The Gentleman of Provence

Another portrait of the 'gentle men' of Provence.

Jenny these photographs were taken in the village of Les Milles near Aix en Provence at the beginning of June 2005 during the annual Transhumance. It is not that far from Arles but I do not know the exact distance.

We passed close by to this area yesterday on our way south and we are now in the village of Peyriac de Mer (see previous posts) and will leave tomorrow to head inland to LesCorbieres to spend a couple of days with a friend before the end of our vacation.

Judy, unfortunately we did not have time to visit the interior of the castle at Heidelberg, so we missed the Hall of mirrors. I do believe that Michael has invited us back so perhaps we will have another chance. The town and the castle are fantastic and I will soon post some photographs, or at least a link to some once we arrive back home.

Transhumance in Provence

We are still on vacation and are now spending the weekend with our lovely friends in Germany.

So I am not sure if anyone is checking my photo blog, but it sure is nice to have such good friends who will be taking us out to visit Heidelberg this afernoon.

I leave you all now for another week with yet another photo of France.

Girls of Provence

I do have access to a computer at the moment and I couldn't stop myself I had to post another from my library of images.

Our vacation weather down on the Medeterrenee is rain with more rain on the way. It is not needed right at the moment neither for our vacation nor for Les vendanges - the grape harvest - but both can't be stopped, so we are having our vacation and the grape harvest goes on.

This image was taken in the village of Les Milles near Aix en Provence at the beginning of June 2005 during the annual Transhumance - the gathering of the sheep and a blessing before heading off to mountain pastures, a time of celebration and joy.

Happy chaps from Provence

Like the happy chaps from Provence we are feeling the same today. Getting the car packed up and ready to set off on our vacation.

A little tour around parts of France and probably a trip into Germany to see some friends, if I get the opportunity I will try and post from time to time but if not Réal DP should be back again towards the end of September.

Bye for now!

Fete a Réal

We had a great evening with the people who live in the little community of Réal. Bring a prepared plate of your choice, some wine and get to know the people who live around you but during the course of the year don’t get a chance to say more than hello.

All had a great time.

This is a photograph of our Mayor Christian Hot and his two new assistants, my wife Ghislaine and a lovely visitor from England called Pippa.

It was so nice sitting in the lee of the church and enjoying convivial company.

The Old Lady

The old lady who lived on the hill - is that not part of a nursery rhyme? I've forgotten!

I don't think she was really that old but dressed in traditional costume she looks great.

She was part of 'Le Poutou de Toulouse' group of musicians and dancers.

Lets get dressed up

I don’t think I have posted this image before on Réal DP. I is from a traditional festival in the village of Allauch. Provence, France and as always there is something I love about the photos I post and of course it is the absolutely beautiful dress the girl is wearing.

What a display.

Also we will be getting on our horses, well at least getting into our car, and heading off on vacation from this coming Sunday for three weeks.

We are not entirely sure of where we will be heading or if I will be able to update the Réal DP, but I’ll have a think both about where we are going and if I will have to let the Daily Blog have a vacation also.

Town House

A nice little town house in Gaillac! Behind me is the lovely fountain I posted yesterday.

I have aften looked at this house and I really like the way it is constructed with a great round terrace right up at the top, and it was such a beautiful sunny day.

Gaillac fountain

Another item that caught my eye as I had a wander around Gaillac the other day.

It was nice to sit awhile in the early morning sun and listen to the sound of splashing as water issued forth from a myriad of different spouts.

-- and then I took a picture!

Book Store

I loved the sign hanging above a doorway in a small back street in the town of Gaillac

It is called ‘The Book Worm’ and sells s/h English language books, not a new thing in France but The sign did it for me.

--- Livres anglais d’occasion or Secondhand English Books---
54 Rue du Château du Roy
81600 Gaillac.

bookworm@wanadoo.fr

In case you want to pop in and have a look.

Bath Race

Down on the River Tarn this Sunday afternoon there was all sorts of goings on.

This was the annual bath race on the river. The weather is back to normal, (about 30°C today) after a very changeable month of August, which was certainly good for the participants of the race who had to go three times round the same water course.

I have to say I have no idea who won, but there was a lot of fun and a lot of people got wet.

Again my wife was using the little digital and doing me out of my job!

Photograph by Ghislaine James.

Papillon

There are lots of these lovely butterflies in the garden at the moment. This photograph was taken by my wife this afternoon who suggested (told me) I should post it on the blog this evening.

So here it is fresh from the garden in Réal.

Photo by Ghislaine James.

Sabots

The last photograph fro the moment from the local fete at Roquemaure. This shows the old way in which wooden clogs were made. Thay are called sabot in French.

Try dancing about in these!