The Dawn of Time

An underground riverbed (dry at the moment) beneath the village of Minerve, south of France.

This village is to the north west of Narbonne.

Brocante

The season is nearly upon us when the antique markets or Brocante begins in earnest, not that it really ends, just slows down a little bit in the summer months.

Weather you will be able to find a bargain or a real antique for that matter is another thing, but here is a photograph of a few choice items who might desperately want to decorate your home with.

Transhumance - The Gentlemen of Provence

This is another portrait in the series of French people that I have taken over a period of time.

This one is again from images 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.

Gare de Toulouse

On Sunday we drove into Toulouse to pick our friend Dominique at Toulouse train station. It was great to see Dominique again but what was surprising was dealing with the amount of people. We are certainly in the middle of the holiday/vacation period but I was not ready for feeling a little bit startled by my reaction to so many people. This is after a year of living in the very beautiful country area of the Tarn.

The photograph is of the train arriving from Paris and we were glad to see Dominique then make our way back to the car and head to the country again.

Château Lastours

Today is a holiday in France so we have invited a few friends around for lunch and yesterday we had to go and buy some wine. The Galliac region of France, like many others, is well known for its wine.

We usually head off to the Château Lastours which is on the road between L’ilse sur Tarn and Gaillac. The entry to the Château is along a tree lined avenue in a beautiful setting next to the river Tarn. It has been in the ‘de Faramond’ family since it was founded in the 18th century. It is now run by two brothers Hubert and Pierric de Faramond.

Yesterday we had the pleasure of meeting Pierric de Faramond who not only gave my wife and her friend Dominique a wine tasting before they chose the wine for today, but also we had a leisurely tour around the grounds.

This is Ghislaine and Dominique with Pierric de Faramond checking out the wine.

Friends & Co.

Last week we had the pleasure of looking after three super families. It is rare to find such lovely people - French, English and would you believe even a Welsh man

Known to us as the family Lewis they arrived during the course of a Saturday afternoon and during the course of a week we came to know a group of super people and 8 children all of whom were charming little devils. The kids created a riot in the garden and had a great time – from the wasp hunters to the girl’s tea room in the Casba they all had a great time.

I took this photograph just before they all went their separate ways and it was a sad parting after getting to know these lovely families who were such pleasant company.

BUT I believe they are going to come back and see us next year……….

Luca and Lily

Luca and his girlfriend Lily. Lily is a bit younger than Luca but they seem to be getting on well enough, at least I think so.

Another one of the things about this blog from Réal in France is that I post quite regularly images of our brand new grandson, although he is now nearly seven months old. Also the images are not taken by me! I just can’t resist sharing this little gem in our lives.

Photograph by Mum or Dad James.

Légumes & fromages

Légumes & fromages (vegetables and cheese) mixed with a few (renard) foxes found at a local fair.

Just liked the shot......

Cat Nap

In the summer heat it is nice to enjoy a little siesta, or catnap if you will.

Photographed in the back streets of the beautiful village of Cordes-sur-Ciel close to where we live.

As you may know I love cats.

Wild West Show

The Wild West came to Roquemaure on Sunday. Part of the fete was a show of horse man/woman-ship. All the participants were dressed up as Native Americans, or as we used to say when we were younger ‘Red Indians’ but I believe that is politically incorrect now.

It was an enjoyable event and this photograph was taken with my little digital by my wife Ghislaine James.

Traditional festival Provence, France

I would like to continue to post portraits from time to time. Not always taken in this area, but certainly in France.

This portrait is of a girl taken at a village festival in Provence but she came from the Catalan region of France near Perpignan and the frontier with Spain.

Photographer at work

Dancing in the street. It's just about to start by the group 'Le Poutou de Toulouse" and the photographer is at work.

Taken at the fete at Roquemaure on Sunday by my wife Ghislaine James.

Sheep Shearing

This weekend was the fete at Roquemaure with a whole host of events starting with a Dance on the Saturday evening. We didn’t manage to make the dance but we went along on Sunday afternoon to see the Wild West show and sheep shearing exhibition.

There was also traditional dancing of the area by Le Poutou de Toulouse. I will post more photographs of this exciting event which I think is great for such a small village to create enough interest to have visitors come and see.

