Last day in the Provence

We are having a great time visiting with our friend Selina, as I assume is clear by now.

On my early morning walk up the road to the top of the mountain where only last Sunday I took pictures of the racing cars, I inspected the soil around here; the earth is strewn with stones. Patricia informs me that this is great for airing the clay soil and makes it great for growing the grapes, olives, lavender and other Mediterranean plants adapted to this hot, dry climate.

Rocky, clay soil is perfect for grapes, olives and lavender

Patricia was ready when I got back from my walk for our morning stop at the cafe, Chez Alice; since nothing much was happening  in the village, Alice joined us and told us a bit about her life and the hundreds of places she has visited and lived before returning to Vinsobres to the family home she inherited.  She turned the downstairs into a cafe, one of only two in the village.

Alice of Chez Alice

Soon it was time for our morning rendezvous with Selina. We wanted to take Selina out for lunch, so we drove to Nyons and picked a nice little pizza place in one of the side street and had a great salad and Gnocci with Salmon in a cheesy cream sauce (one makes allowances on vacation).

Pizzerie in Nyons' side street

Delicious gnocci with salmon and cheese sauce

Conversation amongst great friends

This was not the end of it. Selina wanted to show us the 'Scourtinerie,' the last place in France where they make 'scourtiner' which they have done since 1892. These are the original sisal baskets that used to hold the olives in the old oil presses. We checked out their store where they sold a large variety of dyed sisal mats, from table hot pads to carpets. After modern presses replaced the old style, they found other products to market with the same technology.  I went upstairs to see the factory in action; it was like stepping back in time, and I got to do some hands-on work too.

After it is dyed, the sisal 'ropes' are hung out to dry

Ancient machines for weaving artisanal products of sisal

Michael jumped right in, leather craftsman apron and all.

Tapis Provencaux Artisanaux et Produits Regionaux

Kitties the world over iconically find their comfort

On the way back, we stopped at the river where Patricia could cool her feet in the fresh mountain water.  

The water carries the grey clay soil down the river

The Eygues flows past many villages on its way to the Rhone

We also made a quick stop at an organic Boulangerie, Pain d'Epi, in business since 1982, to get some quinoa flour and a refreshing drink.  This time we passed on the bakery goodies.

Organic products are called 'bio' here and in Germany

Back at our chambre d'hote, it was time to get our stuff together and pack before having a last glass of wine with Selina.

What a great trip so far.