Elvis Still Rocks in Provence!

... And I do believe that "rocks" are what's it's all about here.  Doing the "accidental tourist" thing, we found ourselves in the Baronnies - outside the Vaucluse (the "Departement" where our village of Sablet is located) - in the Drome. The trip up into the rocky range and valleys of the Baronnies started as a trip to the Bricomarche (Hardware Store) in Vaison la Romaine to pick up a few supplies.  What had slipped our attention was that it was "Toussaint" Nov 1 - All Saint's Day - a public holiday - so the Bricomarche wasn't open!

Elvis still rocks in Provence!

We could have gone back "a la Maison", but on the way to the Brico I had commented that there was still some snow (after an October snowfall) on a hill ... way over there ... so ... we decided to go find this hill!

From Vaison la Romaine we took the Route de Nyons, past the town of Nyons along  the two lane D94 - a road that runs along the valley floor beside the Eygues River, up into the rocky terrain of the Baronnies where olives grow so well and and rock climbers find no end of new adventures.

A drive on the D94 beside the River Euyges in the rocky Baronnies

The ship shaped rock with a cross at its bow - St May looks out across the valley of the River Euyges 

About 20 km out of Nyons,  we noticed an interesting rock shaped protruding out at right angles to the rest of the hills, looking somewhat like a narrow ship with a saddle in the middle, but a definite bow that protruded out with a large cross on its point. The point reached almost to the river. As we got closer, we noticed that the "ship" had some houses built on it - too good a chance to visit an interesting place.

Along the road, the Cafe Rocher - turn left here, cross the bridge and climb
 the hill to get to St May

Once you turn left at the Cafe Rocher, this is the bridge you cross to take the road up the hill to St May.  Note the rock stratification that you see on the other side of the river under the bridge.  The rock strata throughout this Eygues River Gorge are dramatically folded and contorted varying considerably along the route  in color and pattern.

The name of this village we soon learned is St. May and access to it is from a bridge across the Eygues River (at the Cafe Rocher on the main road) and up a very curly road.  On the way up we noted that it was a little past lunchtime and we should probably stop at the Cafe Rocher (Rock Cafe!?) for lunch and decided to do it on the way back.

The rustic church occupies a central place in the perched village of St May

One of a few streets in St May with the backdrop of a towering rock so typical of this area 

St May was indeed a very interesting little village of a few hundred inhabitants who lived in houses built into the side of the ship shaped hill.  Apart from a couple of streets, and a church in the "square" entry to all other houses were from a street or streets of steps - the main one climbing up to the "bow" where we saw the cross.

Many of the houses in this village are accessed from "streets of steps"
that lead to the "bow" of this ship shaped hill

Climbing... and more steps through the arch ...

Still climbing .. but look down the steps that branch off to the  left...
 and there's the door to a house

.... and another down its own branch of steps

More climbing until ....

you are at the gates ...

That street of steps was quiet a climb, and when we did reach the "bow" we found that the cross is a marker for village cemetery which given the day, was filled with large bouquets of Chrysanthemums.

Inside the gates and it's Nov 1st - All Saint's Day 

While we were there, many family members came by to leave more flowers at the graves of their loved ones. As I recall I did comment quietly, (while stopping to catch my breath on one of the steps),  that it was so nice the villagers wanted their loved ones to go to heaven - but I never would have thought of carrying them up there!

Looking down on the rooftops of St May from the Cross

Having had as much aerobic exercise as we could handle for a day, we carefully trekked back to where the car was parked and made our way back down the hill, across the river.  Lunchtime!

Back at the Cafe Rocher - lunchtime!

Annex to the Cafe - across the road provides seating for guests during the
 busy summer season

Cafe Rocher looks very typical of many little Provencal cafes while out driving, and the Hostess was very welcoming when we entered.  She told us that they didn't have a full menu that day (it was quite far out of the "season"), but they would be glad to make us a Sandwich - ham and cheese - sounded great - especially with a cool glass of local Rose to go with it.

Elvis alert!

