Aix-en-Provence........and Corey

On the Cours Mirabeau, Aix-en-Provence - October 2008

We planned to meet late morning under a statue on the Cours Mirabeau, Aix-en-Provence's main street known for it's fountains and ancient allée of plane trees. The previous night's heavy rain, and showers that morning, still had me up bright and early, anxious to meet both Corey, and her cousin Judy with husband Chris, visiting from California. As you can imagine, my dh and Chris chatted about sports and guy stuff, while we three gals had more important things to do, like antiques hunting at the morning market!

Many of you are familiar with Corey Amaro's beautiful blog Tongue In Cheek where she shares details of her life with French husband and their children in Provence, and her visits home to California. Corey is funny and has a great sense of style, both of which are captured by her camera. Meeting her made me realize, yet again, that the blogging world is amazing in the way it brings people together who share similar interests.

Corey writes/photographs fabulous articles for well known magazines such as Victoria, Romantic Homes and Somerset Life, and images of her own French village home have been an inspiration to me. She also directed me to her friend Nathalie's beautiful house La Madone in Apt where I stayed last month (see recent posts).

Corey, camera always at the ready, and Judy at the Aix market.

Plenty of small antiques available - always have an extra suitcase!

We snapped each other across one of the many historic fountains.

Great photo opportunities around every bend in the old cobbled streets and alleys of Aix-en-Provence.

Following market browsing and purchasing some small antiques - great bargains because Corey knows all the dealers who were kind enough to discount purchases Judy and I made - the five of us enjoyed a relaxed and delicious lunch. Corey then offered to show us more of Aix - historical buildings with amazing architecture, delightful shops, and even took us to a large brocante for more bargain shopping. Judy and I knew we had to stop before we needed to arrange for a container to ship our treasures home!

Small treasures discovered at La Rotonde ~ Vente Depot.

We said goodbye in the late afternoon. The sun did come out when the rain stopped, the day was lovely, and I was thrilled to have spent time with a special friend and members of her California family.

Be sure to get a copy of December's Romantic Homes where Corey's article 'Christmas Surprises' celebrates the season at Judy and Chris' beautiful home in California. Toile, red transferware, and many of Judy's antique treasures are showcased.

Lourmarin, Provence.......and Linda

Lourmarin is not a perched, hill-top Provencal village, but it is known as one of the loveliest Luberon villages. Driving in on a sunny morning one immediately notices the renaissance chateau Villa Medicis de Provence now used for concerts and exhibitions. Friday is market day, people arrive early to grab a parking place. It was here in Lourmarin I had arranged to meet up with Linda whom many of you know from her beautiful blog, Frenchless In France.

The streets meander past fountains and village houses, circling around an impressive belfry tower at the highest point. This belfry is built on the vestiges of the medieval moated castle that once defined Lourmarin. This village has been an important staging route on the Marseille-Apt route since the IIth century.

Lourmarin bustles with at least 15 restaurants and cafes to choose from. Linda pointed out one where Peter Mayle (author of A Year in Provence and many other popular books about living in this lovely area) often hangs out - apparently we'd missed him that morning.

Until noon the cafes were quiet as locals and tourists bustled through the huge market, making their purchases.

This smiling Frenchman was a delight to do business with - I brought home one of the gorgeous lavender wands made by his family.

Soon the cafes filled up with hungry shoppers and the wonderful daily French lunch began - two hours of relaxation, great food, friendly chat and local gossip.

Before we relaxed at an outdoor table in the sun for some of that good food and local wine, Linda guided dh and I through the market stalls which seemed to take over most of the village. After viewing all the wonderful items offered, she led us up through the winding cobbled streets where we caught glimpses of picturesque houses and tiny shops tucked into the ancient stone walls.

Linda and Mary

Linda it was such fun meeting you - many thanks for sharing the delightful village of Lourmarin with me. I now know why it's your favorite weekly market. Hope I get to go back some day.