Our First Chateau

The Renaissance Chateau de Lourmarin was the first chateau we visited in France and it led us to expect others to be similar.  We found to our surprise later that they can be vastly different.  The Chateau de Lourmarin was built in the 15th century on the remains of a 12th century fortress, hence the mix of styles you see below.  

Love the wood against the stone and the arches

My favourite spiral

View of the town from the top of the castle

There was an exceptional photo exhibit of the African desert in the basement.  See the camels in the back and this striking portrait of a tribesman.

We were lucky to be treated to a free choral concert in the Temple beside the chateau.  Here are the combined choirs from Aix-en-Provence and Rotterdam.

The colourful streets of Lourmarin

The largest meringue we have ever seen!

It also has the best artisanal nougat ever, which I didn't take a picture of, much to my regret; although I'll remember what it tasted like without any help.

Handsome Lourmarin cat and Lourmarin dog - pretty perky fellas!

I just noticed this sign as we were about to leave Lourmarin.  It turns out Albert Camus lived in Lourmarin and actually used his Nobel Prize money to buy a house here although he didn't live in it for very long before he died.  He was buried here.  Now if we had done our research before we left home, we would have looked up his house at least!  It was apparently not marked but all the locals would know which one.  Peter Mayle too, lives in Lourmarin today.

The dessert of the day - a Lourmarin treat!

Serious Dining

Thai food in Paris??!   The name of the restaurant is Gastronomie Thailandaise, which gives fair indication of what to expect.  It was a nice surprise for us, certainly fancier than any Thai restaurant we have encountered in Toronto.  But then again, it's Paris. 

Chicken wrapped in palm leaves

Soft-shell crab

Prawns in crepe pouch

Curried chicken steeped in coconut

Thanks to our hosts for the evening, my cousin Laurent and his family

Monday in Paris, meant that many restaurants were closed.  We were lucky our friend Tim referred us to L'Ambassade d'Auvergne, just north of the Georges Pompidou Centre.  
The chilled asparagus entree, served with a warm vinaigrette, was refreshing with the contrast in textures and temperature.  The roast duck breast, served in 3 big chunks instead of slices, meant the skin remained crispy, pink and juicy inside - it was the best duck we have tasted anywhere.  The other interesting element was the "aligot" it came with - mashed potatoes made with cheese - a traditional dish from the province of Auvergne.  The waiter  put up a performance, pulling the mixture out of the heated pan with a spoon so that it is in strands.

We realized after we left Paris, that the 3 course "Formule" menu turned out to be the best deal ever, compared to restaurants in Provence.