When we stepped into the dining room, I noticed a large picture of Elvis on the wall facing us and thought, "how nice - they're Elvis fans", then we noticed another larger dining area with more Elvis memorabilia ... a very large statue of Elvis, more pictures, etc etc.

It wasn't until we met the owner however, who brought us our drinks and sandwiches, that we realized just how much influence Elvis had on this little Cafe - first, we noticed he was wearing an "Elvis" T-shirt - then looked up and saw his Elvis hair! He seemed to be very pleased that we noticed how much like Elvis he looked, and after a short, pleasant conversation, left us to enjoy our sandwiches and wine ... all to the sound of Elvis's "You Aint Nothing But A Hound Dog".

That was a very pleasant although totally unexpected "find" way out in the hills of Provence - the little village was such a treasure - almost like it had been untouched by time.  The Cafe was fun - the Host and Hostess very welcoming and friendly and they served us a simple but very delicious lunch.

I guess there's more than one meaning to the name "Cafe Rocher"! If you find yourself out on the D94 near the area, I would definitely recommend a stop at the the Cafe that rocks!

Provence As A Part Of The Roman Empire

Beyond the fields of sunflowers, vineyards, lavender fields and olive groves, it is impossible to drive through the Provencal countryside without noticing the remnants of the Roman colonization of the area which began in 120 BC and continued for 600 years, until the second half of the 5th Century AD when they were displaced by the Visigoths.

The Pont Julien near Bonnieux, was a part of the old Via Domitienne

Evidence of Roman presence can be seen throughout the area, even in the smallest towns and villages.  You will find yourself crossing an old Roman bridge at Vaison la Romaine, or Bedarrides or Pont Julien near Bonnieux where the bridge provided the river crossing for the ancient Via Domitienne.  The Romans  built roads to connect major cities in the Empire, some of which are still in use.  Via Aureilienne was the major artery that connected Rome and Arles. It's route passed Aix en Provence and Salon de Provence and today the RN 7 between Aix en Provence and Nice, follows the much of the same route, whilst in an area just east of Tourtour in the Var, a long section of this 1,700 year old road is still in use.

Map of Gallia Narbonensis showing Roman Towns and old Roman roads - image source - www.explorethemed.com

Rome established a foothold in the area when the inhabitants of Massilia (today Marseille), a Greek city at that time, asked for Rome's help in battling the Celtic tribes of the interior.  The newly established Roman Empire (125 BC), anxious to connect Italy to their newly won territories in Spain (a result of the wars with Carthage), was only too pleased to "help", and by 120 BC, the Roman Empire had spread across the entire southern coast of what they then called "Transalpine Gaul" (France).  Provence, as a sub region of Transalpine Gaul, first became known as Provincia Nostra.  As the Empire spread throughout the Mediterranean, the name Provincia became confusing as there were many Provincae Nostrae, so it was renamed Gallia Transalpina for a period of time, before the Emperor Augustus finally named it "Gallia Narbonesis," with its capital Narbo Martius  - today's Narbonne. This new capital was intended to divert trade from the still Greek and wealthy city of Massilia and the Rhone Valley.

In Vaison la Romaine, Roman vestiges can be seen throughout the town

Treating the Provinces as an extension of Rome, Emperor Augustus granted land in the Provinces to landless legionnaires as a reward for victories.  They could settle with their families, so securing the territory for the Empire and work the land producing food and materials for sale in Rome.  The facilities of each settlement were an important element in the stability of each community, therefore "mini Romes" were constructed in each settlement complete with theatres, baths, forums and arenas.

In Arles, the Roman Arena seats 26,000 people

Arles was the first such settlement - given to the Sixth Legion of Julius Caesar after their victory in the battle with Pompei at Marseille, quickly becoming known as "the little Rome of the Gauls".  Amongst the many Roman sites in this town, the Arena built in the 1st Century AD is probably the most notable. It seats 26,000 people who gathered to watch gladiators during Roman times, but today the amphitheatre, which is 150 yards long and about the width of a football field is used mainly for "les Courses Camarguaises" - Bullfights Provencal style, where the bull does not get hurt.  Not so well preserved are the remains of the Theatre Antique which once was a very grand structure for up to 7,000 theater goers. Now reduced to a few rows of seats and the orchestra pit, it can be seen, and still serves as one of the venues for the annual Arles Music and Drama Festival.

