Bonjour (hello). Wednesday is market day in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, a beautiful old Roman walled village 19 km (12 miles) south of Avignon, France. Saint-Remy is on the western side of the limestone Alpilles Mountains. It’s most famous resident was the French Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh, who spent the last year of his life in an asylum here.
The markets of Provence have existed for centuries and are almost untouched by modern times. Scenes such as these are repeated throughout Provence day in, day out, year after year, in sun, rain, snow and even on holidays. It's a traveling carnival that goes from village to village, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Join us as we stroll through the Wednesday market in the Place de la Republique in Saint-Remy on our culinary trip of a lifetime in the spring of 2007.
Olive vendor displaying a few of the many varieties of olives available, such as Nyons, Pimentee and Provencale. Try a handful of several different kinds to find your favorite.
Garlic in white and purple, enough to feed an entire village.
Colorful ground spices from north Africa and the Mediterranean.
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Shaded by umbrellas, shoppers carefully pick the freshest produce. Piled high in the morning, it may be gone by noon.
Fresh fish, brought up from Marseilles this morning.
Enjoying un petite biere (small beer) with my husband after a morning of shopping.
A bientot (see you soon) et bonne journee (have a good day). Join us again next time as we return to the markets of Provence.
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What a dream day for me. Thanks for the virtual trip.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful market! It reminds me of the one I visited in Arles during my honeymoon.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. I hope you'll tell us more about this trip -- what you ate and what you saw.
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous. Going to a farmers market in France - pure heaven! Have a great time.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine how much fun that would be! I was in France a while back, but it was before I really got into cooking. I'm sure I'd look at it a lot differently now!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting our blog. Glad I found yours! I love going to markets! They are so fun!!
ReplyDeleteAwwwweeee Markets...I have a European soul, and the stork dropped me at the wrong country...ours are so dinky here. The one in Portland was so fabulous, and Italy, none we only went to the North, but I hear their southern is a big difference...and France, one day we will sip wine together, or a beer, and eat................I am having a moment here....
ReplyDeleteThis market is fabulous! Sadly we see less and less markets like this in France. This one would be a joy to visit. I can see that you would miss this country!I would love to join you on a marketing day on your next trip here.
ReplyDeleteLovely pics..:)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. Sounds like a great vacation. I really enjoy your blog, Sam.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see this French market from your lenses :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the part 2!
This is a new blog for me...I like what I see. We seem to savor the same sort of moments. Also I went to summer camp in NC! GREG
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to spend the day - shopping and raising a glass with your sweetie - beautiful
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. This was a trip of a lifetime. Thanks for following along. We're glad you are with us. Allons-y! (Let's go)
ReplyDeleteSam
My husband and I were in St Remy and several other Provence areas April 2011. It was a dream come true. Having just discovered your blog I am reading all your Provence posts. What a treat!
ReplyDeleteThe markets were fabulous. Just didn't have enough time to spend there! Just visiting from Seasonal Sundays at the Tablescaper. Glad I found you.
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