Summer in Provence

Today, on the road from Violès to Vaison la Romaine

The Taste of Summer in Provence

Fête des Voisins - Fête Gourmande

This year the "La Fête des Voisins" the traditional neighborhood party was celebrated in France on the 1st of June, but our neighborhood (thank you Claude and Chrystèle for always organizing this!) decided that this weekend suited us much better. And right we were - brillant sunshine and the bluest of all Provençal skies made for a record number of attendance.

Everyone is asked to bring a few bottles, a savory dish and a dessert plus picknick tables, chairs, parasols and after first having a little apéro everyone gives a helping hand to set up the tables, chairs and - most importantly the buffet. After all, we are in France and fêtes like these always turn into gourmet feasts. Here are the highlights of this year's buffet: 

Very Provençal: Ratatouille

Slow roasted Pork shoulder with Garlic Confit

Not to be missed: Multi colored Pasta Salad

A delicious homemade Terrine 

Neighbors bonding over Picknick al fresco

Sunhats were a real necessity 

Somehow I never got around to taking pictures of all the fun and games of that afternoon: we played Boule, got to visit our newest neighbor's house, emptied lots of bottles (yes, water too...) celebrated a birthday at midnight (by then we had relocated to a neighbor's house and the birthday girl got thrown into a pool) - in short - a great time was had by all!

Still having fun late at night

Poppy time - almost Summer in Provence!

My favorite season in Provence has begun: the poppies are popping up (yes I know, couldn't resist...) all over the fields and as I was driving by I just had to take out my camera for a quick snap. Continued driving and suddenly realized I had a big smile on my face - because these little red dots make everything look so beautiful, because the sun was shining, because it is almost summer in Provence!