Today we visited the very beautiful village of Gordes, or as I keep referring to it, Gorgeous Gordes! It’s been called the Parthenon of Provence and it’s easy to see why. Driving up to the village center it’s hard not to lose your breath over the sweeping views of the Luberon valley and shout, “Oh my Gordes!” at the sheer drop offs. Every Tuesday is the Gordes market so we brought Lola with us to explore and find some things for an easy dinner tonight.
The Gordes market is one of the larger markets we’ve been to in Provence. There is literally everything you can imagine here. We picked up some beautiful heirloom tomatoes, roma tomatoes, zucchini, and peppers for the bargain price of four euros. We sampled the juiciest cantaloupe and brought one home for aperitif tonight. It will go great with some sliced prosciutto and cheese.
After perusing the market we sat down at a cafe for cappuccinos and croissants – they were possibly the best croissants we have had in Provence so far. Everywhere we have had cappuccinos they have come with a dusting of cocoa powder, which is a little extra treat we have really enjoyed. I have loved this little routine of mornings spent at the market followed by breakfast and people watching.
We came back to the cottage to drop off our provisions and let Lola rest. It has been very warm here in the middle of the day, and we want to be sure she doesn’t get too hot. She has loved lounging around on the cold stone tiles of the cottage.
Lunch today was at La Bastide de Marie. Pulling into the gravel drive surrounded by vineyards and cypress trees, I couldn’t wait to get out and explore. La Bastide de Marie is really beautiful. They have taken such care to provide the perfect aesthetic balance that I can only describe as rustic chic. You feel like you’re in the country estate of a dear friend. The garden terrace is shaded by tall trees and manicured hedges with a view over the vineyards. Today the breeze was blowing a bit so it made for a very comfortable al fresco lunch.
What followed was a delicious three-course lunch with Domaine de Marie rosé. We started with gazpacho with fresh cherry tomatoes and sundried tomatoes. I had the sea bass with fresh garden vegetables and Paul had the seabream with white beans. Both were excellent and perfectly prepared with a crispy skin. Dessert was a trio of fresh strawberry, pear, and raspberry sorbets and a bowl of sauteed cherries with fresh cream. So, so good!
After lunch we explored the Bastide a bit more and then walked to the Domaine to see the barrel room and purchase a couple bottles of Domaine de Marie rosé.
And now I think it’s nap time. 🙂 Tonight we are having aperitif and dinner at the cottage. Paul is making a pasta primavera. Yum!
Bonsoir et à demain!
xo – Erin