Order the "Menu"
by Radiomom
Not just in Provence, but all over France it is a standard practice to offer a set "menu" with choices for your appetizer, main course and dessert all at a specific price, for example 18 Euro or 25 Euro. There are even restaurants where there is no a la carte menu at all. At Bistrot du Paradou, in Paradou (in Provence) there is only one menu available for lunch, and one menu for dinner. Wine and coffee, water, etc are included in the menu price. (which is sometimes the case in any restaurant offering a menu choice) Don't be "put off" by this practice -- it is often a fantastic experience and you may end up liking something you thought you'd never try.
Provence
by richjohns
"Au Moulin Entre Deux Mas"
"St Paul De mausole"
The Painter Vincent Van Gogh stayed at Saint Paul from 1889 to 1890 to try and treat his nervous breakdown. This is where he painted many of his famous paintings.
A very peacefull and beautifull looking house, with many reproductions of Van Gough's work on display. While I was here there were many artist in the grounds painting in the wonderfull light. The Coister St Paul and Lavender gardens are well worth the small addmission price alone.
"Cloister St Paul"
Market Day in Arles
by Radiomom
The first day trip from our base in Provence was to beautiful Arles. It was market day -- and friends had told us to check out as many markets as we could find in Provence. What a great place this was! Arles is also known for its Roman sites, and the Arena is still used for bull fighting to this day.
It wasn't hard finding the market -- as we noticed people coming from the same direction carrying bags of market goods, we headed that way too. This is a huge market with everything from everyday necessities to tourist trinkets. We were happy to get there fairly early, as there was much to see.
While we ended up buying honey, scented soaps, and a pretty Provence tablecloth, our primary objective was to find provisions for a picnic lunch. Those strawberries are beautiful (and they tasted even better than they look!)
To go with the berries, we found some crusty multi-grain bread and some yummy cheese.
This guy gave out samples, and while originally I thought I'd get some of that mixed seafood, these mini moules were really fantastic (and looked like they'd be better picnic fare).
Not on our menu (although it was obviously used to season our seafood course) I couldn't resist taking a picture of this beautiful garlic.
The floral section of the market was one of the most popular (and busy!)
We even found a bottle of local red wine (for 3.80 Euro) to round out our menu, and found a bench in this lovely park for our picnic.
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Mausolee des Jules
Shopping Day
Roman triumphal arch at Glanum
Scene of Les Olivades
