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
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.
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What a gorgeous place to meet. I want to know what else was on the lavender stall, I can see tantalising peeps behind him!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us along for the ride.
Wow! What a wonderful trip!! You guys look like you had so much fun and did the "not touristy" things!
ReplyDeleteYou and Linda look like twins! I am longing to go back to France after reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteLavender? I'm really curious to hearing lovely stories from this trip! This little village looks like an amazing place! Love the little 'cafe'. Miss you! Hugs ~ Vanessa
ReplyDeleteIt was such a pleasure to meet you in person, Mary. I'm glad I was able to share Lourmarin with you and your husband-one of my favorite villages.
ReplyDeleteMary, what a wonderful place to visit. The town is so pretty and the market...OMG! What a pleasure to shop there.
ReplyDeleteSo nice you were able to meet Linda, happy times!
Chris
Mary, I enjoyed your post so much and the photo of you and Linda is great. Two attractive redheads having lunch in the most divine cafe. Oh, I would have loved seeing that gorgeous scenery with you. The market is grand. the wands are very interesting. What will you do with yours?
ReplyDeleteLove you my friend, Jeanne
Interesting contrast of the ancient chateau and the modern cars parked in the foreground! Wonderful pix!!
ReplyDeleteI've got to get to France, I've just got to! Loved the photos of you and Linda! fun.
ReplyDelete