Today was a beautiful Provencal day, beginning with a drive to Fontvielle for the market day. We have been there so many times now for dinner, but not during business hours and we wanted to experience the town when people were in the streets, shops open and walk the market (Mondays and Fridays). Upon arrival we noticed it was not where I expected it to be. Rather than in a covered but open-air space, it was in a large parking area with about three rows of vendors. It was not enormous, but easy to walk with a nice selection of items, better pricing than some markets we've been to. Parking was very easy and accessible. Few if any tourists, and certainly no English heard. We found two pairs of linen slacks unlike any I had seen previously, and we were able to negotiate a little on the price.
While we were walking we enjoyed music from a talented trumpet player who was entertaining those sitting in the cafe next to the market, and strolled down the street to see some of the local stores. This certainly reinforced our view that this is a lovely quiet town, off the beaten path, and a worthwhile visit during the day.
On our return route, we stopped at the Domaine du Chateau D'Estoublon, a family-run winery and olive oil business which has added a restaurant and various shops on the property. It is absolutely worth the visit. The grounds are quite extensive and beautiful with the original 300 year old chateau still standing but in disrepair, and the newer mas structures, a chapel, and the area where the shops and restaurant has been added. Modern, clean bathrooms can also be found next to the chapel.
The shops are a must visit, beautiful products, not unreasonably priced given their quality and presentation, including wine, olive oil, pasta, and other provencal-type products, but at a higher level. Beautiful for gifts, particularly for business. Most people were walking out with a purchase.
Upstairs is truly a find, an incredible store full of clothes, furniture, and accessories for the home. Whoever is buying for this shop and designing the lay-out and displays has an amazing eye and artistic sensibility. We felt as though we were an Hermes-quality store, and that the family is doing a great job of building their brand.
http://www.estoublon.com/
We made a reservation for later in the week for the restaurant, Bistrot Mogador which has a prix fixe menu at 29 euro per person.
The rest of the day was relaxation, leftovers, cleaning up and cleaning out, laundry, and getting ready to wind up from the wind down.
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