Our Vacation Rental Homes in Sablet, Provence

Sablet Village, Vaucluse, Provence, France
Maison des Pelerins and La Baume des Pelerins, or "les Pelerins" as we affectionately refer to our dream come true, of owning our own homes in Provence, are located in the heart of the Vaucluse. We thoroughly enjoy hearing from our guests to "les Pelerins" that they feel they are spending time in their own home in Provence. To be a part of village life, Sablet is the perfect place. "Les Pelerins" dates back to the time when the Popes administered the Catholic Church from Avignon, with a Papal Vice-Legat having a residence right here in Sablet. Our neighbor's home was the Vice-Legat's residence. Ours was one of the buildings that housed visitors and pilgrims and was connected to it, as we can see from the internal portals, and the front door of Maison des Pelerins. Hence the name - Pelerins is French for pilgrims. I hope this Blog will help you get to know Provence and live your Provencal Dream.

Monday, October 24, 2011

The Festival of Soups in the Villages around Vaison-la-Romaine

You know that Autumn is in the air in Provence, when the menus turn to HOT soups.  During the summer, I love the creativity of the chilled soups that often begin a meal - but - there's just something about so comforting about a hot bowl of soup by a warm fire!  During the weekend I saw a beautiful post from Tuula Rampont (BelleProvenceTravels), in which a hearty bowl of Soupe au Pistou and Provencal Daube were the stars.

Jean Marcellin - a well known local artist says, "Come join the fun at the Festival des Soupes"
It instantly transported me to Sablet and the Festival of Soups, that takes place in a number of villages in the area, at this time of year, over a period of about four weeks.  This year the festival started in Roaix on October 15th and will be held in a travel throughout the Pays de Vaison until the November 19th Grand Final.  Contestants are encouraged to be creative and enter their most original recipe. At each village festival,  a panel of  judges chooses a winner who will compete with the same recipe at the Grand Final against all the other winners of their village competition. The whole community gets involved - even the children at the local Ecole (Elementary School) prepare an entry.

Jean Marcellin's fun depiction of all the talented Chefs heading to the Festival des Soupes

Tuesday, October 25th is the date for Sablet's Festival which will be held at the "Salle des Fetes" (Village Hall), in the village.  The judging begins at 7pm during which time, only the judges may taste each of the entries.  At 7.30pm, after their decision is made, tasting is free and open to all who would like a sample.  The party then continues on with at dinner that requires the purchase of a ticket at 7 Euros per person.  Large tables are set up and the party goes on.

Jean Marcellin signing books at the Fete du Livres, Sablet
On the 19th October, the Grand Final that is held at the "l'Espace Culturel" (Cultural Center), will Aperitifs - hosted by each participating village.  Following the Aperitifs is the Judging and award of the Prize for the Soup of the Year. The fun and celebrations will continue with dancing, after a dinner of a giant pot of soup, cheese and wine.

If you are lucky enough to be in the area right now, here is a schedule for the Festival des Soupes:

- Saturday, October 15th  - Roaix (Elementary School)
- Wednesday, October 19th - Buisson (Village Hall)
- Friday, October 21st -  Vallee du Toulourenc a Brantes (la Grange - the Barn)
- Monday, 24th October - St. Marcellin les Vasion (Elementary School)
- Tuesday, 25th October -  Sablet (Village Hall)
- Saturday, 29th October - Entrechaux (Town Hall)
- Monday, 31st October - Villedieu (Village Hall)
- Friday, 4th November - Puymeras (Village Hall)
- Saturday, 5th November - Crestet (Village Hall)
- Tuesday, 8th November - Cairanne (Village Hall)
- Wednesday, 9th November - Vaison-la-Romaine (Cultural Center)
- Friday, 11th November - Saint-Romain en Viennois (Village Hall)
- Saturday, 12th November - Seguret (Village Hall)
- Tuesday, 15th November - Rasteau (Rural Arts Center)

                                       Bon Appetit a Tous!  Wish I was there with you!

Great Blogs!
You can read Tuula Rampont's Blogs at: www.BelleProvenceTravels.com
Another of my "must read" blogs is: www.French-Word-a-Day.com by Kristin Espinasse



 

 

1 comment:

  1. Thanks so much for the blog mention! And I've heard about the Festival of Soups but haven't had the chance to go - looks like a great event & thanks for all of the helpful information!

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