The first image is one of sheep shearing and that is a hard job. I once worked for a very brief time on a sheep farm in New Zealand and I know how hard this type of work is.

Post Card

About 10 days ago I had my first competition, possibly just a one off - we shall see!

What was the bug I asked and I had three quick replies and then two people responded with their addresses Mark of Sainte Maxime DP and Lisi from Hong Kong DP.

I have waited until today to post their winning Postcards as this is my 100th post on Réal DP. The photograph was taken by my wife Ghislaine as I posted the cards today at the post box that hangs on the wall of the church in Réal just up the road from us. So they are now on their way.

The camera never lies but I believe that in this case it has. It looks as if I a little over weight – it’s not true I tell you. I will have to teach my wife about camera angles.

A Gentleman of Provence

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.

I know it is now August but this photograph gives me a great deal of pleasure

The gentleness of character of this Gentleman of Provence moved me in a way that is difficult to explain. Perhaps I wish to exude the same gentleness.

Statue

Dianne will no doubt recognise this photo as well! Taken on the walkway around the Toulouse Lautrec museum garden that borders the River Tarn.

I also enjoy this lovely spot in the grounds of what used to be the Palais de la Berbie.

Albi garden walkway

It has cooled down a lot in France even in the south. In fact there has been a drop in some places as much as 15°C. This evening it is quite fresh and I thought I may have to put a jersey on while out for a little walk.

This photograph is of the covered walkway around the garden next to the Toulouse Lautrec museum in Albi very nice on a hot summer’s day.

I don’t think we have too much to worry about as the temperatures are to be back to normal in the next few days.

Ghislaine Minervois

We had a lovely break in the Aude area of France last year, or was it the year before?

You will know from my photo blog I have lots of photographs I have taken at different times on our vacations in France and this was taken on one such vacation.

This is just north of Narbonne in an area called Minervois on the side of the canal du Midi.

Shop Front

A shop front in the 13th century bastide town of L'Isle sur Tarn, France.

I don't think the shop is as old as that but it has some nice wood carving surrounding the overcrowded windows

Luca Sitting

Another update from deepest France about our grandson. Our grandson Luca now 6 months old is begining to sit up on his own.

For those of you that look at my photo blog you will know that from time to time I post a photograph taken by his Mum or Dad so that we are able to keep up with his progress.

Reinette

I have wanted to post this photograph for a while. It wasn't taken at Réal and is part of a little silde show on flickr that I have linked to before.

This little fellow though he was hiding in the fold of a leaf and enjoyed himslef when I watered the plant.

It's name in French is Reinette and again it was taken with my little Minolta digital.

Tractor man

Right in the middle of good farm land and lots of tractors, most of the hay cutting has been done now and I took this photograph a couple of weeks ago in the field next to us.

Radio GaGa

There is an abandoned farmhouse not very far from us. In one of the buildings next to the house are a number of old farming tools and this old radio.

There it sits gathering dust and cobwebs but every time I pass by I have a look because it reminds me of my Grandmother and the radio she used to sit and listen to.

Ah memories.

A Bug

More than a little late today with my post!

This is my one of competition. If anybody can name this bug by tomorrow they will receive a post card all the way from Réal.

Yes I know other folks are doing this but I just wanted to do it this one time.

Anybody know?

Cordes Cat

This little pussy cat was photographed in the village of Cordes sur Ciel, in the Tarn district.

Signs of the Times

I wanted to show one of the bridges over the river Tarn. All along this part of the river there are a number of suspension bridges.

This one is at the village of Bessieres just now the road from us. I saw all these different signs and thought it made for a very nice confusing picture – the heat must definitely be getting to me!

Ghislaine

I know that the weather all over Europe is sizzling in a heat wave conditions, and as I see on other photo blogs we are not the only ones.

Got to get into the swimming pool to cool off, my wife may do me a lot of bodily harm for posting this photograph, but at least she is having fun!

Luca Brighton

Not from Réal, or even a photograph taken in France, but as I have posted photographs of our grandson Luca before I thought I would give an update of how he is doing.