A beautifully preserved monument in the town of Orange - an Arc de Triomphe recognizes bravery during the Gallic wars.

The Second Legion were the recipients of the town of Orange for their heroic service during the Gallic wars.  This town, which now carries the name of the royal family of the Netherlands, is home  to two magnificently preserved Roman structures.  In the middle of town is  the Theatre Antique built just before the birth of Jesus Christ and is still in use today for the summer Cheorogies, where up to 7,000 spectators can be accommodated at any performance.  Notable aspects of this theatre are its incredible acoustics and an enormous screen wall, which serves as a backdrop for performances.  On the outskirts of the town, is an Arc de Triomphe - a monument to the Roman victories in the Gallic wars. Originally built on the Via Agrippa, today it is the majestic centerpiece of a very large roundabout.

In Nimes, the Maison Carree is a Roman Temple which was the inspiration for Thomas Jefferson when planning the State Capital building in Richmond, Victoria

Nimes, or Nemausus as it was known in Roman times, was bequeathed to the Legions which fought and defeated Antony and Cleopatra at Actium. Very quickly,  it began a transformation into a Roman town.  Within the impressive city walls built to enclose nearly a square mile in area was an amphitheatre, a forum with temples and a watchtower.  The best known of the Roman structures still standing in Nimes is the Maison Caree a Roman temple which served as the inspiration for Thomas Jefferson in planning the State Capital building in Richmond, Virginia. Today, it is a museum which is open daily to the public. The Arena, or Arenes, was modeled on the Colosseum in Rome and can seat up to 21,000 people.  It is considered the best preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world, but it is still home to Provencal bullfights or tennis matches in the summer.

The Pont du Gard

As the settlements in the south developed into a bustling towns with many prosperous residents, the need for a safe and steady supply of water began to grow.  This resulted in one of the most impressive feats of engineering and construction of Roman times. The Pont du Gard, is a majestic three tiered structure that was built to traverse the Gardon River at a fifteen storey height. Construction of this structure was started in 50 BC and was completed in less than 5 years.  It is built completely of hand cut stone blocks that took hundreds of men to hoist into position.  It stands today as the second tallest Roman structure in the world and has withstood many, many floods that have washed away much newer bridges.  The bridge and visitors center are open to the public daily.  The bridge is quite often the backdrop for concerts and fireworks displays.

Glanum - near St. Remy de Provence

Just outside St. Remy de Provence, lie the ruins of the old city of Glanum, which contains among other vestiges, a forum and thermal baths. Opposite Glanum are the ruins of  a mausoleum, and an Arc de Triomphe, which were constructed in approximately 30 AD.

The Old Roman Bridge at Vaison la Romaine over the Ouveze River

Vaison la Romaine - the nearest large town to Sablet, was a very prosperous Roman center.  Prior to its very gradual Roman conversion, it was the capital of a Celtic tribe - the Voconti.   The Gallo-Roman city developed around the villas already built along the Ouveze River.  The gradual Romanization of the town is credited for its success and stability. Vaison la Romaine became one of the richest cities in Gallia Narbonensis with numerous geometric mosaic pavements and a small theatre that has been refurbished and is open to the public. Roman vestiges can be seen throughout the town and the Visitor's Center provides information on locating the various monuments.

At Vaison la Romaine, Roman Vestiges show the pattern of the streets and the layout of the old Roman town

During the second half of the 5th Century, the area went through a period of instability following invasions by the Germanic tribes - the Visigoths in  the year 480, followed by the Ostrogoths, then the Burgundians and finally the Franks in the 6th Century.  These invasions coupled with the waning of the Roman Empire and the power it exercised it the region saw the end of the Roman Era in Provence.  The fact that so many structures and monuments have survived to this day, is a testament to the to quality of the workmanship of the times and the wealth and prosperity brought about during Roman times.

