Provence

We arrived in beautiful sunny Provence after a long drive from the south coast of France, only having been lost a couple of times. The past few days have been spent sitting in the sun, surrounded by gardens, full of beautiful flowers, grapes, artichokes, figs tumbling all over the place and interesting looking lizards peering at you from in between the rocks. It's been a tough time...

We were staying with family, in the region of Vaucluse, in a lovely house surrounded by hills, vineyards, flowers, bees and sunshine. We visited a market in Buis les Baronnies with clusters of lovely stalls full of local produce, lavender, salami, cheese, garlic, spices, fish, beautiful pastries... The selection of salami on offer puts mine to shame, blueberry, mushrooms, cheese...

The evening of the suckling pig was a highlight, he turned slowly on his spit all day, being basted in butter and garlic, crispy and golden, served whole on a platter with the most amazing dauphinoise potatoes. There were cheese boards, veal chops, stuffed courgettes, delicately cured sardines, plum tarts and beautiful wine...

In pauses between eating we wandered round nearby towns and villages. Crestet, a tiny medieval village with its paths and alleys carved into the side of the hill, was full of nooks and twists. At the top we found a little café which looked out on what seemed the whole of France and beyond. I think we could just about see Italy...