Chateaurenard's charm

We have been so fortunate over the years to allow chance to guide us in our travels.  We will talk about doing something, going somewhere and finally do it on a day with a parade or fete, or something special to experience, without planning or trying, which always brings an extra delight to the day.  For example, one year we decided to explore a town we had driven by many times, seeing the signage from multiple angles and different towns surrounding it, but never making the turn to head in.  Finally, one day, I was determined to experience their market day.  It was suggested in a guide book description that this was an agricultural based-town and the market would be full of fresh fruit and vegetables.  As we approached we noticed roads blocked off and a different feel than we expected.  We parked and began to follow the crowds, asking local people about the market, and learning that it was a special day, a traditional provencal parade, honoring the local patron saint of the town, St. eloi.  We found a nice cafe on the main street, ordered a coffee and began to watch the people getting ready for the parade.  We sat, we watched, eventually D. walked down the street to get a special box of macarons from what turned out to be wonderful local patisserie and let the morning unfold.  Another unexpected special day in Provence.