Only in Provence – fountains filled with Rosé! Photo by Marla Norman.
We had a tough time coming up with a blog this week. We discussed a feature on Bordeaux Super-Seconds or something on cool cult Washington wines. We even thought about a piece on sulfites or decanting.
But the unvarnished truth is……It’s Summer!!! It’s the season for vacation. And we’d really rather be in Provence. Sitting at Café Les Deux Garçons watching the scene on Cours Mirabeau is so much more appealing than work.
If we got ambitious, we’d leave the entertaining action at Les Deux Garçons, jump in the car and drive to Cassis. There we’d linger over freshly prepared fish and a glass of the local wine — all the while staring out at the dazzling blue Côte d’Azur.
Main harbor and promenade at Cassis. Photos by Marla Norman.
On another day, we might journey up into the mountains, past fields of fragrant lavender, to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. This lovely spot has been officially designated as one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages” (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.)
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie – so pretty, you’re likely to pinch yourself and marvel that you’ve somehow wandered onto a movie set. Photo by Marla Norman.
A mere 20 minutes from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is the magnificent Gorges du Verdon. The canyon is approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) in length making it the world’s second largest gorge. But the most striking feature is that the Verdon River turns a brilliant turquoise hue as it runs through the canyon. Stunning!
Spectacular Gorges du Verdon and the turquoise Verdon River. Photo by Marla Norman.
Oh to be in Provence! But since we can’t be there this summer, we’re conjuring up “la vie Provençale” through its regional wines. If you’re feeling similarly nostalgic, here’s our list:
Provençal Rosé
2017 Château Sainte-Roseline Prestige Cuvée. $17.99
2017 Château des Demoiselles. $15.99
2017 Clos Sainte-Magdeleine Cassis Rosé, $32.99
Provençal White
2017 Clos Sainte-Magdeleine Cassis Blanc. $29.99
2016 Clos Sainte-Magdeleine Cassis Blanc Bel Arme. $45.99
More great Summer wines
2014 Domaine Thibault Ligier Belair Bourgogne Blanc. $24.99
2016 Domaine Leflaive Mâcon-Verzé. $39.99
2015 Domaine Ramonet Chassagne-Montrachet Vergers. $116.99
2015 Château Malartic Lagraviere Bordeaux Blanc. $56.99
2016 Château Puyanché Bordeaux Blanc. $13.99
2015 Domaine Thibault Ligier Belair Bourgogne Rouge Hautes-Côtes de Nuits. $29.99
2014 Domaine Trapet Gevrey-Chambertin Bourgogne Rouge. $59.99
2014 Clau de Nell Domaine Leflaive Loire Rouge. $44.99
2016 Kermit Lynch Vin de Pays de Vaucluse. Incredible value at $9.99!!!
Next year, we will definitely spend time in southern France. If you’d like to join us, please let us know. Meantime, here are photos of a few great moments from past tours. You may see a few faces you know.
A bientôt en Provence!
Melissa Shelton enjoying a spritz at La Treille Muscate , Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Kenny & Marie Daniels on Cap Canaille overlooking Cassis. Photos by Marla Norman.
At Les 3 Ormeaux in Aix-en-Provence: Preston & Barbara Gough, Elizabeth & Joe Horsman, Marla Norman, Michel Thibault, Bill & Susie Pinson.
Kaye Maynard meets the chef at Restaurant Benvengudo near Les Baux-de-Provence. Photos by Marla Norman.
Deidra Stange samples bleu Pastis in Cassis.
Bill Pinson, Joe Horsman, Preston Gough and Michel Thibault toast the views at Cassis.
Lunch at La Villa Gallici, Aix-en-Provence: Raj & Rene Sachasinh, Marie & Kenny Daniels, Marla Norman, Michel Thibault, Melissa & Mike Shelton.
Visit our sister site Travel Curious Often to see more on Provence & the Côte d’Azur.
