A Summer in Provence 2013 by A Summer in Provence

Free

Out and about Gastronomy Entertainment Discovery

Museums

Practical ideas

Market…

Luberon Gordes,

A jewel in Luberon

Alpilles

Saint-Rémy,

Land of Art and History

Pays d’Aix Eguilles

The outstanding garden

Pays Salonais Pelissanne

Bèn vengudo à Pelissano N° 2 - 2013 - Provence - 40

000 copies - Free

Provence | Traditional Fare |

Traditional Provençal markets If there is one thing that the Alpilles, the Aix region, the Luberon and the Salon region all have in common it’s the weekly market; virtually every town and village has a morning market. Local fruit and vegetables, traditional crafts, olive oil, honey … the fare on every stand more mouth-watering than the last. Make a point of visiting one! By Anne-Sophie Sourd

Where to find the main markets: Monday morning: Luberon: Cadenet, Cavaillon, Lauris, Velleron Alpilles: Fontvieille, Saint-Etienne du Grès Aix region: Les Milles, Luynes Tuesday morning: Luberon: Cucuron, Gordes, Lacoste Alpilles: Cabannes, Rognonas, Tarascon Aix region: Aix-en-Provence, Eguilles Salon region: Alleins, Eyguières Wednesday morning: Luberon: Le Thor, Gargas Alpilles: Mollégès, Mouriès, Orgon, Saint-Rémy de Provence Aix region: Aix-en-Provence, Meyrargues Salon region: Mallemort, Salon de Provence Thursday morning: Luberon: L’Isle sur la Sorgue, Ménerbes, Robion, Roussillon Alpilles: Aureille, Maillane, Maussane les Alpilles, Noves Aix region: Aix-en-Provence, La Roque d’Anthéron Salon region: Sénas

Friday morning: Luberon: Bonnieux, Cavaillon, Lourmarin, Lagnes Alpilles: Barbentane, Eygalières, Eyragues, Fontvieille, Graveson, Saint-Andiol Aix region: Aix-en-Provence, Eguilles, Lambesc Salon region: Eyguières, Mallemort, Salon de Provence Saturday morning: Luberon: Apt, Cheval Blanc, Le Thor, Ménerbes, Oppède, Petit Palais Alpilles: Cabannes, Saint-Rémy de Provence Aix region: Aix-en-Provence, Venelles Salon region: Salon de Provence, Charleval, Miramas Sunday morning: Luberon: L’Isle sur la Sorgue, Maubec, Coustellet Alpilles: Châteaurenard Aix region: Jouque, Aix-en-Provence, Vitrolles, Meyrargues Salon region: Pélissanne, Salon de Provence

SUMMER IN PROVENCE Directeur de la publication, gérant : Nicolas Coissard Rédacteurs : Anne-Sophie Sourd, Eric Morichaud, Rémi Lacassin Traduction : Irene Chalmers Preire Crédits photos : X Impression : Rotimpres Rédaction-Publicité : 06 09 98 67 49 - 06 63 75 06 96 Publicité et communication : Béatrice Bettinelli, Le Journal des Alpilles : www.journaldesalpilles.fr Nadine Lefebvre Marseille, Le Journal du Luberon : www.journalduluberon.fr Isabelle Righi, Le journal du Pays Salonais : www.journaldupayssalonais.fr Lionel Matteoda, Le Journal des Aixois : www.journaldesaixois.fr 44, rue Lafayette - 13 300 Salon de Provence sont édités par la SARL de presse Aurélia Editions, au capital de 1500 euros. RCS B 419 512 918

Editorial

resh fruit and vegetables as far as the eye can see. Being dependent on the changing seasons and harvests, Producers on Provençal markets sell what they gathered that morning – produce that looks as good as it tastes … Melons, apricots, peaches, nectarines … lettuce, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onions, garlic, shallots … all the basic elements for Provençal cooking. Visit the butcher’s stand where they sell chickens roasted to perfection. Stop at the fishmonger’s too and see vociferous salesmen of Mediterranean fish. Colors, aromas, the whole atmosphere is an experience … There is nothing quite like a market to awaken your senses because there is just so much to take in! Arts and crafts, fine fare - all of the Provençal customs and traditions congregate on town and village squares as with the market on Wednesday mornings in Salon de Provence or the one in Saint-Rémy, also on Wednesdays. There is a major market in Aix-en-Provence on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays on the Place Verdun and the Place Prêcheur and the lesser known, but nevertheless gourmet, market of the Petit Palais every Saturday morning.

By Anne-Sophie Sourd

You know you’re in Provence if … The sky is blue and cloud-free because of gusts from the wind we call le Mistral Le Mistral is, in fact, blowing and can bend trees The perfume of lavender, thyme and rosemary fill the air The cicadas sing their mating song as soon as the weather turns fine The heat can be so overpowering that you prefer to sit in the shade of a pine tree or near a cool fountain Café terraces fill with groups of friends at apéritif time Enjoy your trip to Provence, land of cultures and discoveries, of fine fare and experience at the service of good manners… ASS

The top 5 Marseille-Provence 2013 events As European cultural capital for 2013, Marseille has chosen to invite all of Provence to participate in the experience. Since 12th January, several thousand events have already taken place in our region with the broadest selection of programs imaginable: dance, paintings, music, gourmet events, hikes, historical events, shows, museums and the list goes on! So as the festival season is in full swing, here is our top 5 for you whether you are just curious, well-informed or a real enthusiast! the public into an epic saga. Their next shows are on 6th July in Martigues, on 9th and 10th August in Port-Saint-Louis du Rhône, from 4th to 7th September in Marseille (Château d’If), from 13th to 16th November in Aix-en-Provence and, finally, on 31st December in Istres. Entwining space and time, Révélations by Groupe F – omnipresent on the international scene – weaves artistic trails, fascinating and perceptive paths.

“Révélations” - the saga From the banks of the Rhone to the calanques of Cassis, from the Château d’If to the Venetian canals of Martigues, from the fountains of Aix to the shores of the Etang de Berre, Groupe F (based in Mas Thibert near Arles) skillfully employs fire, fireworks, images and music to draw

MuCEM

Festins de Méditerranée

Somewhere between the sky and the sea at the entrance to the Vieux-Port in Marseille, this national museum sketches a line where two banks of the Mediterranean meet. It is a 21st century civilization museum of 40 000 m2 built on 3 sites, J4, the Fort Saint-Jean and the Centre de Conservation et de Ressources. One exhibition that is not to be missed is “Le Noir et le Bleu, un Rêve Méditerranéen” (Black and Blue, a Mediterranean dream). The two colors symbolize light and shade, the concept of civilization and its opposite which justifies violence and conquest. The exhibition is a 12-episode voyage of fantasies and symbols of the Mediterranean; a voyage that draws together paintings, sculptures, photos and contemporary facilities, books, manuscripts, archive images, documentaries, fiction …

Festins de Méditerranée will take place in seven different places, providing a moment where you can share a unique meal dreamt up by chefs for 600 guests gathered around them, farmers, associations, locals, foodies, schools... Each event will have its theme, its star product, and each event will hear a story told. Street cooking, workshops (taste, wild plants, wine, produce, etc.), debates on modern-day food and eating, musical apéritif events will take place during these days dedicated to the sharing of food. Next, after Aubagne, Gardanne and Istres, will be Port-de-Bouc (21st and 22nd June, “retour de pêche” – “fisherman’s return”), Salon de Provence (7th July, “le bonheur est dans le pré” – “food from the fields”), Arles (3rd August, “ la guinguette des Deltas” – “food and dance music”) and Saint-Rémy de Provence (13th October, “un dimanche sous les oliviers” – “Sunday in the shade of the olive trees”).

www.mucem.org

Grand Atelier du Midi There are two parts to the exhibition, one in the Palais Longchamp (a fine-art museum) and the other in the musée Granet in Aix-en-Provence, bringing together nearly 200 works of art dating from 1880 and 1950-1960. Starting with two figureheads of modern painting, namely Vincent Van Gogh et Paul Cézanne, the works on show set out to explain how the South, in the broadest sense of the word, from Northern Spain to Northern Italy with a few inroads into North Africa, was an incredible laboratory for the development of modernity in the world of painting. Among the other artists on show are Monet, Picasso, Matisse, Renoir, Dali, Bonnard, Braque, Signac, Soutine, Vallotton, Dufy, Camoin, Derain, Manguin, Gauguin, Man Ray, and Modigliani. Open until 13th October. www.grandpalais.fr/fr/evenement/le-grand-atelier-du-midi

Contemporary art tour in the Camargue A free, travelling festival, “Envies Rhônements” offers you a trip through the exceptional landscapes of the Rhône delta (lakes, lagunas, woods, riverbanks, coast …) until mid-October. Each of the participant artists will take an insightful yet quirky look at the place they chose to present, in plastic structures that tempt us to visit the Camargue differently, to explore rare and magnificent nature spots (Domaine de la Palissade, Marais du Verdier, Bois François, Plage Napoléon, les Marais du Vigueirat…). The program for this 12th edition of the festival (28th July- 89th August) combines live shows, artistic performances, workshops. It is an excellent opportunity to wander along the Rhône Delta (Salin de Giraud, Sambuc, Port Saint-Louis, Mas Thibert). 3

All the latest information on Marseille Provence 2013 can be found on www.mp2013.fr and in Pavillon M (place Bargemon, behind the town hall, in Marseille)

Perched Villages in the | Luberon |

[11]

[5] [2]

[3]

[10]

[8]

[4] [7]

1 Ansouis

[6]

In the heart of the Pays d'Aigues, with both the Grand Luberon and the Durance River on the horizon, this perched village is crowned by a thousand-yearold castle. In the Middle Ages, Ansouis was in the perfect place to control the road between Aix-en-Provence and Apt. Today, this well-preserved village still has the magnificent castle (former property of the Sabran family). To reach the castle, cross the square and follow the small streets of beautifully restored houses; some of these date as far back as the 15th and 17th centuries.

[9] [1]

2 Gordes

Gordes is proud to be one of the most beautiful villages in France, with paved streets winding between tall houses built on the very rock and clinging to the hillside in an atmosphere of history and legend. In the surrounding countryside, Gordes also has a view over the Village des Bories (curious round dry-stone buildings), the abbaye de Sénanque in its lush green valley, the Moulin des Bouillons, and the Palais Saint Firmin cellars.

9 Lauris

Lauris is a little known treasure in the Luberon and is well worth a visit. It sits on a rocky hilltop overlooking the Durance valley and combines the charm of a typical Provençal village with the energy of a young community that has all mod cons. Lauris is proud of its history and heritage and is the very image of what you’d expect from a Provençal village – fountains, shaded lanes, traditions.

3 Roussillon

Here in Provence, between the Luberon and the Monts de Vaucluse, glows Roussillon in an ochre-colored light. It is classed as one of the most beautiful villages in France and is quite unique. It lies on the biggest deposit of ochre in the world and displays this in an extraordinary range of flamboyant colors. Strolling through the lanes and up and down steps, contemplating the often simple and naturally beautiful houses, you cannot help but admire the results of ancient art work. This is a place where man has merged naturally into the magnificence of his surroundings.

10 Oppède le Vieux

Greatly marked by History with a capital H, Oppède-le-Vieux has weathered the centuries and bears the traces of their passing. High on a crag, the remains of a Medaieval castle (“like a grenade that has exploded”) looks into the abyss from the top of sheer cliffs that plunge into a breathtaking canyon. At the foot of the castle, a 360° panorama views the terraces of Ste-Cécile, landscaped gardens and in the distance Mont-Ventoux, the monts de Vaucluse and, on the cliff side, the Luberon.

4 Ménerbes

High on a rocky peak overlooking Luberon vines and garrigues, the citadel and castle of Ménerbes watch over their neighbors. Within the village itself, the streets reveal a rich heritage - residences from the past, the town hall square with its 17th century belltower and belfry … As with many villages in the Luberon, Ménerbes attracted a number of famous artists such as Picasso who had a house here.

5 Venasque

The story of Venasque can be told via the three main monuments, the ramparts, the church and the baptistry. At the foot of Mont Ventoux, hanging on to a crag that overlooks vines, garrigues and cherry trees, are the remains of the former mediaeval village, the ramparts and three Saracen towers. In the heart of the Provençal village are steep streets, houses of honey-colored stone, the Cathedral Church of Notre-Dame and a magnificent baptistery dating from the 11th century.

6 Lourmarin

Lourmarin is situated at the lower end of the channel carved into the Luberon by the Aiquebrun, in a setting of vineyards and olive groves. Streets bordered by fountains wind their way around the Castellas and a charming Romanesque church to lead you to the magnificent castle. The castle was built in the 15th century by the d’Agoult family and houses a rich collection of furniture and works of art. The village attracted many artists including Henri Bosco and Albert Camus, both buried in the small cemetery. For further information contact the tourist information bureau - Tel: 04 90 68 10 77

11 Murs

7 Lacoste

Take a walk through the narrow streets steeped in history and admire the remains of the Marquis de Sade’s castle (restored by designer Pierre Cardin), the mediaeval remains and the stone houses. Right in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon, Lacoste has a lot to offer – hiking in the Forêt des Cèdres, cycling routes, events, art galleries, wine tasting … Despite being quite cosmopolitan the village maintains local traditions and the locals have welcomed and integrated numerous artists and sculptors.