He looks to be doing fine on a weekend trip to Brighton with his Mum. There is a chance we will get to see Luca again when he may come back to France in September, along with his parents of course. In the meantime it is great to see his progress with weekly photographs.

Photographer unknown - but I think can say it is a friend of Luca!

Church of Saint Michel

The interior of the church of Saint Michel at Gaillac, not to many takers for the coolness or anything else for that matter.

It is nice to wander round these lovely old places and feel the history that surrounds whilst doing so, and as Dianne mentioned yesterday the wine of Gaillac that can be had next door makes for a pleasant detour.

Gaillac

Apart from shopping malls and air conditioned cars one of the other places to go to get some respite from the heat are churches.

Yes it is still hot; in fact it seems to be getting hotter draining all energy from everyone.

This is the lovely church of St. Michel at the side of the river Tarn in the town of Gaillac about 30 minutes drive from us, and yes it is nice and cool inside.

Albi

We did have a storm last night and a little rain and it refreshed the air a little while, but we are back to hot, hot, hot.

Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun as well as the odd photographer. This deserted street in Albi, Capital town of the Tarn, shows the shutters are closed and no one is moving.

Time for an ice cream and a cool drink.

Guard Dog

In the old village of Puycelci there is and artist’s house. This rather imposing and perhaps intimidating guard dog sit above the entrance which is closed and only allow visitors a fleeting glance through the closed gate of other sculptures that lie within.

Whilst I am writing this there is a rain storm passing overhead bringing the much need rain. Thunder rattles round about and lighting flashing can be seen from time to time. It is not as violent as some of the storms we have had here and for now we welcome the rain. We are all hoping when the sun shines again the temperatures will not be quite so high!

Sunset Clouds

Still no sign of the storms that have been forecast for at least three days now, we have seen them pass by, either to the south or the north and experienced electricity cuts, but nothing much in the way of rain.

The daytime temperature in the shade has remained at 38°C again today and we are wilting in this heat.

Another nice cloud shot taken from the garden looking west – where the stroms are supposed to be coming from – perhaps tonight!

Storm clouds

I took this photograph about 15 minutes ago. The sun is setting and the storm clouds and gathering for the second night in a row.

We could do with rain and we could do with the temperature dropping about 10°C it has been another day with heat wave conditions and highs of 38°C.

We also keep having the electricity cuts so I am going to post this quick and shut down the computer.

Franche Comte

Another cheesy shot from the Monday market at Bessieres about 8 klms from us. We will be off to the market again tomorrow.

I love French markets, the produce that is available and chit chat that goes on. Lots of fun and of course excellent cheeses, fruits and lots more, or you can wander round, not buy anything and soak up the atmosphere.

Crevettes

I love taking photos of people at their work. The great chat that goes on is always fun.

We used to buy Crevettes (prawns) for us but since Billy the cat had one a few years ago we only get them for her now.

It is her special treat once a week. Lucky cat.

Bastille Day

It is French National day here, and I am working in the garden. It should be a holiday, but it seems only Billy the cat has the right idea.

It is hot outside so she is resting before taking a stroll this evening.

Wasp Sting

I am way late posting today. Still in the garden and very busy. I think I need a vacation/holiday.

I got stung by a wasp the other day, the first time since I was a kid and it hurt I can tell you.

There are lots of little wasp 'nests' like this around the garden and I usually leave nature alone which I did when photographing this one. I have to add I was not stung by this fellow, it was when I was clearing some rubbish away.

Walking on lettuce

I am having to post images that I have taken before, summer is getting to be a busy time and I am not getting time to get out with my camera. This image was taken in the garden with what I refer to as ‘my little digital.’ A Minolta Dimage Xt, no longer made and I believe that Minolta has been taken over by Sony now.

I am always surprised at the quality of the images even although there is no macro and it really is a point and shoot camera.

If anyone is interested in seeing a slide show of some more photographs taken with this little wonder have a look at this slide show on flickr,
a stroll in the garden.

Sunflower Trio

I just had to post another sunflower photograph. The countryside now has whole fields of yellow round heads and it is an impressive sight.

I will say this is from a series of photograph that I did some time ago but I wanted to share once again one of those images that is synonymous with the south of France and I am living in the middle of all this lovely colour.