Cycling in Provence

No matter what time of year you visit Provence, there is a picture you can count on seeing – bike riders – sometimes in larger groups – sometimes just one or two – out enjoying the scenery and sightseeing in Provence their way.

Fun and fitness in the "plein air" of Provence

Since we have owned la Baume des Pelerins in Sablet, we have come to know many more of our guests who are in Provence for one, two and sometimes three weeks to enjoy all of the  spectacular scenery, charming villages and history, that a Provence bike riding vacation brings.

Even in the middle of winter, cyclists find Provence a very attractive venue for excursions

Why after la Baume? I asked myself the same question when I noticed the trend.  It’s because la Baume has a lockable space, the “baume”  in which bicycles and all the riding equipment can be securely stored and out of harms way, which can be something of  a rarity in Provence vacation rental homes, especially in small villages where the streets are narrow and garages are not common.

Bravo! This is quite a ride and quite an achievement

The Vaucluse has a lot to offer bike riders of all capabilities.  For riders like me, there’s  lots of “flat land” riding,  and for more ambitious riders, a mixture of flat and mildly hilly rides.  For experienced riders who are ready to tackle the more arduous outing, Sablet is within close proximity to Mt. Ventoux which has been included on the Tour de France circuit more than once!

Ready for a day on two wheels

Many of our guests have told me that they particularly enjoy planning their rides to take in sites they want to see, often stopping  to visit towns and villages, sometimes on market days, to pick up supplies for picnics, visiting points of interest, and often bringing back local specialties for a delicious and relaxing evening meal, in the cool and intimate space of the baume.

Spectacular Scenery

If a Provence Bike riding vacation is in your future …  here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, about rides that you may enjoy in the Vaucluse.

CYCLING ROUTES ….

This cycling route is one of the many preplanned routes prepared by Tourisme en Haute Vaucluse and available at the Office de Tourisme in Sablet and those throughout the Vaucluse.  These routes are centered around tourism themes such as "Landscapes of the Cote du Rhone" which gives the riders an opportunity to do some sightseeing in areas that interest them whilst enjoying the ride.

This ride will take you through the vineyards of Appellation d'Orignine Controllee Cotes du Rhone all with the backdrop of the Dentelles de Montmirail and Mt. Ventoux. You will visit many scenic villages such as Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Sablet and Beaumes de Venise

PARKING:  Place du Marche - Beaumes de Venise
DISTANCE:  33 kilometers/ 20.5 miles
DURATION:  3 hours
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY:  Intermediate riding
CIRCUIT IS SIGNPOSTED

Circuits re signposted

Each route shows the distance in kilometers, the riding time, the degree of difficulty of the ride, a vertical cross section graph that shows you the hills and flat areas, a guide on where to park the car once you have reached the beginning point and stage be stage directions.

TRANSPORTING YOUR BIKE...

If you plan to bring your own bike, your travel agent or Airline will advise you on specific requirements for transporting it. This will include details about proper packaging, how you will have to handle your bicycle if you have connecting flights and customs regulations.

Train Travel in France:  You can take your bicycle on any train in France, however if you plan to travel on the TGV (fast train), you will need to reserve a space for your bicycle as well as reserving a seat for yourself.

These bikes from "Velopop" are available for rental around certain towns and cities.  They are not suitable for a riding circuit in the countryside. Avignon has 17 stations where you can rent a bike to get around the city.

BIKE RENTAL...

You can also very easily rent bikes and other equipment at specialty Cycling stores in the area, especially if you wish to perhaps spend just a few days of your Provence vacation on two wheels.
IMPORTANT - If you plan to rent a bike, experienced riders tell me that it is advisable to bring your own REAR VISION MIRROR if you have one that you are used to using when riding.

Vaison-la-Romaine  84110

Hurricane

Rental and Repair

Location: 9, rue des Ormeaux

Tel: 0490 287 786

Need a break from your helmet?

