L'Abbey La Celle, Entrecasteaux, Salernes et Tour Tour

Today we planned a road trip to visit some area villages and sites. We rose early agian today and hit the road shortly after 8 a.m, We drove the 30 minutes or so to Brignoles, the largest town in the area, but when we arrived at the centre-ville, we noticed a McDonalds sign and decided to get away from this palce and return to the country side. The next stop we planned was L'abbey La Celle. La Celle was founded probably as early as the eleventh century by the monks of the Abbey of Saint-Victor de Marseille. For nearly five centuries, a community of Benedictine nuns, cloistered for most by their families, occupied the premises.A lovely pastiserrie was located across the street from LAbbey and I went in to buy croissants. Madame asked me Americano? and I said no, Canadien and she blew me two kisses and made my day!

Next we drove back to the Cotignac area to the towns of Salernes. The town of Entrcasyeax is famous for it large Chateau, built in the 17th century. It was closed, but we cirlced it and had some wondreful views and even visited a roman water bath. Next was off to Salernes and it was lunch hour and God forbid we miss a chance to dine in a crowed street cafe. We chose a lovely Creperie. I had a wonderful Salade Paunette wiht poached chicken, raisins, a local blue cheese, and walnuts. Others enjoyed crepes Provencal and Niciose salads. A litre of rose and it just doesnt get any betteer,. LA and DD passed on lunch, as food is not there priority and explore the town and climb the long hill to over look the town and take pics.

Next we drove north to Villecroze and onward up and up to the very high village of Tour Tour. We went here as a recommendation from the house manager Babeth and we are soooo glad we did. It was the quaintest and most scenic village we have scene yet. Wewalked the streets, DD and I went into the local bar and downa cold beer and many pictures were taken and many smiles to be seen.

We deceided that was enough for the day and returned home. We nned Vin Rose and went to the Domaine de Saint Janet to buy diectly from the source. A fully organic operation. We drove on the 2 km lane, through the vineyards to the mothership, but even thought he sign said open 16H to 18H, no one was to be found on the 500 acres! Off to Cotignac to the marche for 4 bottles to holds over. A martini to get the juices flowing at happy hour and now it is blog time.

Tonight we have aspecial dinner out planned at "Le Pins" a resteraunt in nearby Le Sillans de Cascade that was recomended by a man we met in town from Toronto named Gordon. He had previously rented our house a number of years ago and has returned for two weeks every year. Barry actually knows his son in law, who lives Paris, Ontraio....small small world.

Stay tined for more later...