8 Bonnieux

This village is known for its two churches, its ramparts, its former town hall (the Hôtel de Rouvil), its charming streets and numerous old buildings, all of which give Bonnieux quite a unique cachet. Besides this, in the plain is the Pont Julien, built in the Augustan era (27 BC – 14 AD) on the Domitian Way (known as "camin roumieù" in Provençal) – and on the hilltop, the Forêt des Cèdres, a cool spot in summer. In short, it is a very varied location from both a natural and a historical point of view.

The first thing you notice when you arrive in the village is the restored castle, dating from the 15th century, which overlooks Murs. Then, as you walk through the streets, beside the church is the birthplace of Henry 4th’s famous brother-in-arms, Crillon. The house goes back to the 13th century and has been converted into a small prehistory museum. You could also take a stroll along the "Mur de la Peste" (the plague wall), an astonishing 25 km long dry stone wall that was built in 1721 to protect the Comtat Venaissin from the outbreak of the plague that arrived in Marseille by boat.

communiqué

Gordes | Hôtel***** - Restaurant |

Charm and authenticity at Le Mas des Herbes Blanches

t is a large stone building standing in a purely natural setting like the jewel of Luberon traditional architecture that it is. Le Mas des Herbes Blanches nurtures the authenticity that is specific to Relais & Châteaux establishments. And if the hotel now proudly displays 5 stars placing it high among the leaders of top-notch accommodation in Provence it has nothing to do with chance. Leisureliness, comfortable rooms, suites and apartments looking out over the neighboring hills, charm and peace, all are essential to a high quality stay. Elegance goes hand-in-hand with hospitality, service with availability and attention is paid to every guest with discretion. Enjoy evenings, dinners, lunches, activities or discoveries in one of the “Gourmet”, “Golf”, “Discover Provence”or“Romantic”theme packages. Visit the local splendors and curiosities, excursions in the surrounding areas, hikes, bicycle hire, hot air balloon flights, anything and everything is possible… In and around the hotel, choose from walks through the 5 hec-

also know how to harmonize Luberon, Ventoux, and wines from all over France with specific dishes, how to appreciate local produce, during

summer events and tastings (for further information see the hotel or www.herbesblanches.com).

RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX LE MAS DES HERBES BLANCHES***** tares of garrigue and pine forest in the park, tennis courts, swimming pool, a massage or … a game of pétanque in a lounge bar atmosphere. In the restaurant is gourmet cuisine by emblematic Chef Akhara Chay and pastry Chef Willy Tourrette that invites epicureans to explore a whole new world

of flavors. Discover their creative expression of local cuisine, traditional recipes with a new look, world fare, and more besides. Sample the à la carte menu, the set menus at 38 € and 45 € at lunchtime, a tasting menu (Dégustation) in the evening, and many other variations besides, all imagi-

natively created with fresh produce and authentic flavors, favoring local production and crafted with passion. Find unadulterated savors on the theme of the seasons, the hills, the produce from the region and elsewhere, the Mediterranean and the oceans… At Le Mas des Herbes Blanches, they

Joucas - 84220 Gordes Tel.: 33 (0)4 90 05 79 79 - Fax: 33 (0)4 90 05 71 96 E-mail : reservation@herbesblanches.com Website: www.herbesblanches.com Restaurant open every day. Lunchtime menus at 38€ and 45€, dinner menus at 50€, 65€ and 80€. Tasting menu at 95€. A la carte menu. THE

Airport/high speed train station shuttle. Heliport.

communiqué

Ménerbes | Antiques Modern articles Bazaar chic |

La Vie est Belle rue de la fontaine

ernard Guillon is a showman, an artistic director turned antique dealer and “La vie est belle” (life is good) is his catchphrase. The place itself is remarkable - a 17th century coaching inn as you come into Ménerbes. It is at least as remarkable as the items on show - antiques, modern articles, and bazaar chic objects, all things that are dear to the owner. The owner who asserts his originality and whose daily life is past, present and future… So, on …April 1st, a long and varied offbeat Baroque list of articles and old-fashioned objects diverted from their usual use, futurist objects constantly

being transformed and finally determined by chance encounters, professional furniture, industrial vintage items, lights, paintings, sculptures, Swedish furniture, and also signature pieces, particularly chairs and armchairs designed by Charles Eames, Bertoia, or Pascal Mourgue will be presented. A selection of audacious choices as well as more classical items but always of quality, always with unexpected associations of materials and forms in 60s and 70s styles “evidence of yesteryear and perhaps

LA VIE EST BELLE

also of tomorrow,“as Bernard says. As for the bazaarchic part, the quirky universe of La Vie est Belle is also an (applied) art gallery with knick-knacks, ornaments, and works by selected young creators (passementerie light fittings, wifeframe insects, bags, scented candles …). With a backdrop of a courtyard and dry-stone terraced walls, and now that the fine weather is here, he has a collection of natural furniture and ornaments on show.

Rue de la Fontaine - 84560 Ménerbes – Tel.: 04 90 72 84 69 / 06 19 91 37 91 lavieestbelle@ruedelafontaine.fr - Facebook: lavieestbelleruedelafontaine Open from Tuesday to Saturday and public holidays from 10.30 am to 7 pm.

communiqué

Cavaillon | Watering Systems, Irrigation, Pool, Spa, Tools, Outdoor Furniture |

Selection and quality at le Comptoir de l’Arrosage

or 37 years, le Comptoir de l’Arrosage, a family business, has been supplying their customers with material, repairs, and advice about watering and irrigation systems, pumps, water filtering and treatment with all the seriousness and commitment that you expect from a wellknown local tradesman, and treating every request with care. Their expertise is also associated with numerous ranges of outdoor equipment for pools, spas, gardens, maintenance and recreation. Their quality and expertise can be observed in their showroom and workshop of over 600m2 on the outskirts of Cavaillon on the road to Robion. It’s true to say that when you come here you can be (virtually) certain of finding the right answer, the right part, the material or accessories that are best suited to your needs, due to their

comprehensive offer and helpful knowledge. Designing and installing an integrated watering system, or having it designed here, becomes child’s play. You’ll find pipes, power drips, sprinklers, automatic couplers, self-drilling cocks, and an extensive selection of controllers ranging from the most basic to the most sophisticated by Claber, Rainbird and Hunter, as well as pond pumps and accessories by

ming pool (pool cleaners including hybrid cleaners, maintenance and treatment products, cleaning kits and accessories and alarms by Maytronics) and spa (customizable wooden spa ranges, ready to run by Procopi) areas. For the garden, DIY and outdoor maintenance, le Comptoir de l’Arrosage carries leading brands Bahco for hand tools and edged tools, Matabi for sprayers, Kärcher for their home and professional ranges of high-pressure cleaning, water and dust suction, and window cleaning. Recreation and comfort have not been forgotten on patios, in gardens or on the pool deck with outdoor furniture (suites, chairs, armchairs, tables, coffee tables, bars). Protection from the sun hasn’t been left out either with a large selection of parasols, with central or side posts, large sizes and many colors to choose from for all surroundings.

Agriline. They have pumps for all circumstances, submersible and surface, for waste water and clean water; for water reclamation and storage they have collapsible tanks for all volumes that can also be made to measure. Besides this, there are filtering and water analysis systems for efficient water treatment of UV, algae and bacteria. Still on the subject of water but for recreation, there are extensive swim-

Working hand in hand with agriculture…

After sales and a workshop at your service

Le Comptoir de l'arrosage works with market gardeners, tree growers, nurserymen, municipalities and associations to design and maintain their watering, irrigation, pumping, power drip, micro sprinkling and frost protection systems. Their compact and efficient professional filtering equipment is worth a visit.

Sales are important but so are maintenance and repairs. Le Comptoir de l’Arrosage has experienced professionals at your service to take care of the equipment you bought whether here or elsewhere. They also have a large store of parts and supplies for swift action even for older equipment.

LE COMPTOIR DE L'ARROSAGE

84300 Cavaillon - Tel.: 04 90 78 26 22 - Fax: 04 90 76 29 64 E-mail: cptarrosage@free.fr - Website: www.comptoirdelarrosage.com From Monday to Saturday from 8 am to noon and from 2pm to 6 pm THE

Free estimate. CB and American Express accepted. Online store

communiqué

Robion | Objects and accessories |

Originalife will surprise you to simplify your life

his is a place where curiosity is not a bad thing … Be yourself, be unique… The minute you set foot inside the tone is set. This is what Originalife is all about. The shop is in the heart of Robion and is just bursting with things that are fun, practical, and original for young and old alike and also for the home. ”It wasn’t easy finding original things for children in the kitchen so we decided to go against everything we saw elsewhere. We started on the Internet in November 2012 thanks to my brother, Sébastien Boria, and then we opened the store in April,” explains Virginie Eymard who manages the family business with her husband Olivier. It’s just that Originalife is not an Ali Baba’s cavern … You choose the type of consumer you are, you don’t just make do… “We want to make people want to discover quality goods with our code of ethics. The idea is to pleasantly surprise them,” they tell us. Their approa-

fitted by the managers themselves, can be found all sorts of entertaining and educational games for children (bags, photo albums, world maps, etc.) and kitchen and pastry-making accessories for adults. And there again, we go from surprise to surprise, fresh ch tends towards the environmentally responsible, no toxic substances in their kitchen utensils, lots of wood and organic cotton. Priority is given to brands that are ethically com-

mitted (fair trade, recycled products, etc.) which doesn’t, in any way, change the quality of their products. Au contraire! “We have cardboard playhouses for children that need neither

scissors nor glue to assemble them. You fold them and assemble them by hand,” says Olivier Eymard. On the Original life shelves, made from wooden slats (denailed pallets) and 6

ORIGINALIFE

lemon sprays, pizza slicers, table mats, kitchen knives. Everyday objects come to life here. “We’re here to make everyday life easier,” ends the young couple who originally came from Cavaillon et Mollégès before settling in Robion.

12, avenue de Provence - 84440 Robion Tel.: 04 90 78 06 47 - www.originalife.com Open from Tuesday to Saturday and on public holidays from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm.

communiqué

Bonnieux | Domaine de Capelongue - Stays and Fine Fare |

Share a moment with Edouard Loubet As you discover the many hilltop villages throughout the Luberon, Bonnieux is one that stands out and will bring back the happiest and most original memories, of your visit and dinner at the Domaine de Capelongue. Immersed in world of seasonal and local produce, of garrigue and golden stone, where refinement goes hand-in-hand with simplicity, and luxury with hospitality welcome to the world of Edouard Loubet, two-star and 5-toque chef, a “craftsman in love with nature”.

Charm and discovery during your stay … During the summer when the hills are decked with autumnal colours, the Domaine de Capelongue entices you to come for the weekend or indeed stay a while longer, whether enjoying a little peace and privacy or bringing the whole family. The Maisons d'Edouard Loubet reserve a welcome for you that is as refined as it is hospitable, as charming as it is genuine and perfectly located for exploring the Forêt des cèdres, the history of the Bories, the Via Domitia, the Pont Julien, ochres, the traditions and appeal and treasures of the surrounding villages. Bastide de Capelongue:This is a traditional Provençal building where sunshine and shade play upon the stone. It is a place of relaxation and well-being, combining all the services of a Relais & Châteaux hotel with care and consideration for every guest in a blend of sincerity and simplicity. The place feels like a home where you can enjoy your breakfast with a morning view of the Luberon, or savor the moment of a long aperitif in the setting sun; a place where you can discuss tastes and flavors with the chef or swim in a pool surrounded by lavender and olive trees (Charme, Supérieure or Luxe rooms from 140 to 380€ per night for two).

In the kitchen, pure expression of flavors… "In every dish, I endeavor to reveal that authentic taste that awakens my childhood memories and dreams". Edouard Loubet likes to cultivate his garden both literally and figuratively. Herbs, what is good, what is beautiful, the hillsides, garrigues and woodlands all inspire him as much as the daily market and fresh seasonal produce … whatever the season!

Ferme de Capelongue: This is an elegant and prestigious guest residence, nestling in greenery, where the former sheep barn and dovecots have been converted to studios, apartments and suites offering refined comfort in the heart of a nature spot. Relax beside the lap pool, or go for a walk in the hills, this is an ideal opportunity to get to know the real Luberon (from 180 €/night, 1 095 € per week).

Restaurant gastronomique Edouard Loubet: His is the table of a veritable epicurean, a true disciple of Mother Nature, a lover of flavors arising from the very essence of produce. He is imaginative, creates dishes on an impulse, from a memory, from a sudden desire to combine flavors. Born in Savoie and now in his beloved Provence, he is as much a lover of truffles as of those simpler tastes from far and wide. He changes the menu every month and a half. The à la carte menu and exceptional set menus (such as the “déjeuner” menu) can be enjoyed with the same pleasure (set menus at 58 €, 70 €, 140 € and 190 €, A la carte menu).