Mag 2 Roues                                                                    

Rental and Repair

Location: Cours Taulignan

Tel: 0490 288 046

Orange  84100

Cycles Dupont

Rental and Repair

Location: 23,avenue Frédéric-Mistral

Tel: 0490 341 560

Cycles Olivier Trousse

Rental and Repair

Location: 176, rue de l'Irlande

Tel: 0490 517 161

Cycles Picca

Rental and Repair

Location: 544, avenue de Verdun

Tel: 0490 516 953

MBK

Rental and Repair

Location: 571, boulevard ƒdouard-Daladier

Tel: 0490 341 651

Provence Rent Bike

Bike tours, journeys, rentals. Tours include Around the Ventoux, wine, olive oil, antiques, markets of Provence.

Location: Sport Aventure; 1 Place de la République

Tel: 0490 347 508

Email: info@provence-rent-bike.com

Web: www.provence-rent-bike.com

Carpentras  84200

Automne, Michel                                                                 

 Yikes!

Rental and Repair

Location: 14, rue Vieil-Hôpital

Tel: 0490 633 712

Espace Deux Roues

Rental and Repair

Location: 258, avenue Notre-Dame-de-la-Santé

Tel: 0490 600 225

Evasion

Rental and Repair

Location: 233, avenue du Mont-Ventoux

Tel: 0490 600 024

Le Route de Ventoux

Rents a limited number of high-end bikes.

Location: 293 av. Victor Hugo

Tel: 0490 670 740; Fax: 04 90 60 39 84

Web: www.route-du-ventoux.com

Thorn Bikes

Rental and Repair

Location: Chemin Saint-Gens

Tel: 0490 635 077

Gigondas  84190

Gîte d'étape de Gigondas

Rental.

Tel: 0490 658 085

Ubiquitous in Provence

Bonne Route!

For More on Bike Riding in Provence: Tour de Sablet

Tous au Marche - Let's all go to the Market!

 It was getting close to vacation time - only a few weeks away.  Back to Sablet and Provence.  Time to start packing and getting all those, “before we go” jobs done.  Start with the suitcases ….. yes they’re ready to start ….. wait a minute …. What’s this in the zipper compartment on the outside of this one?

    Dated Lundi 21 Juillet 2008 (Monday July 21 2008 ... 2008 ... really?), is a Sud Vaucluse edition the daily newspaper La Provence, carrying a front page headline and large color picture beckoning, Tous au Marché (everyone to the market).  It invites readers to take a tour of 120 markets in the Vaucluse, every day of the week in different towns and villages.   As I read on, this article and just the thought of the Provencal markets makes me feel good – always filled with characters and good natured stall holders who  love talking with and getting to know their customers.  They’re always ready joke with you, to share a recipe or make sure you know the best way to launder that table runner to keep it looking beautiful.  They love to know where you are from, and what really surprised me was, how many had visited the US – amongst the most common reactions – “love san Francisco – very European”  “Las Vegas is amazing ”  “New York – formidable”.

    Each vacation, we try to get to new markets in towns and villages we haven’t visited yet.  It’s a great way to start your sightseeing tour – with a true flavor of the local scene, lunch at a outdoor café or perhaps even better, pick up supplies for a picnic, followed by an afternoon of exploring and sightseeing. I must admit though that we have developed some favorites. They have become “old friends”.

    Usually arriving on a Saturday afternoon, amongst the first items of business for us is Sunday morning at Isle sur la Sorgue market, followed by an outdoor lunch at Lou Nego Chin (old Provencal for “the swimming dog”) – a small restaurant on the banks of the River Sorgue. Are we really such creatures of habit?   It appears so!  The market gets crowded in the summer, so go early.  There is a great little breakfast café on the rue du Docteur Taillet,  as well as outdoors at the Café de France opposite the Cathedral  - not too far from the scene of “the doggie voleur.”  

