Every summer (August 3, 2008) the village of Cucuron at the southern foot of the Luberon hosts a 'regatta' on the lovely pond (etang) near the center of town. Sailboats, yachts, tall ships, even submarines have a category for competition. Over 150 models in all will be working through their paces by remote control to the delight of young and old boat-lovers gathered around the pond.
The event is free and open to the public, scheduled to run from 10am to 6pm. The best seats are right on the pond's edge, where the bar and restaurant set out plenty of extra tables and chairs!
What better way to spend a Sunday in Provence! By the pond in Cucuron, under the shady plane trees, sipping local wine (or orangina), having lunch while the boats glide past.
OliveBranchTraders
Friday, May 30, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
A Vide Grenier is for Bargain Shopping!
All through the year, particularly May-September, the villages of Provence host yard sales which they call "Vide Grenier" (translates to: empty the attic). These normally take place on weekends; morning is the best time to go.
These sales are normally filled with books, toys, puzzles, games, clothes for kids; antiques, collectibles, clothes and fun for adults! Carry along a pocketful of coins: 20 centimes, 50 centimes, 1 euro, and hold them out to the seller who will kindly choose appropriate amounts for your purchase. My personal upper limit is 3 euros (roughly $4.65 US)...
How do you find them? There are sites on the internet that list the schedules. My favorite is href="http://www.brocabrac.fr">http://www.brocabrac.fr
In Provence, you will find such events advertised locally on small posters, normally at intersections on the roads. There is a photo of such a poster above.
A wonderful day of people-watching, treasure-hunting, and family fun in Provence!
OliveBranchTraders
Bicycles! The Tour de France
This year the Tour de France bicycle race runs right through Provence on Saturday July 19 2008 from Nimes to Digne les Bains. The race will follow a lovely path through the villages and vineyards of the Apt valley along D900 and the entire route is open to the public!
Visit the morning market at Apt on Saturday, pack a picnic and find a spot along the route by noon. It should be possible to find a place right on the route to park your car; the plane trees that line the D900 will provide plenty of shade.
During the hour or two just before the riders arrive, the route hosts a "caravanne" of vans and "floats" tossing small promotional souvenirs to the crowd. In the past, we have come home with riding caps, key chains, coffee samples, and the like.
The route and time schedule are already online at href="http://www.letour.fr/2008" .
A wonderful family day in the Provencale countryside!
OliveBranchTraders
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