The same incomparable atmosphere can also be found at Galinier de Lourmarin, an authentic 18th century bastide (800 € for 2 to 15 000 € for 12 for 2 weeks).

Le 4 Months, shades of summer... From June to September the summer restaurant at the Ferme de Capelongue offers light, sun-drenched food you can enjoy at the poolside, facing the hills. Refreshing fruity creations, light salads, grilled fish and meat, pizza with truffles, here is instant cuisine, picnic style or lengthy aperitif, served from noon to 5 pm (set menus at 32€, daily choices from 25€). La Table du Chef ! Eat in the kitchen at a long wooden table, be a part of a quite particular atmosphere and witness the effervescence of a brigade, observe the service, maybe learn a few cooking tips … Edouard Loubet opens his kitchen wide to you! There is also the possibility of workshops on a theme with lunch and a lesson on wine and food pairing.

DOMAINE DE CAPELONGUE Les Claparèdes - Chemin des Cabannes - 84480 Bonnieux - Tel.: 04 90 75 89 78 - reservation@capelongue.com - www.capelongue.com All the news about The Domaine de Capelongue, the thematic party's and week end's in http://www.petit-journal-en-luberon.com 7

Teen | foods | you really must try Aioli Aioli is a sauce made with garlic and olive oil. The traditional version of the recipe does not contain eggs but, as it is very difficult to blend oil and garlic alone, most cooks today add another liquid to help make an emulsion – usually an egg yolk or lemon juice. Aioli is an essential element in a traditional dish of salt cod and boiled vegetables.

Cavaillon melons Cavaillon is the undisputed capital of the melon. The fruit takes pride of place in many restaurants in the town and is promoted by the Confrérie des Chevaliers de l'Ordre du Melon. At the beginning of July, there is a melon festival in Cavaillon. The “melon de Cavaillon” is one of the most popular fruits in summer in the south of France.

Bread and olive oil Whether you choose wholegrain, corn, linseed and poppy seed, farmhouse or quite simply a baguette, bread bought fresh that morning should be eaten alone or with a few drops of olive oil at aperitif time. Bread is part of meals here all year round, from breakfast to dinner and including snack time.

Artichauts à la barigoule

Gibassier A gibassier may be dry or moist and is composed of flour, olive oil, aniseed, sugar, salt and water. It is one of the 13 deserts traditionally eaten at Christmas dinner. It can, however, be found in baker’s shops in Provence all year round.

Anchoïade

Anchoïade is both the name of the sauce and of the dish. The sauce is made This tiny shellfish lives on the seashowith anchovies, capers, olive oil and garlic. The re under a few centimeters of wet dish is composed of raw sand. Once the sand has been removegetables that are in ved they can be eaten raw, poaseason, sliced or diced, ched or with chopped parsley ready to be dipped in the and garlic. sauce and eaten.

This is a Provençal recipe based on small springtime artichokes, tomatoes, onions and garlic, and Parma ham, which goes nicely with a glass of white wine.

Tellines

Green or black tapenade with your aperitif Black tapenade is a sort of cream made with black olives, capers, and anchovy fillets. The green version is made with green olives to which ground almonds or pine nuts have been added. They can be served as canapés (particularly with aperitifs), spread on bread, or as a dip for vegetable sticks. They can also be used as stuffing for poultry.

Soupe au pistou Soupe au pistou is a soupe made with summer vegetables and pasta served with a pistou sauce (a mixture of garlic, olive oil and chopped basil). As is the case for many recipes, every family and every cook has their own method. Generally speaking, the basic ingredients for the soup are beans (green, white and red), zucchini, potatoes and tomatoes.

Carpentras strawberries The strawberry festivals in Carpentras and then in Velleron announce the start of the strawberry season. Several exceptional varieties are grown in Provence; pajaro, ciflorette and gariguette… They can be eaten alone, with a little sugar, or with whipped cream. Pastry cooks and confectioners appreciate this exquisite fruit and make its aroma last longer as candied fruit or in jam. 8

communiqué

Gargas | Hôtel de prestige***** & Restaurants |

a Coquillade reopened last month promising another first-rate summer season of relaxation and indulgence. The wine tourism hotel complex reveals a new décor, as superlative as ever. “Le Bistrot” is now in a new location facing the vines and the Luberon, with an entirely new ambiance; it has a local feel with emphasis on fresh seasonal produce, organic fruit and vegetables from the kitchen garden and a cuisine bursting with sunshine. Summer evenings can be enjoyed in“Le Jardin dans les Vignes”. Lunch and dinner at La Coquillade offer the temptations of the gourmet and the à la carte menus at the Michelin-starred restaurant, “Le Gourmet”. You will find the quintessence of a cuisine as devoted to originality as tradition in the lunchtime (38€, drinks not included), Decouverte and Prestige menus. Not only is it a taste experience but it is also a break. Staying at La Coquillade gives you the opportunity to enjoy a certain art of entertaining where hospitality goes

Changes, relaxation and culinary delights at la Coquillade a point of visiting the “Provence Cycling Paradise” where you can buy accessories and clothing. You can also hire

one of their exceptional bicycles for a tour into the Luberon.

An evening at La Coquillade… Thursday 20th June: “Soirée Champagne” with Taittinger. An exceptional diner with Champagne “grands crus” Menu at 110 € (Champagne & beverage included) Friday 28th June: “Soirée Rose” in the Jardin dans les Vignes! To celebrate the 2013 opening of the Jardin dans les Vignes, La Coquillade and the Aureto vineyards present the much awaited “Soirée Rose”. A convivial evening focused on the Aureto rosé wines and hosted by the Aureto team. It is highly recommended to wear pink for the event! Menu at 48 €, wine included. Reservations at 04 90 74 74 71.

LA COQUILLADE DEMEURE DE PRESTIGE***** hand-in-hand with elegance, authenticity with comfort, charm with luxury, relaxation with discovery, and leisure with well-being. They hold workshops where you can

discover the wines from the Aureto domain (with or without a meal), learn about the art of wine-growing in the vineyards, enjoy the pool and the relaxation areas, or practice sport – there

really is something for everyone. Cycling enthusiasts, whether they prefer on road or all-terrain bicycles, will naturally want to see the new 2013 top-of-the-range BMC bicycles. Make

Access for persons of reduced mobility Car park for guests Hameau le Perrotet - 84400 Gargas – Tel.:+33(0)490 74 71 71 info@coquillade.fr - www.coquillade.fr GPS: 043° 52.81' N, 005° 19.02' E THE

Relais & Châteaux and a Michelin-starred restaurant!

communiqué

L’Isle sur la Sorgue | Hair Salon |

n a woman’s life, her wedding day is the most beautiful day. Sandrine Haxaire puts her talent at the disposal of every “queen of the day” delving into her experience and creativity … Because people come from a long way away and the weather isn’t always perfect, Coiffeurs et Cætera,L’Isle en Scène take part in

Coiffeurs et Cætera, L’Isle en Scène for the most beautiful day of your life this event by making your life just that little simpler. Sandrine has over 17 years of expertise in hair styling for ceremonies, weddings, special events, beauty parties: braided hair, tied-back hair, glamorous curls, chic and trendy styles. She and her team of 5 will go wherever you wish to have your hair done,

your make-up applied or your scalp massaged. “We can come to your hotel or your home to give your family or friends (if you wish) a moment of VIP treatment,”explains this dynamic manager. “A large number of future brides choose our region to get married and that’s why we have adapted our services to their needs.”

After a preliminary meeting or the exchange of several emails, Sandrine Haxaire and her team efficiently deal with all the details before the big day. Whether you are there a week or just a few days before your wedding, Coiffeurs et Cætera, L’Isle en Scène, will be there to make your dreams come true.

Attention, guidance, and thoughtfulness are their watchwords. The manager, as the true professional she is, follows training courses abroad,

particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom and Italy and has done so for many years.

Coiffeurs et Cætera, L’Isle en Scène a friendly hair salon worth visiting With over 30 years of experience, Sandrine Haxaire has raised hairstyling to an art. A team of professionals focused on, and attentive to, the client await you in her salon in L’Isle sur la Sorgue, Coiffeurs et Cætera, L’Isle en Scène. Thanks to a highly-skilled team, each client at Coiffeurs et Cætera benefits from a unique proposal that is adapted to their lifestyle as well as their personality also the extensive opening hours (open on Fridays until midnight). By reservation only.

COIFFEURS ET CÆTERA, L’ISLE EN SCÈNE

Sandrine Haxaire 231, cours Emile Zola - 84800 L’Isle sur la Sorgue Tel.: 04 90 20 70 04 sandrinehaxaire@gmail.com Open on Mondays from 9 am to 4 pm. Open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 am to 7 pm. Open on Fridays from 9 am to midnight. THE

Open on Friday evenings until midnight. www.coiffeursetcaetera.com

Five stages in the Tour de France This year, after starting in Corsica for the very first time, the Tour de France will celebrate the 100th edition of the race with seven stages across Provence (Cagnes-sur-Mer - Marseille on 3rd July, Aix-en-Provence - Albi on 4th July, Givors - Mont-Ventoux on 14th July, rest day in the Vaucluse on 15th July, Vaison-la-Romaine - Gap on 16th July, Embrun - Chorges on 17th July and, finally, Gap - L’Alpe d’Huez on 18th July). Let’s take a look at the top 5 places that have indelibly marked the history of the Tour. MONT-VENTOUX… Also called “the Giant of Provence”, Mont Ventoux reaches an altitude of 1911 meters and can be climbed from both sides. On the northern side, starting at Bedoin, via the Mont-Serein ski resort, the vegetation is lush and green. On the southern side, starting at Malaucène via the Chalet Reynard, it’s quite a different situation with gusts of wind blowing over the rocks earning it the name of “the bald mountain”. There is also a lesser used route on the eastern side that starts in Sault. In 1967, Tom Simpson, a British cyclist collapsed and died while climbing it. He was exhausted by the effort, the heat and … doping. Fortunately, there are many other, happier stories about the mountain. Richard Virenque won this stage in 2002 after a magnificent breakaway.

On 10th July 1971, the battle between Luis Ocana and Eddy Merckx reached a climax. After a show of force by the Spanish cyclist, the Belgian champion decided to get his revenge in the stage that started at Orcières-Merlette. The result was that the “cannibal” sprinted towards Marseille at high speed and reached the Vieux Port nearly two hours ahead of the expected time. The public and the mayor, Gaston Defferre, completely missed the event. The story goes that the mayor was so displeased by this

AIX-EN-PROVENCE… This summer, the Tour de France will return to Aix. This will be the 7th time that the town (like Avignon) will have been host to the Tour caravan –the last time, however, was way back in 1962! So this will be a major event for a place used to seeing stages of the Tour Mediterranéen, the ParisNice, and also the traditional Ronde Cycliste (65 annual events to date) that ends at the Rotonde at the end of the Cours Mirabeau. A perfect finish in the form of a straight line for the sprinters in the peloton! The great Robbie McEwan crossed the finish line in similar flat road conditions in the Miramas-Montpellier stage in 2005. This was the only year he participated in the event.

LES ALPES… The highest mountain pass (the vertiginous Col du Galibier, 2645m) the peloton has ever gone through is in the Alps. In 2011, Andy Schleck carried off an amazing victory while Thomas Voeckler – a great favorite with the French public – confirmed

his yellow jersey before ending 4th in Paris. Between the southern and northern Alps, the climbing specialists have been responsible for some of the most surprising and remarkable all-time events. One of these is Lance Armstrong’s fantastic off road ride through the underbrush on 14th July 2003. In the Col de la Rochette, in the descent to Gap, his rival Beloki accelerated and fell badly on tarmac that had been softened in the sun. The American managed to avoid him but only by performing a balancing act and heading off across country like a mountain biker.

CARPENTRAS... On 18th July 1994, in the scorching heat of the south of France, Eros Poli achieved the greatest exploit in his entire career. Aged 30 at the time, the Italian was used to playing side-kick to Mario Cippolini. On this particular day, he decided to go for it and ran a solo ride for 171 km (far from Albert Boulon’s record of 243 km in 1947!) from Montpellier to Carpentras. At the roadside and on worldwide television, not many people recognized the Italian giant (1.94m). This was soon to change. Exhausted by the heat, he made it to the top of Mont Ventoux then his flat-racing talents kicked in - all the way to the finishing line. Nowadays, although he never liked climbing them, he organizes cycling tours to the most famous mountain passes …

©ASO/B. Bade

MARSEILLE…

that he refused to allow Marseille to participate in the Tour for as long as he lived. Marseille would once again be a destination in 1989 (14th July, Bastille Day) on the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution, three years after the death of Defferre. A Frenchman, Vincent Barteau, took first place.

