A week in Provence

We just returned from the most glorious week of meandering and feasting through the ruggedly enchanting region of Provence. With perfect weather on our side - not to mention lavender in bloom, village markets and few tourists - it was the perfect time to get away from Paris.

Above: on the road; private home nestled in a vineyard

Below: poolside barbecue and couscous on our last night
 

(click to enlarge)

Monday: A week in Provence

Margaritas and coffee

And so life returns to neighborhood hangouts.

Deux églises

Atop Montmartre, two churches:

Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, and behind, the cupola of the Basilica of Sacré Coeur.

A safe distance

Three plates away from each other.

***

Merci Caroline

Fashion masks

What appeared to be bikini tops from a distance turned out to be masks.

Below: the mask as essential accessoire; masks to match

Outside in

Today Paris cafés and restaurants are (finally) able to welcome clients inside.

Above: tables and chairs were allotted more sidewalk space than usual

June bug

A windowful of coccinelles - "les bêtes à bon Dieu" - in the 11th arrondissement.

***

Sighting a ladybug is said to bring good luck. One story goes that in medieval France just as an innocent man was about to be beheaded, one landed on his neck, and his life was spared. - BPJ