A Day in the Provence Country Side

Aug 10, 2010: A Day in the Provence Country Side

Provence Kitchen in the Sunlight

We have been friends with Pierre and Pascale Senant for almost three decades. We were married in the same year, sailed together, Pierre and David did business together, and we have been fortunate to be able to visit Pierre and Pascale whenever we are in France. A few years ago Pierre and Pascale moved from Senlisse, south of Paris, to a house in the country near Pertuis in Provence. This is our first time in their Provencal house and Pascale's splendid kitchen was one of the first things we saw. It reminds us of her beautiful kitchen in Senlisse.

The six of us arrived at lunch time. Pascale and friends staying with them from Paris had been busy cooking. We sat outside and enjoyed a four course French lunch while we caught up and visited. It is amazing how you can connect with good friends, even if you have not seen each other for a long time. We talked about careers, homes, kids, and adventures.

After lunch we cooled off in the pool before having a nap. The house is located among farm fields in a broad plain. All around us farmer's trucks moved back and forth starting to bring in the harvest. We were languid in the hazy heat of a Provencal afternoon, enjoying the day and the company.

As the sun started to set, dinner was laid on the table outside the kitchen door. Candles were lit, a couple lights put on, and we sat outside as the stars appeared enjoying course after course of delightful French food. It was after midnight by the time we were ready to say good bye, climb back into our van, and make the drive back to Aix-en-Provence.

Sweet and Fresh Melons