Puget-sur-Durance Sud Résine

Waterproofing of a cement pool, basin, deck and overflows

Economical, attractive, long-lasting and fast it’s THE answer you’ve been waiting for A solution for every situation Cement pools, paddling pools, ornamental pools, fountains, hammams, pool surrounds, terrace roofs, terraces over pool service room or installation below ground level…: Tiles that come unstuck, paint that blisters, has suffered osmosis-damage, that peels, infiltration of ground water, leaks … Polyester shell: cracked or split, porous or damaged, groundwater infiltration, leaks …

Before

Theory

Results and aspect

Advantages

Waterproofing Waterproofing isis tested tested before work is started. started.IfIf aa leak leak isis detected between the basin basin and and the the pool pool service room it will be bedealt dealtwith withto to avoid avoid having to fix it later. The Theold, old,damaged, damaged,worn wornpool poolcoating coating is removed. is removed. Holes Holes andand cracks cracks are filled are filled and repaired. and repaired. The surface The surface is stripped is stripped and cleaand ned. cleaned. AAprimer primeris is applied, applied, followed followed by resin by resin polymer polymer and glass and glass fiberfiber mat for matafor stratified a stracoating. tified coating. 7 layers 7 are layers sprayed arefor sprayed the requifor red the thickness required thickness and high and resistance. high resistance. Sanding Sandingbefore beforethe the application application of the of the top coat top coat (finish (finish may be may white be white or chosen or chosen from our from color our chart) color chart)

A smooth, uniform, resistant, watertight coating that is easy to maintain and clean even in the corners and at stair and coping stone edges. The coating can be tiled without reducing water tightness. A neutral or tinted non-slip coating (marble granulate) may be applied to steps or coping stones, terraces, terrace roofs. Other equipment may be added, steps, low walls, cladding. Economical, attractive, long-lasting, fast. THE solution you were looking for The original colors and tints can be changed

The process is clean, the polyester shell is not replaced, no (cement) demolition is necessary, no heavy machinery is used, and the work does not harm the area around the pool. The pool looks like new and is as solid as new. Work is rapid – 1 to 7 days on average. The cost is less than it would be for replacing the shell or for applying an identical coating, tiles, paint, renovation.

During

Expertise Few but experienced personnel, work is rapid and discreet, the worksite is cleaned. If necessary we can work in a tent to best implement our products and to cause the least inconvenience possible. Only the basin would be concerned by the worksite.

After

Addition of steps to a pool during renovation of the basin After

Before

Repair work, waterproofing, and renovation of a polyester pool shell Before

During

After

Waterproofing of a terrace covering the pool service room

SUD-RESINE - David Duchanaud

La Loubatière - 84360 Puget-sur-Durance – Tel.: +33(0)4 90 08 34 43 - +33(0)6 12 21 47 02 - contact@sud-resine.fr - www.sud-resine.fr

communiqué

Coustellet | Optician |

Vision Plus, the opticians who can’t take their eyes off of you!

Vision Plus in Coustellet is a leading local optician committed to your vision for over 9 years. Care, attention, personal advice, and assistance from qualified, experienced opticians are their values. Variety and quality count for spectacles, sunglasses, and contact lenses. They have major brands, original concepts, gift vouchers, guarantees and reasonable prices, plus all the after sales maintenance services. All-year-round promotions

Stylish, trendy sunglasses for all tastes sensational eyewear! Ray Ban, Persol, Tom Ford, Vogue, Paul Smith, Oliver People, Oakley, Maui Jim…

Essilor, glasses for all types of activity!

Essilor has 4 ranges for driving, work with display screens, sports, sunshine. Your activities Quality and ori- define your needs … We have optical solutions for glare proginality … tection, to avoid eye strain, and Vision Plus have up-market for difficulty focusing. Panoramic frames from vision, UV protection, optimum dynamic vision… top designers Vision Plus has what you need! the world over…

visuel Paul Smith

visuel Oliver People

Whether for women or men, there is a style for everyone with Starck® Eyes, Oliver Peoples, Persol, Paul Smith, Stella McCartney, Air Light, Jaguar, Nike, Humphrey's, Vogue, Givenchy, Stepper and more to choose from.

Sunglasses, frames, corrective lenses, contact lenses with special seasonal offers and, as always, our exclusive sun protection offer – frames and lenses that are adapted to your vision from 39€ (139€ for progressive lenses). Good looks and quality for children too Corrected vision with suitable frames that children and parents alike will love become possible here. Whether the desired look is the perfect schoolgirl/boy or that of a rascal for the playground you have the choice of glasses by Julbo, Hello Kitty, Eco Kids...

Oakley, all-terrain sunglasses with a classy look to boot! Sports, outdoors activities, Vision Plus and Oakley emphasize usability and tailored technical lenses with spectacles that are very stylish and that can be tailored to your heart’s content. High resolution glasses that are polarized for bright light, cannot be deformed, are unbreakable, and adapted to your vision for all types of use even the most extreme!

*Information et conditions en magasin

104, route de Cavaillon (Facing the marketplace) - 84660 Coustellet – Tel.: 04 90 05 85 51 - www.opticiencoustellet.com Parking space in front of the shop. Easy access. Open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to noon and from 2.15 pm to 7 pm. 12

communiqué

Luberon | Wines - Terroir – Wine Tourism | Follow the winegrower’s trail …

Aureto on show!

ith their AOP Ventoux, AOP Luberon and IGP Vaucluse wines, Aureto is now one of the main representatives of high quality wine pro-

duction in the region. Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Carignan, Roussanne, Clairette, Marsanne, Caladoc, Marselan, and Viognier are grown by integrated farming with the

emphasis on daily work in the vineyards combined with veritable winemaking expertise. The results speak for themselves; Tramontane, Maestrale, Garbin are exceptional cuvée

Guided visits take place on Wednesday mornings at 10 am. You can also go unaccompanied at any time (maps available to the sales area or at La Coquillade). Three paths that take from half an hour to an hour and a half go through the vines allowing you to get a good grasp of the winegrower’s daily work. These are instructive walks with all the charm and colors of the season. The paths are marked.

born of a genuine winegrower spirit blending tradition and modernity. Discover and savor them at the sales area!

In the winery… In the winery in Gargas with Pierre and Benoit for a presentation of the vineyard and its features, the concept of AOP and IGP, varietals, terroir, vintages, work on the parcels of vines, integrated farming, … Guided visits of the winery, wine-making techniques for red, white and rosé, aging of the wine, labeling. Tasting. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 6pm. Free for individual. Groups on reservation only.

VIGNOBLES AURETO

New Wine sales on the estate - Tasting - Storage D 900, Chemin des Lièvres 84220 Goult Tel.: +33 (0) 490 74 54 67 GPS: 043° 51.47' N, 05° 17.12' E

Understanding wine: Tasting workshops… An approach to the different ways of getting to know and understanding wine better in 3 amusing workshops: ➜ sensory analysis of the 4 basic taste qualities (salty, sour, bitter, sweet) ➜ the bouquet or how to identify certain wine aromas via types of wood ➜ tasting – theory and practice, every step in the tasting process of Aureto cuvée Every Friday at 10 am. 15€ per person. Reservation required.

Winery (visit on the cellar, wine grower’s trail) AOP Ventoux - AOP Luberon - IGP Vaucluse Hameau de la Coquillade - Perrotet - 84400 Gargas Tel.: +33 (0) 490 74 54 67 GPS: 043° 52.81' N, 05° 19.02' E E-mail: info@aureto.fr - Site Internet : www.aureto.fr Open every day from 10am to 1 pm and from 1.30 pm to 7 pm. THE

No charge for delivery of 24 bottles or more in France only (contact Aureto for details). Online boutique at www.aureto-online.fr

communiqué

Provence | Architect and Construction |

price, a date, and a guarantee – the formula is simple and sums up the approach employed by Architecteurs, the foremost national network of prime contractor architects joined by Pierre Majal, an architect in L’Isle sur la Sorgue, 3 years ago. The group comprises 250 architects working with 150 companies to offer turnkey solutions to their clients as their sole intermediary. Whatever the type of project, their clients also have a performance bond. “It’s a concept that we borrowed from the English-speaking world where all trades and competencies are grouped together in the same structure,” explains Pierre Majal, who works as much with private individuals (building a new house, renovation of a farm or more recent buildings, contemporary architecture, and so on) as with professionals (doctors’ surgeries, agricultural hangars, industrial facilities, etc.). With his proven experience combined with Architecteurs’

Pierre Majal and Architecteurs a union of skills at your service

for the environment. “By creating Via Positive, their own engineering unit, the group is preparing for future regulations on new technology, management of gray energy, specific envisynergy, he can count on a solid network of trades for his projects - builders, heating specialists, carpenters as well as interior decorators, landscape gardeners and more.

mers demanding architecture that matches their expectations. They adhere to a set of values (inventiveness, respect for local culture, social awareness and responsibility…) and, over and beyond this, real consideration

BUT THERE IS MORE TO ARCHITECTEURS THAN THAT. Architecteurs are attentive to requirements, supplying advice and services that meet the needs of custo13

PIERRE MAJAL

ronmental features, and so on,” says Pierre Majal. Architecteurs’ slogan promises to “give a new dimension to your life”. So who’s next?

12, quai Rouget de l'Isle - 84800 L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Tel.: 04 90 38 58 00 – Mobile: 06 07 08 57 44 pmajalarchi@wanadoo.fr www.architecte-provence.com Présence Bâtie Architecteurs - www.lesarchitecteurs.com

Gordes: a jewel in Luberon THE VILLAGE OF BORIES On the slopes of the Vaucluse mountains, facing the Luberon mountains, the Bories village with its sheep-pens, stone bread ovens, wine vats, threshing areas, narrow alleys and “city walls” bears witness to the numerous generations of hard working people that have inhabited this place. Since the Bories (a "borie" is a stone hut characteristic of the Apt area), can be traced back to the Bronze Age, it is about 3000 years of continuity that one contemplates, the newest huts having been built in the XVIIIth century. The French Governacing Mount Luberon, Gordes spirals upwards towards the limpid Pro- ment has classified the Bories Village vencal sky around a spectacular outcrop of rock rising from the Vau- a Historical Monument in 1977. It is cluse hills. Its cobbled streets meander among tall houses built direct- the most important group of houses ly on the rock of moun- tainsides vibrant of a thousand stories and of its kind in the region. legends. Gordes is further enriched by the presence of a visual arts tradition The Village, neglected for over a century had suffered the assaults of time that has inspired such painters as André Lhote, Marc Chagall, Jean Deyrol- and was disap- pearing under the overgrowth. It had also been used as a le, Victor Vasarely, Pol Mara and others. resource for cheap building materials. Thus, it was high time to restore and

While strolling through the old village cobbled alleys you will discover its treasures : one of them is the cellars under the Palace Saint Firmin ( Historic Monument). The surrounding leave you the choice of three exceptional sites, classed as Historic Monu- ments: the Village of Bories, the Cistercian Abbey of Senanque and the Gallo-Roman Bouillons Mill.

preserve it. The Village, which is a rare and fine example of spontaneous architecture, is well integrated to its surroundings. This is due to the use of natural raw materials, and a design using a minimum of shapes and means. It is now under protection, yet open to visitors. Organised as a museum it shows a rural habitat and exhibits a collection of objects and tools traditionally used in the area. There is also a whole documentation on Gordes' History, the Bories and the tradition of building without mortar in France and in the world.

To discover the Bories Village is a unique experience. One cannot but be touched by the harmony of the horizontal and vertical lines; the balance between minerals and vegetation, the play between shadows and light, particularly at the rising or setting sun; time best suited for a visit. Information : Ph : (33) 4.90.72.03.48 Fax : (33) 4.90.72.04.39 Open every day from 9.00 am to sunset. Parking: Buses: 1.7 km away from the Village, Senior Citizens: the Municipality of Gordes organises a shuttle bus, free of charge. To book the bus, please Phone: (33) 4.90.72.02.08 Fax : (33) 4.90.72.04.39

communiqué

Gordes | Events |

Gordes | Exhibition |

Spend your summer evenings in Gordes

Planète Océan… the most breath-taking photos

he Théâtre des Terrasses in Gordes is holding a number of special evening events from 2nd to 12th August. Take advantage of the warm summer evenings to discover some remarkable artists in plays, concerts and shows.

ntil 29th September, Gordes Castle is hosting an exceptional exhibition called Planète Océan that has photos by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and Brian Skerry on show. Given their talent and inimitable styles (views from above from Yann Arthus Bertrand and underwater photos from Brian Skerry), the 70 photos in the exhibition fascinate, are intertwined, complement one another, and the accompanying texts make the socio-economic issues that concern the oceans quite clear. This is a unique trip right into the ocean to discover its wealth …

2nd to 12th August: Festival des soirées d’été (Summer Evening Festival) Théâtre des Terrasses

Booking opens on 17th June: 04 90 72 05 35 Program: 2nd August: Julien Clerc (French singer) “Pianistic” 4th August: Youn Sun Nah (Korean singer, jazz) 6th August: Play: “La Contrebasse” with Clovis CORNILLAC 8th August: Goran Bregovic (World music - Balkans) 29 Accompanied by his orchestra and singers 10th August: Bastian Baker (singer) 12th August: Raul Paz (Cuban singer, pop, rock, salsa)

Welcome to Tapiézo’s world in Roussillon! Tapiézo, a creator beyond standards Writer Jacques Salomé says: “Tapiézo 'builds' his paintings as were cathedrals, with perseverance, love and tremendous faith in the eyes of others ... Tapiézo's painting is good for the surrounding world. Tapiézo delivers Happiness.” Grand Prize of the European Artistic Merit and that of the 'Fondation de France' Exhibited by PIERRE CARDIN at the FAIRMONT Hotel in San Jose CA - USA.

