Author Archives: TheFitzyreport
The fête of farmers
No wonder the spirit of resistance is forever linked to France. At the Fête de l’agriculture Paysanne this weekend the verve of underground activity was alive and well, manifesting in much more than the delicious produce ‘peasant’ farmers were united … Continue reading
Sunday in the sun
Troglodytes and a holy trinity of visions may translate to extraordinary hotel tariffs, but nothing, it seems, is ordinary in Cotignac. This medieval town, voted one of the prettiest in France, boasts picturesque cobblestone paths climbing to cliff-face fortifications, fabulous … Continue reading
To market, to market…
Small village, big heart. It’s been beating for 4,500 years, welcoming galant knights and devout pilgrims with hospitality that anticipated the ages. The surviving chapels and medieval wash rooms bear witness to their passing, a situation these souls must eternally … Continue reading
Helicopter farming
The spinning world of french roundabouts entwined with google governance can definitely lead you astray. In the 45 kilometre journey south through the Var region, our trusty rusty Citroën was reduced to a snail’s pace as we followed directions through … Continue reading
Goats & glace
To say that fresh goats cheese will last days in the fridge is about as ambitious as saying a tub of hand made ice cream will survive the journey home. Especially when both delectable treats come from La Ferme des … Continue reading
Rosé coloured glasses
A grape grower in Provence needs more than a good nose. Being nocturnal helps, as does a farmer’s patience, hard work and instinct. Membership in the local wine co-op is also a distinct advantage, providing for families an economic embrace … Continue reading
Medieval village, modern life
First horses, now bulls, a bakery that has been making communion wafers for Lourdes forever, and a market that makes visiting the artist town of Pernes-les-Fontaines worth it’s weight in asparagus. White or green. Who knew that Provence has a tradition of … Continue reading
Skippy V’s Mr Ed
A horse is a horse of course, of course! Nothing speaks to me quite like the recent discovery of cheval at the local Saturday markets. While I’m called to new taste sensations, they don’t generally evoke a jingle or twinge … Continue reading
Perfection in Provence
Provence is too perfect. Immaculate fields of lavender undulate with swathes of pastel around medieval villages. Cottages feature bluish-purple shutters that hang like proud flags on white walls, draped with wrap-around wisteria above perfumed yellow roses. Cherry trees, bejewelled with … Continue reading
My third Act
The Guardian has a section on ‘A new start after 60’ which I read with interest, but at the same time wonder about all the stories that have been lived but not necessarily published. I would love to hear yours! … Continue reading
TheFitzyreport 