Oops!  Mustn’t forget – stop by Lou Nego Chin and reserve a riverside table for twelve-thirty.  Now ….. Spices, fresh produce, maybe a freshly cooked chicken for dinner, cheeses, olives and charcuterie (where’s the stall holder who told me that he’d never be able to afford a new truck, if I was only going to purchase one coil of saussison?  – better go back and see if the new truck materialized) …. Mon pauvre mari makes trips back to the car – lucky we discovered a great parking area not too far away that always seems to have free spots.  Time to check out what’s new at the market this year – linens, what’s new in pottery, don’t forget the artisan made soaps, olive wood items, fabric (absolutely the best place for furnishing fabrics) , anything at all!  I’m in my element here –  must have been a stall holder in a previous life!

                                        

     The morning passes quickly, with way too much fun.  It’s time to meet our friends at the restaurant.  One of the most comforting,  yet surprising  things is that the stall holders at the market, owners and staff of restaurants very rarely change, so it’s nice to go back to old friends.  Lunch is going to be fun  – we’re meeting friends who have come from the other side of the world.  Under a large shady umbrella, watching the ducks amble down the river, it’s time to relax with an aperitif and check out the menu.  As As the bells of the Cathedral chime one pm, the market starts to unwind.  Stall holders packing up their narrow tall vans into which disappears everything that made up the stall – tables, umbrellas, merchandise and anything else that was used. The food is great – as usual – the Soupe de Poisson is still great …… and I just can’t resist their Ile Flotant for desert.  Am I really such a creature of habit? 

                                               

      Before we know it – it’s nearly three – most of the day spent with old friends -  The friends we have lunch with, the friends at the restaurant and the Market itself – definitely an old friend.  Let’s walk back to the car, put the top down and head back to Sablet ….. ..
After all, we have more “can’t be missed” old friends to visit during the week ……
     

       Tuesday in Vaison la Romaine ......... early Friday in Sablet and then on to Carpentras     ......…. Just for starters.

Supermarket Shopping in Provence (and France)

We hear much about the Markets of Provence and the small specialty stores that sell the very best of produce, cheese, charcuterie and so on. 

These shops are all around you and they are very much a part of the French life. For instance, it's not uncommon to hear our friends talk about making a special trip to Vaison-la-Romaine, to see Josiane Deal at Lou Canestou for their cheese course at a special dinner - and Lou Canestou is an extremely good choice as they have excellent cheese!

But .... many of our guests vacationing in Provence at Maison des Pelerins and la Baume des Pelerins, have to balance food shopping and cooking the perfect Provencal Dinner, with getting out and about to visit all the sites and scenery that they have come to see, maybe with their young children, and don't have the time to devote to finding and visiting the specialty stores. In Sablet we are very fortunate to have a wonderful little Mini Market, but not all villages have that luxury.

Intermarche Supermarket on the Route de Nyons - Vaison la Romaine

To everyone who falls into this category - I have good news for you!  Provence has excellent Supermarkets!  The quality is excellent - the stores are generally very large and well laid out, carrying a very wide range of foods and other household items. 

Carrefour Market - Orange - just off Exit 22 from the A7 AuroRoute

The larger Supermarket chains are: Intermarche, Carrefour, LeClerc, SuperU and Auchan (this is a humungous store that carries everything from groceries to automotive supplies, clothing, household items and appliances). I'm sure I have missed some, but you will commonly see these stores.  

Super U Supermarket in Vaison la Romaine - Avenue des Choralies  84110 Vaison-la-Romaine

If you are planning a "self-catering" vacation at a rental home in Provence or anywhere in France, it's very easy to find a Supermarket near your destination to stock up on supplies, without having to hurriedly brush up on your French for fear of starving!

The entry to Auchan Market ("Hypermarche") near Avignon (Centre Commercial - le Pontet).. now this is a Supermarket!

It is easy to recognize the layout of most Supermarkets in Provence since they follow a pattern that will be similar to the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries.  

Do you think there's an adequate choice of cheeses?   ..... browse at your leisure ... and then pick your fromage

There are sections for fruit and vegetables, deli items, fresh meats and poultry, bakery, dairy etc., In Provence (and throughout France) there are however a few practical differences that it will help to know about before you get there.