«Man & City» size 80x80 cm

For a mysterious journey trough universal symbols and opera doors. An original and soothing work of art.

Selected for the 2010 Universal Exhibition in SHANGHAÏ at the French Pavillon. Elected Artist of the Year 2012 Albert Camus said,

«To create is to give a sense to one's destiny.»

An exceptional order Tapiézo has just shipped a commissioned work to the United States. MANE Fils SA, a company in Grasse, asked the artist for an amusing creation. The order was for a monumental work for their new Perfumery Research Center in Lebanon, Ohio. Tapiézo was given carte blanche. The sphere EVEREST is a quite remarkable accomplishment.

«Cathedral of Light» size 60x60 cm on canvas

INTERNATIONAL REFERENCES

Many companies and private individuals support Tapiézo. «Man and the City» size 80x80 cm on canvas

Video of Tapiézo’s studio on www.tapiezo.com

ABBOTT LABORATORIES HUTCHINSON BOUYGUES ALSTOM RUBIS EADS SNCF TGV ...

More than paintings, almost sculptures, materials taking shape from a subtle revisited 17th century alchemy. Tapiézo builds his art pieces with sand, natural pigments, steel. On canvas expertised by DROUOT et AKOUN.

Galerie Tapiézo

Rue Castau - 84220 Roussillon - Tel: 06 14 09 46 50 - Open every days from 11 am to 6 pm non stop.

Alpilles | Towns

and villages | [5]

[6]

[12]

[8]

[10]

[13]

[11] [3] [7]

[1] [4]

[2] [9]

1 Les Baux de Provence

Due to the value and diversity of its heritage, the quality of its environment and urban planning, Les Baux de Provence is a member of a very elite club – “The Loveliest Villages in France”. Though Les Baux is already well known worldwide, promoting their heritage is still the town’s main objective.

2 Maussane les Alpilles

In the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles, the Vallée des Baux is home to Maussane-les-Alpilles, a village with around 2000 inhabitants. Within this extremely tourist-oriented region, Maussane-lesAlpilles has retained a certain authenticity with its olive groves, monuments and traditional festivities.

3 Saint-Rémy de Provence

Saint-Rémy is the epitome of the Provençal way of life: good food, local produce, olive oil, vineyards, arts and crafts, magnificent locations painted by Van Gogh, a Roman archeological site, traditions, festivals …

4 Fontvieille

The village of Fontvieille offers an exceptional quality of life combining modernity, authenticity, and tradition at the gates of the la Vallée-desBaux where part of the 30 000 hectares of Alpilles pineforest and brushland is situated. Given its ideal location, Fontvieille is the perfect starting point to visit the villages in this wonderful part of Provence, immortalized by Alphonse Daudet in “Letters from my Windmill”.

5 Barbentane

Hemmed in between two natural barriers, the commune is rich in ancient monuments and covers an area of 2713 hectares, 1200 hectares of which are Mediterranean forest.

6 Graveson

Welcome to a village of painters and pleasure … The location of the village, between Arles and Avignon, makes Graveson an unavoidable destination, a gateway between the Camargue and the Alpilles. Graveson is a holiday resort where the emphasis is more on quality than quantity; it is the crossroads where Provençal history and culture meet.

9 Aureille

In the heart of the Alpilles beneath the highest point, the Signal des Opiès, the village of Aureille (population 1500) is situated on the southern side of the Alpilles facing the Plaine de la Crau. The village is a little off the beaten tourist tracks and has preserved the character of a Provençal village. The slow but controlled evolution of its population has strongly affected the preservation of its identity generating a feeling of hospitality and a strong sense of solidarity.

10 Eyragues

Eyrargues is a typical peaceful Provençal village. You can’t miss the huge village square with its tall plane trees giving shadow in summer. This is where the heart of Eyrargues beats … This is where you do your shopping. This is where the market is held every Friday morning. On festive holidays, the square comes alive, the terraces become noisy, the atmosphere is friendly and there is good humor all round.

11 Mollégès

Mollégès is situated in the “golden triangle” between the Rhône, the Alpilles and the Durance. The village is a little out-of-the-way and offers a calm and pleasant rural setting. Why not take a few relaxing moments to visit the old town center, the remains of the 13th century abbey, the 11th century chapel in the cemetery, the monument raised in 1989 in honor of a draft horse … and perhaps stroll or cycle through the country pathways.

7 Eygalières

Looking down from the top of a rock over charming countryside that stretches to the horizon, where olive groves cover the plain and with the Alpilles as a backdrop, every path and every road opens up onto a new view. A few minutes from the village, the Chapelle Saint-Sixte is the proudly maintained symbol of the spiritual past of rural Provence.

8 Saint-Andiol

Saint-Andiol has a privileged location in the heart of Provence, in the Durance plain, only a stone’s throw from the Alpilles… The region is rural and agricultural (fertile land, irrigation, trees). It is a place of natural beauty - a natural environment, outstanding sites (the castle park, countryside, prairies, irrigation, cypress hedges, the Durance River flood plain, furrows of pebbles …). 16

12 Maillane

It’s impossible to talk about Maillane, the soul of Provence, without mentioning its most important feature – it was birthplace to the poet Fédéric Mistral. By choosing to spend his entire life there the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1904 made Maillane the cultural capital of Provence and started the revival of the Provencal language and culture. With an agricultural past in common with the nearby villages, Maillane aims to remain true to its image which has always been its strength. Life there is punctuated with traditional festivities.

13 Tarascon Whether in the town or out and about, let yourself be tempted by the charms of short historic tours and discover the local heritage and traditions a little differently. This is a great way to see the sights of Tarascon, a town that has considerable evidence of all the main architectural periods, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, and to enjoy the natural environment of the surrounding area around La Montagnette, at the end of the Alpilles. This list is not exhaustive. Do not hesitate to consult our website, www.journaldesaixois.fr, to discover all the wealth of our heritage.

communiqué

Eygalières | Wine estate - Olive oil |

La Vallongue,!capital of the arts and elegance… in Provence

fter the success met by the first edition of Nuits Lyrique, Domaine de Vallongue is repeating the exploit with a series of exceptional events, similar to those of 2013. The first of these events took place in early May with a fashion show entitled “Rose et Rosé” organized in partnership with the Maison Méditerranéenne des Métiers de la Mode. It was a rare moment of conviviality, a moment of sharing and of beauty, where the pool side (transformed for the event into a catwalk) had never been walked upon by such loveliness. On 29th June, the

works of Guiran, Guerrier, and Nucera will settle in for the summer at La Vallongue in a two-month long exhibition that is part of the Marseille-Provence 2013 program. White tablecloths and chandeliers will be de rigueur on 12th, 14th and 16th August for three lyric dinner evenings under the starry sky of the Alpilles in the company of Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, and Bizet. All through the summer, literature lovers can pay a visit to Actes Sud publishing house who will set up their "Librairie Ephémère" (transient bookstore) in the Vallongue wine cellar. Finally, the works

of Madame Vila will celebrate the Indian summer from 7th September to the end of December in an exhibition of the artist’s loveliest paintings. So we have a great program to look forward to accompanied by the Lovely, Garrigues, Soir d’Eté, and Pierres Cassées wine collections … and olive oils. Whether it’s for the arts or the produce, Domaine de la Vallongue honors their promise for enjoyment and entertainment.

DOMAINE DE LA VALLONGUE

RD 24 (between Eygalières and Mouriès) 13810 Eygalières Tel.: 33(0)4 90 95 91 70 Fax: 33(0)4 90 95 97 76 Contact@lavallongue.com www.lavallongue.com Open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm.

communiqué

Saint-Rémy | Hostel |

Le château des Alpilles, Provence in all elegance …

n the heart of the Alpilles, in Saint-Rémy de Provence, two generations of women have taken care of this exclusive five star (awarded in 2011) hotel for nearly 30 years. In a warm and convivial environment, Françoise Bon and Catherine Rollin have revived the elegant simplicity of Provence. From season to season, the hotel’s restaurant delivers its delights on the terrace of this19th century mansion as well as by the pool. The Chef Mathias Bettinger and his sous chef chef Xavier Pommer pull out all their hearts to create a light but colorful menu with emphasis on sun-drenched flavors and fresh products. During the summer, their daily suggestions as the “Caramelised chicken salad with peaches and lemongrass” or the “carpaccio of sea bass with mango” join the more traditional dishes

of the menu like “zucchini flowers stuffed with fresh goat cheese” or the “parsleyed organic rack of lamb”, for instance. Charm, authenticity and good living are the assets of Le Château des Alpilles.

CHÂTEAU DES ALPILLES

Hôtel ***** - Restaurant Route du Rougadou 13210 Saint-Rémy de Provence Tel.: 04 90 92 03 33 www.chateaudesalpilles.com The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day except Wednesdays and on reservation only. From mid-June to mid-September the pool restaurant will be open for lunch every day.

communiqué

Alpilles | Home Management Services |

TO DO TODAY: time, the ultimate luxury…

TO DO TODAY was established in 2001 and has confirmed their position as leader in home management services by being the foremost top level French operator in the field of domestic services. Consideration, quality, multi-services, deontology, efficiency and a professional code of ethics form TO DO TODAY’s commitment to their clients. For secondary residences, TO DO TODAY offers premium services based on a fully personalized annual multiservice contract. With TO DO TODAY, you have a single contract, a single intermediary, and a team of specialists to manage your property the whole year round; specialists who prepare your house and decorate it with flowers ready for your arrival or for that of your tenants, who handle the upkeep of your garden and pool for the year, who deal with all the minor repairs that can spoil a stay and that might get worse in your absence … Their teams are professional, responsible, self-sufficient and reliable, formed by full-time permanent employees

who are all dedicated to the same high standards of quality. Besides their home management services, TO DO TODAY is also an expert in private and corporate concierge services. Among their clients are companies such as Areva, Carrefour, Axa, L’Oréal, who chose TO DO TODAY because they wanted their employees to have the best possible quality of life. Their expertise and proficiency have ensured TO DO TODAY of ISO 9001 version 2008 and Qualicert version 4+ certification. TO DO TODAY is also a guarantee of transparency and integrity; they take no commission from their service providers. TO DO TODAY provide local solutions to ensure responsiveness and constant attention to detail thanks to agencies in the Alpilles, the Luberon, in Paris and Saint Tropez at the Gassin Golf & Country Club.

TO DO TODAY

Luberon / Alpilles : Tel.: +33 (0)4 90 74 93 60

info@todotoday.fr www.todotoday.fr

Saint-Tropez : Tel.: +33 (0)4 94 17 42 60

Paris : Tel.: +33 (0)1 56 90 62 00

communiqué

Le Paradou | Hôtel - Restaurant |

Le Hameau des Baux, a haven of beauty

his 4 star establishment has only taken several short years to establish their reputation. Le Hameau des Baux will open again on 16th May with a few new strings to their bow. It is a veritable haven of peace nestling in the Alpilles, surrounded by a Provençal style park of 3 hectares. The site has some quite remarkable 19th century architecture – around the main building can be found a mill, a chapel, a dovecot completing the feel of a real village square… This is a unique place, full of charm, and it will take on a whole new dimension this year. Le Hameau des Baux is going to focus on culture and wellbeing and this will be reflected both in the dining areas and the hotel services. Quality will be even more of a priority with the arrival of Chef Sébastien Richard who will supervise the gourmet restaurant and the bistro. GOAL: A MICHELIN STAR IN 2014! With this chef originally from the Touraine, the establishment is pulling out all the stops to, as he says himself, earn Le Hameau its first ever Michelin star in 2014. Not only is Le Hameau a reference in the gourmet world but intends to be a major center for culture and the arts.

LE HAMEAU DES BAUX

Chemin de Bourgeac – 13520 Le Paradou Tel.: 04 90 54 10 30 – Fax : 04 90 54 45 30 reservation@hameaudesbaux.com www.hameaudesbaux.com - www.chateauxhotels.com

By putting on jazz concerts, having major artists present, organizing meetings with authors, photo and sculpture exhibitions, food preparation by 2 or 3 persons (in partnership with nationally and internationally acclaimed chefs), Le Hameau des Baux will take a new look at gastronomic topics in perfect harmony with an original artistic program. A tasteful promise of surprises yet to come in this haven of beauty …

The gourmet restaurant “Le Potager de Sébastien” is open from Tuesday noon to Sunday evening inclusive. (7 days a week from 15th June to 15th September) The bistro restaurant “BH” is open from Monday noon to Friday evening inclusive. (7 days a week from 15th June to 15th September).

