunning golden stone hilltop village of Gordes to explore the architecture, lane ways and shops before walking through farmland, vineyards,orchards and a truffle farm. A beautiful picnic was laid out for us accompanied by great wines again! Next was the ochre coloured village of Roussillon which was gorgeously unique especially while sipping a Cafe Creme. 

Joined a small group food and wine tour of Provence based in St. Remy de Provence and staying for 5 nights at the lovely boutique hotel Le Mas des Carrassins. All meals are included with 3 course lunches and 5 course dinners accompanied by wines from Chateauneuf-du-pape, Hermitage AOC, Cotes du Rhone AOC and Tavel AOC. The first morning was spent perusing the market of St. Remy de Provence which was full of lavender, wines, artisan cheeses, olive oil products, baskets and linen. We then drove for a superb lunch at Le Bistrot du Paradou with the most magnificent cheese course I have ever had. We saw local olive oil production and explored the gorgeous streets of the hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence before walking off the fine food and wine climbing through the southern Alpilles. It was warm and sunny and the scent of wild rosemary and lavender filled the air along the rocky, forested tracks before we viewed a spectacular panorama over St. Remy. Time for a swim before dinner which we had in the atmospheric gardens  of the Hotel each night.

Caught the TGV train from Gare du Lyon in Paris to Avignon in the south of France. Stayed overnight and explored the charming streets of Avignon which is on the Rhone river and surrounded by 800 year old stone walls and home to the Pope’s old Palace( Palais des Papes).The crooked streets are filled with lovely architecture, leafy squares, medieval churches and quaint houses. The Petit Palais contains pre-renaissance and 16th century Italian religious paintings, my favourite being The story of Pasiphae, Theseus and the Minotaur by  Campana Cassoni.Also loved the “Madonna with Child” by Sandro Botticelli.

Lunch and more champagne of course followed by drinks at Cafe Medard.

Flea markets, food, fantastic time!

What a way to spend a perfect Sunday celebrating 50th Birthdays in Paris lunching at Bouillon Racine with Veuve Cliquot Champagne, Foie Gras, Duck breast and Sorbet.

Little birthday celebration at my apartment “La Closerie” followed by Lunch, where we were joined by Malcom and Domonic, at Christian Constant’s Michelin starred restaurant Le Violon d’Ingres with signature dishes, Ouefs, Almond crusted Sea Bass and Soufflé accompanied by Billecart-Salmon Champagne. Absolutely superb! Then, a walk past the Eiffel Tower to Trocadero and Dokhan’s Champagne bar for a Champagne Degustation and delicate spoonfuls of Petrossian Caviar. Sublime! Thank you Meredith for inviting me to help celebrate your birthday in Paris. A truly wonderful experience.

On the first of September, 2014, Polecats Mez, Jo, Caroline, Bronwyn and Vicki descended upon Paris , France to celebrate our ‘Year of turning 50’ and in particular Meredith’s 50th Birthday on the 5th day! We stayed in the Latin Quarter very close to Rue Mouffetard, one of Paris’s oldest streets and featuring a fresh food market. It was truly wonderful being in Paris together to share the sights, sounds, aromas, savour the cuisine, peruse the exquisite shops, dine at a Michelin star Bistro and feel the soft bubbles of French Champagne on our palettes. We were absent two special friends, Ann and Karen, who were with us in spirit. We did have a surprise visit from Roseanne, currently living in the UK, which added to the excitement .

A lazy start to the day enjoying my lovely hotel, breakfast and then wandering the streets of this city full of character.From New Town across to Old Town with the castle dominating high up. Jane my tour guide who lives in Edinburgh suggested a few local places such as Filament coffee and Under the Stairs cafe. Passed The Elephant Cafe where J.K Rowling penned some of  the Harry Potter Novels and roamed the graveyard of Greyfriars Church where a headstone or two gave her inspiration for some character names. Went ‘Aww’ at the little Bobby monument and loved how people had left sticks and bones at the memorial in the graveyard. Walked the Royal Mile and Prices Street and did a little shopping before a cup of Scottish Breakfast tea (lovely and strong and malty) at Eteaket Tea House and dinner at Fishers in the City an Edinburgh favourite. Ventured to try the special of “Hand dived Orkney scallops and Scottish Lobster” which were delicious. Bubble bath back at Nira Caledonia.