Wanderlust and Words

This is my first time in the interior of Provence and I was delighted to be taken for a drive around some villages near Monteux. Pernes Les Fontaines  Pernes les Fontaines has over 40 ancient fountains as well as lovely old stone houses, ramparts, and gateways. Fontaine de Vaucluse  A spring flows out of the cliffs surrounding the town of Fontaine de Vaucluse . It’s a very pleasant walk between tall cliffs along the river Sorgue to the source. There are traces of the forts that used to guard the area on the clifftops. L’Isle sur la Sorgue  Downstream from Fontaine de Vaucluse is L’Isle sur la Sorgue which has become renowned for its antique markets. There are several small streams running through the town making it a very pleasant spot to sit and enjoy a cold drink on a hot day. See also: Monteux Murals

My current housesitting assignment is in Monteux , France, near Carpentras and Avignon. I was excited to get a housesit in Provence and set out almost immediately to explore the town. It’s not very big, but the residents have established an art trail with 15 different artist and artisan studios. The route is lined with murals. Here are a few of my favorites (please note all the cats!).

Local Happenings The College of Pharmacy and Nutrition , U of S, is promoting a webinar from 12-1 pm EST, Mar. 29, on getting enough vitamin D and calcium under the new Canada Food Guide. Those Girls at the Market have something special in store for Easter – chocolate rabbits and a gift box with spring-inspired flavours. Check their Facebook page for online order instructions. The U of S Fruit Program wants to create a map of all the u-pick fruit farms in Saskatchewan. Email justin.schaeffer@usask.ca if you want your operation to be added to the map. If you’re in the mood for a road trip now that spring has arrived, I suggest heading to Armoury Brewing in North Battleford . A friend who knows her beers recommends the Juicy IPA, Stout, and SMASH and says the building has been beautifully restored. Food for Thought  “ Eating a fiber-rich diet is associated with better gastrointestinal health and a reduced risk of heart attacks, strokes, high cholesterol, o...

Many artists have been attracted to Collioure over the years. Matisse and Derain spent an intense summer here in 1905 at the very introduction of Fauvism and many other artists came here for the light and the outdoor activity. The town has done an excellent job of building on its reputation as a city of artists. They’ve posted replicas of paintings by Matisse and Derain around town so you can compare what they saw with what you see. The Maison du Fauvisme offers excellent guided tours outlining the history of the town, its connection with Fauvism, and several other subjects. Visitors are also invited to step into the shoes of an artist. There are frames around town that let you picture the bell tower from various different locations. Some of the restaurants have artistic storefronts. Of particular note is the Templiers. The mosaic on their façade is based on a painting by Derain and the restaurant itself is wallpapered with paintings that they’ve accepted over...

They were selling everything from olives, lettuce, and honey to dresses and brightly-coloured plates at Collioure's Wednesday market . I purchased 4 enormous slices of bread. My current favorite is walnut. The artichokes are in season and they’re huge! And the local strawberries are delicious. I would have loved to buy some of the brightly-coloured plates and bowls. Some of the vendors had their dogs with them – now that wouldn’t be allowed in Saskatoon!

On my first full day in Collioure, I went for a walk uphill to Collioure’s windmill. The walk starts at the modern art gallery and meanders its way through a naturally wild cactus garden overlooking the sea. Above the cactus garden is a small open-air pagoda (not shown). Apparently this was where Senator Pams came to smoke opium in times gone by. Stone stairs lead up to the 14th century windmill that was used to grind grain. It was repaired recently and is now used to make olive oil. There is a panoramic view of the terraced hillside vineyards. The Greeks introduced grapes and wine-making and Collioure/Banyuls is apparently the oldest wine region in France. I could have headed further up the hill to Fort St Elme. It was getting late, however, so I took the stairs heading down the hill through a grove of olive trees. I  had started my walk at the art gallery and I ended it at the Dominican monastery, which is now used by the local wine co-operati...

Local Happenings  Wolf Willow Winery is under new management. The wine will remain the same, but they’re expanding their menu under the direction of Chef Jenni with specially selected local menu items in addition to fresh-made pizzas. Saskatoon now has two great options when purchasing ready-made pies. Mary from Prairie Pie Company sells a wide range of frozen, ready-to-cook pies at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market. She’s now joined by Trent Loewen, former owner of Earth Bound Bakery, at Scratch Provisions . He’ll be hosting a pop-up restaurant at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market on Mar. 23 - hot savoury pie for breakfast or lunch, dressed with smashed potato, mushy green peas, and extra gravy. Scratch pies can be ordered online for Friday pick-up or delivery. Both companies offer vegetarian pie options. Food for Thought  So many food service jobs in North America are filled by students working part-time on a short-term basis. In France, however, you’ll frequently see...

The sun was shining in Collioure and, despite the fact that we were still in the middle of March, it felt like summer with crowds lining up for ice cream, eating meals on outdoor patios, and lounging on the beach. Collioure is a small resort town on the Mediterranean 27 km from the Spanish border. It’s a pretty town with a long walkway along the waterfront, two forts, an art museum, and winding alleys with colourful stucco houses, art galleries, and restaurants. I was fascinated to look up at the hills above the town and spot a windmill, a fort, and vineyards. It’s my first visit to Collioure, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to spend a few days here between housesits. It feels good to be back beside the sea, and I’m looking forward to visiting the art museum, going on a tour to learn about fauvism, and sampling some local wines.