“A gourmet restaurant and a bistro to treat yourself at a reasonable price”

ébastien Richard has been cooking for 22 years and is the new Restaurant Manager at Le Hameau des Baux. He first started working with Alain Couturier at La Roche Le Roy (Tours), later with Lucas Carton (Paris, 8th) awarded 3 stars in the Michelin Guide, and also, notably with Thierry Marx at the Cheval Blanc (Nîmes). Backed by extensive experience abroad (Finland, Sweden,…) and a solid reputation as head of “La Table de Sébastien” (formerly Les Deux Toques) in Istres for 15 years, Sebastien Richard was du HB” and the kiosk “Le Club du HB”, captivated by le Hameau des Baux. a relaxation area with outdoor furniture, that are exclusively for hotel What influenced your decision? guests.” Sébastien Richard:“Here, I can create several different worlds. The Tell us about your team manager has given me free rein and Sébastien Richard: “There are thinks a lot like I do. The idea is to twelve of us with a kitchen manalet people treat themselves at a rea- ger, Antoine Letan-Martin (formersonable price, to gain a regular ly of la Villa Galici in Aix-en-Provence), clientele and not to be simply a res- who was my right-hand man for 8 taurant for the élite. The gourmet res- years. I also have a dining-room manataurant “Le potager de Sébastien” and ger, Denis Niderlander (formerly of the bistro “BH” are open to everyo- l’Abbaye de Sainte-Croix in Salon de ne. Then there’s snack area “La Place Provence), who has worked with me 19

The bistro menu will be offbeat (lamb in pastry, Carteau mussels, wood smoke grills, etc.) in a friendly atmosphere and a menu at 38€ that will include a starter, main course, dessert and a bottle of regional wine. There will also be a wine list of more than 250 selections, most of them from the region. Finally, in the snack area, you’ll find Caesar salad, the tartare of the day, burgers, club sandwiches …In other words, we’ll be serving an informal type of food in a luxury setting.” for three years. In Istres, I received a “Grand de Demain” award from Gault & Millau and a Michelin star. My goal for Le Hameau des Baux is to obtain a first star in 2014 with a menu that is environmentally-friendly, with emphasis on vegetables, preferably organic … “ So what exactly are you going to serve? Sébastien Richard:“The gourmet restaurant will have a first price menu at 48 €. We will change the menu every month and there will be surprise menus.

Saint Rémy, land of Art and History

The town could have risen from the rock like Les Baux or nestled like a jewel in a casket like Eygalières … However, history and the never-ending evolution of the arts made Saint-Rémy the town it is today. Let’s delve a little into the town’s exceptional heritage, taking in the local easy-going lifestyle and local joie de vivre as we go. By Eric Morichaud

tello” and “Baldouin” are two symbolic sites from two different eras; both are decorated caves that have conferred upon the Saint-Rémy de Provence region a major role in the settlement of the Alpilles since the dawn of mankind. Saint-Rémy is at a crossroads at the gateway to the Alpilles. On the other side lie the Crau plain, the Camargue and the Mediterranean coast. The place has been drawing settlers since the Stone Age, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age and later saw the establishment of the first community in Glanum. The time had come to put down roots, to trade, to farm the land, to keep herds. It was a community and a trading post that steadily grew, particularly in the heyday of the Via Domitia, thriving on crafts, agriculture (see the remains of the Mur de Marius), and creative expression. The growth was marked by the passing eras and civilizations visible today in the aqueduct, the thermal baths, the temple, the spring, the Arc de Triomphe and the Mausolée des Antiques. Later, during the Middle Ages, from the Carolingian period onwards, Saint-Rémy and the surrounding region were influenced by powerful abbeys that left an extremely rich legacy in terms of buildings and religious monuments. It is well worth while strolling around the symbolic and very characteristic Collégiale Saint-Martin with its triangular pediment, monumental portico and gothic belltower … and also in and around the Monastère Saint-Paul, chapels Saint-Roch, Notre-Dame and Sainte-Marie de Pierredon, N-D de Romanin and N-D de Pierargues not forgetting the Jewish cemetery that was listed as an historic monument in 2007.

What’s in a name? As with many villages in the Alpilles, Saint-Rémy de Provence has two names - Sant Romieg de Provença for the traditionalists and Sant Roumié de Prouvènço for the mistralian disciples. Despite their literary and philosophical differences, they all see eye to eye when the words are used to celebrate the architecture, the arts and the men who have made Saint-Rémy what it is today. Strolling from street to street, from door to fountain, from lane to square, from patio to building, from alleys of plane trees to fields of olive trees, from terrace to restaurant is a unique feeling as you come across prestigious names both past and present, landmarks in Provençal life. Gounod, Mistral, Estrine, Roumanille, Mauron, De Renaud, Nostradamus, Sade, Lagoy, D'Almeran – here a bust, there a fountain and everywhere the town houses that are the heart of the old town, homes to the arts and local crafts, the contemporary art museum, “arts modestes”, archeology, the Maison de l’Amandier, the Musée des Alpilles… And then, of course, there’s Van Gogh, as much an observer of the town as of the surrounding country as can be seen in over 150 of his paintings that captured the place as much as the moment. Even today people seek him out here in summer, following in his footsteps, following his gaze… It’s a visit that is worth doing (again) when the high season is over so as to better understand the painter (if not the man) and the bond he had with this, his land of asylum amidst fields of poppies and in the Monastère Saint-Paul. It is also worthwhile exploring the natural side of Saint-Rémy, located in the middle of pine forests and hills, to discover the Lac du Peiroù sitting in easily accessible and yet undamaged surroundings thanks to an initiative by the Parc Régional Naturel des Alpilles and the municipality. Then again there’s the road to Les Baux and the Canal des Alpines with its structures and works. And if you feel like stopping, listening, and discovering the traditional, Provençal side of Saint-Rémy, you’ll find some of the most authentic and most evocative aspects of regional culture. Festivities, processions, local games, exceptional local and festive food where you can sample the best of olive and vine products, all wrapped up in the colors of hospitality and all in a single setting! E.M.

communiqué

Saint-Rémy | Restaurants |

Three key addresses in Saint-Rémy

he Bistrot des Alpilles has numbered among the foremost eateries in Saint-Rémy since 1984. They serve a bistro-style cuisine with an unwavering focus on offering top quality fresh produce cooked by veritable chefs at a reasonable price. The Bistrot has changed their fresh fish and meat suppliers thus considerably raising the quality of food served there. Olivier METZGER, butcher to Michelin-starred restaurants, now selects the celebrated Black Angus rib steaks, veal T-bones, Iberico Bellota “plumas”, Kobé burgers and Waygu back and flank steaks for the Bistrot. For their Alpilles lamb and Camargue bull meat, the Bistrot has full confidence in ALAZARD & ROUX. Their fish comes from REYNAUD VANIKOF, one of the top gourmet fishmongers, who supplies the sunny tables on the terrace of the Bio bar with wild salmon from the North Pole and the freshest squid from the Mediterranean. The rather original wine list includes wines

BISTROT DES ALPILLES

15, boulevard Mirabeau 13210 St-Rémy de Provence Tel.: 04 90 92 09 17 www.lebistrotdesalpilles.com

BB BISTROT

from the best winegrowers in the south and these can be sampled by the glass, carafe or bottle. A collection of rare bottles make the Bistrot a reference for drinking good wine at reasonable prices in Saint-Rémy. Not far from there, the BB Bistrot Steackhouse has had great success with their Black Angus burgers served with home-made fries, to take away or eat on the premises. Cuts of meat from quality-assured breeds are specially selected for the BB Bistrot Steackhouse and can be sampled for gourmet dinners or lunches at affordable prices. Finally, the Glacier des Alpilles (ex-Louise) will tempt you with their homemade ice cream made with milk from local farms. Their freshly squeezed juices are yet another winner. This year, they have added innovative and delicious sweet snacks to their offer including popular treats such as cookies and brownies by Michel & Augustin.

Steackhouse 43A, rue Carnot 13210 St-Rémy de Provence Tel.: 04 90 20 79 08 www.lebonburger.com

GLACIER DES ALPILLES

48, rue Carnot 13210 St-Rémy de Provence Tel.: 04 90 15 41 27

communiqué

Saint-Rémy de Provence | Interior decorating |

For Daniel and Christelle Bets, lime goes hand-in-hand with beauty

or 15 years in the Alpilles, they have been working together to breathe new life into their customers’ interiors. Daniel (a former Arts et Métiers student) applies the lime after Christelle (an Arts Plastiques graduate) has decided on the colors … With over 20 years of experience, they decided to specialize in this natural, ecological, mineral material that, depending on the season and the light, takes on different tinges, sometimes even a different hue. Used in the olden days as a protection against damp (by absorbing it),

Before

lime is not a traditional type of paint. It can be painted on with a brush (as in the South of France), applied like a stucco with a spatula (Italian style) or applied like a Moroccan-style tadelakt (polished with river stones). Lime can give a new lease of life to your furniture and to your interior in general. “It’s an old craft - we do it the way it used to be done,” says Daniel, the specialist.

After

By his side, Christelle has a double role –decorator and color specialist. With her experience and eye for color, she has devised own personal color palette using pigments. She is an excellent advisor, constantly in touch with her clients, suggesting a room be enlarged or that an interior be renovated … And, of course, all with the Bets’ attention to style!

BETS DÉCORATION

13210 Saint-Rémy de Provence Tel.: 06 13 98 36 21 - danieletchristelle@free.fr THE

Lime is an age-old product and a guarantee of quality

communiqué

Maussane-les-Alpilles | Provençal cuisine | Saint-Rémy | Discovery |

Jean Martin, sunshine on your table

The Peiroou Dam, pearl of the Alpilles

he Peiroou Lake is a great place for a romantic walk or for a family outing and it is set in some exceptional scenery. The place is as much prized by the locals as by the tourists as a cooler spot for picnics. The dam was built in 1891 and, at the time, met the need to ensure a water supply to Saint-Rémy. Located in the heart of the Alpilles, it is a whole page of history unto itself because it was built on the exact same spot as the original Roman dam, dating from the Glanum period, which supplied the baths and the triumphal fountain. Reach the dam (130 m above sea level) by leaving the center of Saint-Rémy and heading towards the

is very name has a flavor of Provence, olives and vegetables. In 1920, Jean Martin founded much more than a business; he founded a brand you can trust. When you cook with and taste Jean Martin products, you can be sure you visit the region via his traditional recipes. Two young women are our luxury guides for this food tour, based on fresh simple produce, through the boutique in Maussane-les-Alpilles. Fanny Martin, a 4th generation, and Claire Bourgeois are always ready with a smile whenever a prospective customer walks through the door. They are never short of advice on the preparation or the association of flavors and have a multitude of spreads (well it is aperitif time …) to offer, red pistou, green and black tapenade, artichoke cream, anchoïade, eggplant caviar… It is a veritable celebration of Provence and of the sun. Though there are many regional specialties on sale (salt, honey, preserves, cordial, and even candles …) the boutique highlights their exclusive products - lentil soup, honey ratatouille, preparation for zucchini gratin, Gran’Draille (a purée of Grossane black olives named after the Martins’ olive grove at the foot of Les Baux)… A treasure trove of culinary treasures to relish as they are or to use to create new taste experiences based on the gourmet ideas from the Maison Jean Martin. THE

Recipes to prepare sporting original aprons and dishtowels with high quality utensils to hand, notably from “Laurent Barbier”, made with olive wood in bright colors. “Put some color in your kitchen,” smiles Fanny. Gaspacho, pistou soup, fig chutney, onion chutney, olive cake, seafood tabbouleh … there really is something for everybody! There are as many flavors and surprises from Provence for personal or corporate customers to offer in gift boxes and baskets as they could wish for.

JEAN MARTIN

9, rue Charloun Rieu - 13520 Maussane-les-Alpilles Tel.: 04 90 54 34 63 boutique@jeanmartin.fr - www.jeanmartin.fr facebook.com/jeanmartin.fr Open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 12.30 am and from 2.30 pm to 7 pm

+ Sign up for the newsletter and get exceptional offers in the Internet store 22

Antiques. It is a gravity dam with a falling crest, 19 meters high and 7 meters in width, with an impoundment of 80 000 m3 thanks to a control valve and a sluice gate valve. Camping and fires are forbidden as is swimming in order to preserve this outstanding nature spot. Besides this, dogs must be kept on a leash and it is obviously prohibited to litter. Fishing is permitted every day (except for Fridays) from 7 am to 8 pm. A fishing card is required (see the Tourist Information Bureau). Finally, in summer, access to the hills is regulated by Prefectural Order due to the risk of fire (call 0 811 20 13 13).

communiqué

Mouriès | Sales, tasting, tour |

Le Moulin Saint-Michel, a reference for olive oil

stablished in 1744, Moulin Saint-Michel is an institution in Mouriès. It has belonged to the Rossi family for three generations and offers four types of olive oil: fruity (traditional blend), la Picho’ (the local favorite using only Picholine olives), the AOC Provence and the PDO Vallée des Baux de Provence. The latter is a blend of four varieties of olives and is exceptionally elegant; it’s no accident if it earned several awards this year, including the gold at the Concours Général Agricole in Paris.