Let's take it from the beginning ..... 

1.  Grocery Bags (Sacs) ....

Isn't this what a Provencal shopping bag should look like?

 ....  Always take your own bags - Supermarkets in Provence will charge you per bag if you do not have any, and do not want to carry your items out to the car loose in your cart (Chariot).  

2.  Grocery Carts (Chariots) ....

Carts are stored at various points around the parking lot, where they can be picked up and dropped off easily

.... Most Supermarkets make their carts available outside the store - some have carts stored in various parts of the parking lot as well as by the doors.

3.    Keep a 1 Euro Coin handy!  ......

Slide a 1Euro coin into the slot - it releases the lock on the cart .. and you are free to walk around the store!

.... In order to get a cart, you will have to slide a one euro piece into the mechanism that keeps it locked in place to all the other carts.  

When you have unpacked your cart at the end of your shopping trip, simply take the cart back and slide the catch back in and your Euro will pop back out.  

                                                 Don't forget it!

4.  Once in the store, when purchasing fruit and vegetables - place them in your plastic bag, seal the bag and weigh them on the nearest electronic scale. 

Produce must be bagged, weighed and priced prior to checkout. (Picture from Americans in France website)

You will see pictures of all the fruit and vegetables available, right on the scales.  Find your choice and press the appropriate button.  An adhesive price tag will be printed out and ejected from the scales.  Be sure to stick the tag on the plastic bag of produce. If you miss this step, the checker will send you back to do it! (Yes.... it was embarrassing!) 

5.  Checking Out ...

When you get to the checkout, as usual, you will have to unload your cart, but you will also have to do your own bagging. There will be no one bagging, and the checker does not bag your purchases - here is where you need the bags you brought.

Just one more hint:  If you are renting a vacation home, I strongly recommend going to your destination and unloading your luggage, before going to the supermarket (perhaps after a cup of coffee or even a glass of wine).  That way, you will not be leaving your luggage in an unattended car whilst shopping, AND you will have an opportunity to do a quick stock take on items that may already be provided with your rental as this varies. 

I hope you won't have to put the top down on your car to fit all your purchases in!

Happy Shopping and Bon Courage!   

Practical Items:

Large supermarkets close to Sablet are: Intermarche on the Route de Nyons in Vaison la Romaine, Super U on the Avenue des Choralies, Vaison-la-Romaine and Carrefour in South Orange right off Autoroute 22 from the A7.

Most large supermarkets are open from 8am to 7.30pm continuously 

(no closure for lunch).

Here are a few words that may be helpful when you are shopping:

la banque                         - bank

le boucherie                     - butchers

la boulangerie                  - bakers

le bureau de tabac            - cigarettes, also sells stamps,

                                           sometimes newspapers and often is part

                                           of the local bar

le bureau de poste           - post office

le centre commercial       - shopping centre

la charcuterie                  - traditionally the pork butcher, but is more
                                          like a delicatessen, selling
                                          cold meats, quiche, salads, pates                                      

le coiffeur / la coiffeuse   - hairdressers

l’épicerie                          - grocery store

le marché                          - market

la patisserie                       - cakes/pastries (also sold at the bakers)

la pharmacie                      - drug store - chemist

la presse                             - newspapers/magazines

le supermarché                   - supermarket

le chariot                            - cart - trolley

les bonbons                         - candy - sweets

le beurre                             - butter

le fromage                          - cheese

du lait                                 - milk

le sucre                               - sugar

un œuf                                 - egg

le pain                                  - bread

le poulet                               - chicken                           

le poulet fermier                  - free range chicken

la viande                               - meat

une tranche                           - a slice

le vin                                     - wine

le café                                   - coffee

le thé                                     - tea

jus d’orange                          - orange juice

jus de pomme                        - apple juice

les allumettes                         - matches

un sac                                    - bag

un timbre                               - a stamp

entrée                                    - entrance

sortie                                     - exit

sortie de secours                    - emergency exit

tirez                                       - pull (on shop doors)

poussez                                  - push (on shop doors)