The Village of Puycelci

A nice bit of open plan terrace in the ancient picturesque village of Puycelci, just what need in the 35°C heat we are having at the moment.

It is a little hot in the south of France again, but I am not really complaining.

Michael and Kerstin

I wanted to post this photograph today. It is of our German friends Michael and Kerstin who came to visit us along with Kerstin’s sister Ute back in May. We had all had a great time together and it was a very special occasion as Michael and I initially met by being part of the same internet forum on website development and related subjects and this was the first time we all met in person.

The reason for posting this photograph today is to thank the German people, (yes I know that is rather grand of me) for being such wonderful hosts for the Football World Cup. Germany has third place and today France and Italy play the final. As I live in France and my wife is French I am hoping France will be the winners.

Football fever is running high in all three countries I think, and when I have watched TV interviewers ask either French or Italian supporters ‘Who do you think will win?’ the answer has always been, (if you are Italian) ‘may the best team win – as long as it is Italy.’

So of course I have to say, ‘may the best team win – as long as it is France.’

We will know soon enough……………

Monsieur Blazy

Nous n’avons pas L’ADSL mais nous avons un très bon garagiste.

The Question ;

Avoir L’ADSL et un mauvais garagiste, quelle est la priorité !

Nous préférons Monsieur Blazy a Rabastens.

We have yet to get ADSL (broadband) in our area but all around us it is available and I will tell anybody who wants to listen, even our local garagiste, and above my wife wrote;

We do not have broadband but we have a great garage mechanic.

The question; what would we prefer broadband or a good garage mechanic, what is our priority?

We prefer Mr Blazy in Rabastens, one of the villages close to us.

Although I do have to say as long as my car is going fine I really do want broadband.

Market Wine

Football World Cup fever has taken grip in France. France and Italy play in the final on Sunday.

I am not a real football fan but I am caught up in the fever and of course I hope that France win. We will know on Sunday who is to be the winner.

In the meantime with all the celebrating going on I thought I would offer you all a drink from the local market. Roll up. Roll up. Have a bottle if you want.

Chemin des Voleurs

Just struck me as a really funny sign must be the dark side of me. It means thieves path, or thieves’ alleyway. Taken in one of those old French villages that surround us – must have been a lot of thieves around in bygone days, or maybe it is a new sign.

Who knows, but I liked it

Magic Bus

This is a shot from the Monday market at Bessieres about 8 klms from us, and every Monday the Magic Bus is there. I believe we would have called it a Iron Mongers (sp) in the UK in days gone by.

The sides of the bus open up revealing everything from watering cans to sky hooks – axes, nuts, bolts garden tools etc. You name it they seem to have it.

Once again I am amazed at what gems can be found in this lovely country.

Sunflowers

Temperatures are rising and it is getting hot in the south of France. The green of spring has now been replaced with yellow – that is depending when you go out and the sun low in the sky. The grain fields are being harvested and there are areas covered with magnificent sunflowers.

Before ever visiting the south of France sunflowers were one of those images of France that I would dream about seeing in full living colour, now they are all around me.

This photograph was one that I have had for a while but I wanted to post it as it shows those lazy hazy days of summer.

Happy Fourth of July to all my American friends.

Not Le Tour de France

On a very quiet road very near to where we live we were surprised by all these bikes racing towards us.

There was an all terrain bike race going on so our normal Sunday walk which usually is very calm presented us with a reminder that Le Tour de France had already begun. This was not it of course and I wondered how these guys were managing to keep going in temperatures which were about 35°C

Another sporting event to keep us in front of the TV.

Boys and girls and animals

When we were all having fun drinking wine and stuffing out mouths full of good French food kids of course know how to get away and have their own fun.

I though this was a lovely shot for a lazy Sunday. I was taken last Sunday during our celebration.

This Sunday in the south of French it has warmed up to a sizzler - it is hot.

Billy the Cat

This is the other light of our life – Billy the Cat. We found her abandoned at the side of the road about five years ago as a little bundle of fur. She survived the first night and has been with us ever since. She has traveled as far as Portugal and the UK.

Just now she is looking to see if it is really worth chasing after that bird that just flew by.