Laurent and Stéphanie, his sister who has just joined the team, are happy to let you taste the various olive oil flavors in their shop in the center of Mouriès; a shop that has many other authentic local treasures with traditional craft products such as Marseille soap, rice, fleur de sel and wine from the Camargue, spices, honey, olive oil-based cosmetics, cordials, tapenades, and decorative items made from olive wood, in particular. Go through the shop to the mill and take a step back in time when you take the free tour of the place, a symbol of technical development. You’ll find fully automated stone presses (1744) alongside hydraulic presses (1900). There is clearly a consistent level of expertise and a constant desire to keep abreast of current developments, as can be seen in the 3 and 5 liter BIBs and the golden ”gourde” designed to protect the glow of the olive oil.

MOULIN SAINT-MICHEL

Cours Paul Revoil - 13890 Mouriès GPS coordinates: 43° 69.0151’ - 4° 87.0913’ Tel.: 04 90 47 50 40 - contact@moulinsaintmichel.com www.moulinsaintmichel.com - Facebook.com/moulin.saintmichel Open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to noon and from 2 pm to 6 pm and on Sundays from 10 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm (from 23rd June to 15th September)

communiqué

Saint-Rémy de Provence | Landscape designers with feeling |

his family business is a leader in garden design (creation and renovation) in SaintRémy and has been so for 45 years. Backed by an efficient and talented design and engineering department, they carry out innovative, tailored landscaping and architecture projects with respect for the environment. Their offer includes Mediterranean gardens, dry gardens, energetic gardens (maze), topiary work, ponds, pruning (occasional or annual contracts), pesticide application, automatic watering systems, lighting, fences and gates, pathways, feng-shui analysis … and doesn’t stop there! Les Jardins de Glanum have added two new branches to their original activity of landscape design – decorative stonework and human services. The former concerns the restoration of old buildings and extensions, water-type wellness areas (hammams, saunas, jacuzzis, pool houses, pools and so on), terraces and decks, oldfashioned paving … and is recognition

Les Jardins de Glanum take care of your needs from A to Z

etc.) that always follow the same approach – they get the work done slow-

ly but surely to ensure a job that is well done from A to Z!

LES JARDINS DE GLANUM for the work of the skilled stone mason in an idyllic setting. Les Jardins de Glanum human services offer private customers the opportunity of having their landscaping taken care of by a team of specialists; tree

spraying, scrub clearing, pruning (hedges, rose bushes, fruit trees), plant watering by hand, digging, hoeing, fertilizing, minor maintenance of pathways and terraces… for highquality maintenance at low cost (tax

deduction on this type of work). Their three branches of activity allow them to be as close as possible to your needs and desires. Les Jardins de Glanum have a number of proposals (site visits, free quote, costing,

2, avenue Jean de Servières - 13210 Saint-Rémy Tel.: 04 90 92 37 58 – jardin.glanum@wanadoo.fr www.jardinsdeglanum.com Facebook.com/pages/Les-Jardins-de-Glanum Open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to noon and from 2 pm to 5 pm. THE

A 3D view of your landscaping project

Aix-en-Provence | Towns

and villages | [5] [4]

[9]

[10]

[7]

[2]

[12]

[13] 1 Aix-en-Provence

Visiting Aix is like stepping back in time. Culture and architectural wealth is all around you. A simple stroll in the town is all it takes to discover its treasures. Aix is a spa town and a town of the arts and has developed and flourished around this dual identity. However, it is also a town that combines eras and cultures. Aix is in touch with the outside world; it is a human-size town in harmony with its rich cultural heritage and its vision of tomorrow. Here, all is color and sensation – the luminosity of the sky, the golden stone of the buildings, the green transparency of the fountains, the shade of the plane trees, and the surprises of festival evenings… Welcome to Aix en Provence.

2 Eguilles

Éguilles has managed to remain authentic over the centuries. Perched on a hilltop at 300m altitude, surrounded by fields and forests, it has a remarkable view over the Provençal countryside. The nearby hamlet of Figons is attached to the town of Éguilles and enjoys the same sheltered rural surroundings.

3 Fuveau

16 kms from Aix-en-Provence, at the foot of Sainte-Victoire, sits Fuveau, a charming hilltop village. It is typically Provençal in style with steep alleys, a superb and imposing neo-gothic church heavily inspired by the Italian Baroque style. The heart of the village, the cours Victor Leydet, lazes in the shade of the plane trees. Take the time to wander through the narrow, winding streets of the village and appreciate the evidence of its mediaeval history. One of the last vestiges of this period is the Porte de Bassac (1.5m thick) which was the slant-wise entrance on the south side of the village walls.

4 Lambesc

The appeal of Lambesc is its rich heritage, the beauty of the sites, its history, its authenticity, its excellent wines and the hospitality of the local residents and shopkeepers. Take advantage of your stay to discover the Mme de Sévigné’s house. This superb town house is also known under the names of Hôtel Faudran de Laval and Hôtel des Deux Lions.

5 La Roque d’Anthéron

La Roque d’Anthéron is known the world over for its celebrated piano festival that takes place every summer, bringing together the greatest piano players in the magical locations of the abbaye de Silvacane and the Château de Florans. The architecture of the Abbaye de Silvacane (built in the early 12th century) is impressive in its purity, simplicity and perfection. It is one of the “three Provençal sisters” of the Cistercian order alongside the Abbaye du Thoronet and the Abbaye de Sénanque near Gordes. You must see the Château de Florans; it has a magnificent courtyard delicately shaded by plane trees, palm trees and chestnut trees.

6 Le Tholonet

Le Tholonet was one of Cézanne’s favorite places; red earth, gray rocks, and an intense blue sky forming a backdrop to Sainte-Victoire – all in all, an extraordinary palette of colors. Cezanne also painted the Château du Tholonet which is one of the stages in the Cezanne tour, tracing the key sites in the painter’s life in the Aix region. On leaving the castle, you will pass in front of the "Relais Cézanne" and then a small church.

[6]

[1] [8]

[3] [11] 7 Meyrargues

Meyrargues is a mediaeval village nestling in the Durance valley at the foot of a feudal castle that looks down on the village from a high promontory. The castle was converted in the 17th century by the Albertas family and named after them. Nowadays the castle is a 4 star hotel. In the valley behind the castle, if you take the road to the cemetery you will see the remains of a Roman aqueduct that used to serve the town of Aix en Provence.

8 Meyreuil

The village of Meyreuil is set on a picturesque hill surrounded by typically Provençal houses giving on to the plain. The village has some spectacular view points on Sainte-Victoire. You might enjoy a stroll along the river Arc and don’t miss the famous Pont des Trois Sautets (1655) that was painted by Paul Cézanne.

9 Rognes

Rognes is a very old town located between Salon de Provence and Aix en Provence, not far from the banks of the Durance River. The origins of the town dates as far back as the Stone Age and it climbs the side of Foussa (the name of the hill) in tiers. It was built, destroyed, and rebuilt several times over the centuries until a terrible day in 1909 when an earthquake almost razed it. At that point it was definitively abandoned. Nowadays, the village sits peacefully at the foot of the hill and still has a few narrow streets and buildings that survived the catastrophe. Rognes is also renowned for the quality of its stone that has been extracted from nearby open pit quarries for nearly 20 centuries …

10 Saint-Cannat

As you walk through Saint-Cannat, you will come across several 17th and 18th century fountains, old washhouses and the posterns that are the remains of the mediaeval ramparts. Don’t miss the village museum that houses information on Saint-Cannat and its history. There are exhibitions about Provençal dress, agricultural tools, the 1909 earthquake and Bailli de Suffren (Bailli de Suffren was one of the greatest French sailors of his period) who was born in the castle that now houses both the town hall and the museum.

11 Trets

Ramparts surround the heart of the town and shelter small streets and secret gardens. There are numerous vestiges of the past to visit: the feudal castle and ramparts, two square gate-towers, the Notre-Dame de Nazareth church, and the Saint Jean du Puy chapel.

12 Vauvenargues

Outside the village, nestling in greenery, the Château de Vauvenargues seems to watch over the entrance to the valley. Flanked by two round 14th century towers and surrounded by a 16th century wall, its eventful history dates back to the days of the Counts of Provence. We know that in 1257 the castle belonged to the archbishops of Aix and that, in 1722, Louis XV gave it to a certain Joseph de Clapiers for good and loyal service during the plague of 1720… and that, in 1958, the castle became the property of the world-famous painter Pablo Picasso who, according to his wishes, made it his eternal resting place …

13 Ventabren

Ventabren is a pretty little village sitting atop a hill dominated by the ruins of Queen Jeanne’s castle. In the village, you’re sure to fall under the charm of the paved streets bordered with flowers and flanked by charming houses made of stone and restored with care. Take the stonepaved Grande Rue (which is quite small despite its name) that climbs towards the delightful little Place de l'Eglise. Many of the house doors are antiques and are surrounded by lush vegetation. The shutters are painted with taste in Provençal colors and are a little faded by the sun. You will also see charming fountains and washhouses as well as a 17th century church. This list is not exhaustive. Do not hesitate to consult our website, www.journaldesaixois.fr, to discover all the wealth of our heritage.

communiqué

Eguilles | Traditional confectionary - for individuals and businesses |

Fruidoraix, 133 years of being tastefully different! cularly interested in rediscovering, older varieties of fruit and original recipes. They are stringent about quality and are continuously on the lookout for true, natural flavors, aromas, products and know-how. “We are not trying to ride the current trends, but to share our ideals. Organic ingredients are used by Fruidoraix but only in certain ranges because the organic ingredients are an obvious choice in that particular recipe. It was this spririt of innovation that caused us to create the colored calisson … more than 50 years ago!” In the book of " High Fashion Treats” by Fruidoraix, we find the taste and sensitivity of each generation: traditional calissons, fruit-iced calissons, chocolat –coated calissons, calisson paste; besides this, black nougat, white nougat but also nougat with caramel and brownie flavored nougat, not to mention organic nougat; then there’s chocolate, chocolate-coated cereal (“petits grains”), chocolate Mysorbet you can make at home, olives, Chocorines, organic chocolate, lolli-

rom mother to daughter for 4 generations …". From the welcome you receive and the delicious aromas that greet you, right down to the desk that has been worn smooth with time, Fuidoraix fosters their difference. Sylvie Parent and her team of treat-creating artists share their sincere and happy attitude every day with their suppliers and their customers. “Originally, we were dried fruit merchants on the Place d’Aix from 1880 onwards and were drawn very naturally towards traditional confectionary, calissons and candied fruit in 1957. We have quite a few private customers but most of our clientele is professional, retail confectioners, delicatessens... We have nearly 6000 outlets throughout the country. We also sell abroad where we are committed to promoting our prized Provencal heritage and Identity.” From the outset of this family story, they worked mainly with local and regional producers and were parti-

pops… There are almond and hazelnut edible checkers games, fruitflavored and spiced nut candies, candied fruits, Victorines, Velours d’Olive,

fruit jellies, marshmallows and navettes. And there is a whole range of Easter eggs (nougat, chocolate and so on). There is something to delight every palate and for all seasonsand all made by an environmentally-aware artisan who employs a naturally humane approach.

295, rue Agate - ZA Les Vallades - 13510 Eguilles Tél : 04 42 52 51 80 - Fax : 04 42 95 04 65 - www.fruidoraix.com Hours 8am to 12 and 1pm to 6pm Monday through Friday all year long. Closed on weekends. Open Saturdays from 9am to 12 and 1pm to 6pm in December GPS coordinates 43.545 - 5.359 THE

Factory direct sales and factory tours, a wonderful and gourmet visit. Please contact us for reservations.

Eguilles | Discovery |

The fantastic, fanciful, ingenious, and quite outstanding garden that belongs to … Max Sauze “Après Ski” scouts ahead. The household kitty leads the way. Welcome to the Max Sauze’s fantastic, extraordinary, inventive and, quite honestly, outstanding garden. Here we are in Eguilles and yet there is a strange feeling of travelling through different periods. Time has stopped here and the only sounds we hear are those of the artist raking the path to follow. A few bees flit among the plants and the artist’s works. The tour can now begin.

ho would have expected to find such a thing? Max Sauze, a creative 79 year old sculptor opens his gallery on appointment only. In the heart of Eguilles, behind a heavy red gate and only stone’s throw from the village community hall, is something quite extraordinary – a “Jardin Remarquable” (Outstanding Garden). This label was created in 2003 by the Ministry of Culture as an award for the loveliest gardens in France. Max Sauze’s garden was the very first one to obtain it and with good cause. After the gate, there is a small room for guests. This is the artist’s gallery where he shows some of his smaller works depending on the subjects that caught his attention such as “Copines” against the left hand wall. Another small room that is laid out as a living room gives the impression that Max Sauze likes to have visitors. The tour continues via a corridor where older works, dating from 1953, are on show. The sculptor-inventor (as it seems fit to call him) starts telling stories. He likes geometry and topology. He organizes his work in response to the challenge he has set for himself. “I’ve always been intrigued by space and its structure – how filled spaces and empty spaces combine and fit together. All of my creativity is based on the search for configurations,” he explains. The tour goes on. On the right, at the end of the corridor is a bookshelf. The books have been taken apart then put together again. “I rolled all of the pages one by one to reorganize the book.” So apparently it’s all a question of organization …

An extraordinary garden Or rather, it is an “outstanding” garden according to Ministry of Culture criteria. Given what was seen in the first few rooms, it would seem quite natural to expect a highly structured and garden. The sculptor had just finished explaining that he loves geometry to the point of obsession. Après Ski, a stray that Max Sauze happened to have taken in leads the way, strolling calmly through the plants and sculptures. The garden has absolutely no plan to it. Paths are laid out on the ground, drawn with the artist’s rake – he admits to spending hours forming heaps here and there. The vegetation is dense and seems to grow pretty much as it pleases. “I have hardly planted anything here and I don’t care much for gardening any way. I prefer to let Mother Nature work her wonders,” he continues. And yet the garden is more than outstanding, it is extraordinary. Time seems to have stopped. Most people’s idea of the beauty of a garden is entirely quashed here … to the delight of visitors. The harmony of the garden resides first and foremost in what appears to be hidden. Works of art are scattered everywhere in the 950m2 of garden… but why?

Protected by peasants

A complete work of art

“I arrived in Eguilles in 1964 after having taken my first steps in sculpting in Algiers where I was born. At the time, this house was one of only a few in this quiet part of town.” Listen carefully and observe the artist’s sense of humor. “The garden was originally a huge jungle so I decided to do something about it. Then one day, some friends explained that the ivy growing on the stone wall beside my studio was going to greatly damage it. So I decided to pull it up. Unfortunately the stones came with it. As I wasn’t much of a builder, I put them in a barrow and decided to do something about the wall later. As I couldn’t shift the barrow because of its weight I just left it there for a while. And then I decided that I liked it. So I made a barrow and put stones in it that I had weighed, measured and counted.” A barrow loaded with stones, you say? So what? But the story doesn’t end there. “When developers started to take interest in this part of the village, I decided to reproduce the scene in the painting ‘Angelus’ by Jean-François Millet to ‘protect’ myself. The peasants’ ghosts would protect my land… but it was also the starting point for my garden.”

Max Sauze’s garden is a complete work of art. Not having enough space in his house and being between two exhibitions in France, the artist had the idea of putting his sculptures in his garden. However, so as to avoid impinging upon the beauty of nature, he has tried to show what is hidden or, depending on where you are viewing, to hide what is shown. Over a hundred works are scattered in the garden like this, in a remarkable show of “non-organization”. Everything seems to go together naturally. Beside a sculpture in driftwood you can see the roots of a tree – a natural coincidence and yet quite remarkable. The world’s smallest forest, a combination of fauna and items made of wood, metal, paper, and cement comes together in outstanding harmony. The label has definitely been earned. Max Sauze has consistently sculpted, or rather, crafted all of his life. “I don’t transform a piece of wood or any other raw material. I try to build, to invent. I try to solve a problem that I, myself, have set. I don’t work in divine inspiration but rather in looking for combinations.” This is the artist’s trademark. He says himself that he loves sculpting because of the freedom it gives him. The ingenious artist continues on his inventive quest in an organization that is quite relative but definitely outstanding…

What exactly is a "Jardin Remarquable"?

ASS

The "Jardin Remarquable" - outstanding garden - label was instigated thanks to the suggestions of the national council of parks and gardens - Le Conseil national des Parcs et Jardins - a new institution set up in May 2003 within the Ministry of Culture and Communication. It indicates to the general public the gardens whose design, plants and upkeep are outstanding - whether they be private or public, protected or otherwise - on the grounds of monuments or sites. This national label is awarded for a period of 5 years at the suggestion of regional commissions formed under the aegis of the Directions Régionales des Affaires Culturelles (D.R.A.C.). 9 gardens in the Bouches-du-Rhône have been awarded this label.

LE JARDIN D’EGUILLES 105, rue Paul Magallon - 13510 Eguilles Visits by appointment: 06 03 77 67 40

Salon Region | Towns

and villages |

[13] [10] [3]

[4]

[5]

[14]

1 Salon de Provence

Located 30 km or so from Aix-en-Provence, Salon de Provence is a charming town whose motto is “un nouvel art de vivre en Provence” (a different lifestyle in Provence). With its castle and many fountains, Salon has remained a town on a human scale. Salon was also the setting for the prophecies of Nostradamus.

[1]

[11]

2 Saint-Chamas

[9]

[12] [8]

Sitting astride a range of coastal hills, Saint Chamas is a village on the northern banks of the Etang de Barre. The village is divided into two parts. One the one side it opens up onto a pine forest and hills and on the other onto a charming little marina. Several pleasantly shaded public squares add charm and open space to the village (Place Betirac, Place de l'Eglise).

[7] [2]

3 Alleins

[6]

When passing through Alleins you will discover 4000 years of history, listed buildings and events that all go to make it a dynamic and cultural village.

4 Lamanon

Before reaching the village, you will see a delightful little road lined with plane trees that leads to the gates of the Château de Lamanon. This superb (privately owned) residence is surrounded by a lush green park and was built in 1660 for one of the lords of Cadenet. Located between Salon de Provence and Cavaillon, Lamanon is a lovely little town that sits peacefully at the edge of the Alpilles.

5 Eyguières

Eyguières is a small town located at the extreme east of the Alpilles and it probably has the largest number of springs and fountains in the region. Whatever the season and whatever the temperature, in summer as in winter, water always flows in Eyguières… so you can expect to see a number of charming fountains - fontaine Coquille, fontaine Cocotte and fontaine des Bormes, among others.

6 Velaux

Velaux is an attractive old Provençal village set on a knoll that overlooks the countryside to the west of Aix. It is strategically located in the middle of the Aix-Marseille-Salon triangle and is surrounded by lush countryside and vineyards. Velaux is fortunate enough to benefit from the peace of the countryside while remaining close to the major urban centers in the region.

7 La Fare les Oliviers

La Fare les Oliviers is located half way between Aix-en-Provence and Salon de Provence. As its name indicates, the town’s history is closely entwined with olive-growing. Above the village is the Castellas, the ruins of the castrum that was located there and that was at the origin of the village.

[15]

8 Lançon de Provence

Lançon sits on a hill beneath the remains of the castle (17th century) belonging to the lords of Les Baux. The ruins are surrounded by a wall flanked with square towers. In the village you will find delightful narrow streets lined with the magnificent antique doors of 17th and 18th century town houses.

9 Aurons

Aurons is a superb village that has sat on a hilltop in the middle of peaceful countryside for eleven centuries. Its location is strategic – only a few minutes from Salon de Provence and close to the Luberon and the Alpilles. Aurons is really worth a visit.

10 Charleval

12 La Barben

Charleval has the kind of Provençal charm that tempts you out for a walk. From the streets and alleys in the charming center to the 18th century castle, all of it is worth a visit.

La Barben is fortunate enough to have a superb castle that is classified as a Historic Building. It is as remarkable on the inside as it is on the outside and can be visited all year round. The castle is surrounded by a French formal garden designed by Le Nôtre (who created the gardens at Versailles) and there is a nearby zoo.

11 Pélissanne

13 Sénas

Pelissane is a located in the middle of the Bouches du Rhone department, near Salon de Provence, and on the banks of the Touloubre. When you visit it you will discover a maze of streets winding and intertwining around the old town center.

The center of Senas has several streets of shops. You will like the town hall square with its plane trees that offer the shade necessary to avoid being too hot on a café terrace. You might decide to have a stroll thin the streets around the town hall and discover a few of the very typical village houses.

14 Vernègues

The original village of Vernègues (now known as Vieux Vernègues) was wiped out on 11th June 1909 by a terrible earthquake. When you arrive in the village you will notice the ruins of Vieux Vernègues in the distance on a hill. Visit them if you will, you will find the remains of a castle, houses and a church.

15 Berre l’Etang

Excavations have shown that Etang de Berre has always been a place where communities formed. At the end of the 19th century, traditional culture (based on olives, vines, fishing and salt) collapsed and was drastically changed by industrialization. Today, the Etang is split in two - the south and the south east both of which sacrificed much to industrialization while the north and the west have maintained a more conventional character and where the land is covered by crops and woods.

Pélissanne | Encounter |

Bèn vengudo à Pelissano Pélissanne presents the image of a dynamic village that is very much in tune with its time; cultivating both lifestyle and identity in a blend of vestiges from the past, traditions and modernity. By Eric Morichaud

ituated at the foot of the Costes hills, Pélissanne has a privileged location sitting at the crossroads between Salon and Aix, the Durance River and the Luberon. It lies in the plain, a place where early man chose to live and thrive and that offers much to the visitor today with architecture, excavated objects and collective memory, the marks of 6000 years of history.

Though the etymology of the name remains vague, we can find early mentions of the village in the 10th century, as a site that hosted a Neolithic settling in primitive times and, later, communities in the pre-Roman era, like those in the "Caronte" and "Valdegon” oppida. However, Pélissanne was also present in ancient times when the first developments were being made around the main Roman roads, notably the eternal Via Aurelia, a strategic, economic axis leading from the Alps to the Pyrenees and from the Mediterranean to the Rhone valley. The milestones at La Guiramane and La Bidoussane can still be seen today, indications of the Romanization of Provence and the Pax Romana that signified the implantation of cultivating and trading communities where homes were set out around "villae". Invasions, battles and feudal power, the scattered troubles in mediaeval times left their marks here and there lending an air of a walled town to the old center of Pélissanne. The ramparts and drawbridge were built in the 15th century to protect the rather exposed location of the town. Pélissanne lost some of its economic importance and local communities preferred the protective walls of the Empiri in Salon or those of the Castrum at La Barben. It was only in the late Renaissance period that Pélissanne began to expand due to the Canal de Craponne. This was an exceptional piece of work as much by its design as by the extent of the work required for it. From 1567 onwards it supplied the land around the village with that precious commodity, water. The use of irrigation and watermills became possible and straightforward allowing for new progress in agriculture, milling, and the production of textiles and olive oil. In more recent times, Pélissanne has taken pride in its urban development and planning around the existing monuments (community house, church, Fontaine du Pélican, lavoir des Passadouïres, Place Pisavis). This was also the time of construction work for the railway (which stopped carrying passengers at the beginning of WWII) and new economic perspectives with Salon de Provence, Aix, and later Marseille. This expansion slowed down the exodus that was the aftermath of the earthquake in 1909. Nowadays, Pélissanne is an attractive and active community with shops, services and agriculture developed over the generations, always in the respect of an identity steeped in tradition. Roman military milestones, the remains of the ramparts, fountains, columns, urban architecture, the moulin Jean Bertrand, gate-keepers houses, the Saint-Laurent church and chapel, the belfry, the ruins of the château de la Penne, and the archeological museum (formerly the town hall) still remain. Whether in the maze of twisting and turning tiny streets that form the old center or viewed from the outside, Pélissanne only unfolds to you if you take the time to appreciate it. It is the only way to grasp the soul and the serenity of the village - out for a stroll or on the terrace of a café, in the murmur of water, in heated conversations, or even in the local arenas during a “course camarguaise”. We hope to see you soon!

Nine | souvenirs | to take home with you Calissons Calissons are a type of confectionary made from candied melon and almonds crushed together to form a fine paste then coated with royal icing and placed on wafer paper. They are often flavored with orange flower and are diamond-shaped. They have been a speciality of 'Aix-en-Provence since the 15th century. A

Olive oil Olive oil is extracted from olives by crushing them in an oil mill. It is one of the basic ingredients of Mediterranean cooking. In Provence, there are numerous mills where you can not only buy bottles of oil but also discover the different aromas and character of each year’s oil.

cicada

A mortar and pestle A mortar is a bowl where you

The song of the cicada is well known in Provence. The cicada is a small insect that emerges in the

A Provençal tablecloth

summer after several years of living

The typically Provençal patterns that you underground. The male cicada sings can grind things into a paste or see on tablecloths or table napkins make you think of sunshine and are traditional in natuto attract a mate. The cicada powder using a pestle. Mortars re. Nevertheless, they are Indian in origin is one of the symbols of and pestles are often made of olive and arrived in Provence in the 16th century. Provence. wood or stone. They are very useful for The technique used to produce these fabrics is called “indiennage marseillais” (calico-printing) and making the “pistou” for soupe au pistou. is one of the symbols of local skills.

A string of garlic

A santon Santons are small, brightly colored figurines made of clay that represent characters in the nativity scene. Nowadays, there are a hundred or so santon producers situated in and around Marseille, Les Baux de Provence, Aixen-Provence, Arles … The best known santons are the holy family, the angel, the shepherd and his sheep.

Garlic is a plant often found in kitchen gardens. Garlic heads have a pronounced smell and flavor and are often used as a condiment in many recipes. Hang your string of garlic away from direct sunlight to protect it from drying out.

A lavender bag Lavender is a small bushy plant that can grow to a meter in height. It grows naturally in Provence and flowers in spring (April-May). It is customary to dry the flowers to keep their perfume all year long. The Romans used lavender to protect their clothes and to perfume their baths. A small bag of it will perfume your whole wardrobe.

An olive wood bowl Olive wood is a golden brown with darker lines. If it has been treated with olive oil the colors will be even more intense. The particularity of olive wood is that it is very hard. It is used to make everyday objects such as mortars and salad bowls. 31