Early Spring Scenes in Saint-Rémy

Elaborate costumes are a big draw to St. Remy's carnaval parade. — The Saint-Rémy Carnaval parade features elaborate costumes.

Au revoir winter, bienvenue spring. Last weekend in Saint-Rémy, the sun came out and the town woke up, giving locals their happy feet back. Many paraded, while others made music. Some danced in the streets or rode bicycles through them. Yes, indeedy, hibernation of hiver is officially over, and the promise of printemps has been put into action. Here is a sampling of Saint-Rémy ville on the move, including Carnaval festivities and conquerers of the Les Alpilles on two wheels.

This sinister figure gives winter the heave-ho, out the door. — This sinister character gives winter the heave-ho, out the door.

Hello Kitty, come back!

A pint-sized clown, and a petit princess pal around with Mickey.

A non-chalant tot shows off his cool chapeau.

A colorful Carnaval figure makes a splash without a piscine in sight.

A Provencal fife and drum group help send winter on its way. — A Provençal fife and drum group help bid winter adieu.

A crowd watches an effigy of winter going up in smoke. — During the grim Carnaval finale, a crowd watches an effigy of winter go up in smoke.

So long winter and good riddance! Nothing like a vibrant mix of posies to say spring is here! A playful flower arrangement adorns a village house in the historic center. A planter of purple pansies greet visitors to the Tourist Office. After a 118-km trek, the first peloton of the Raid des Alpilles crosses the finish line. St. Rémy’s 2019 Carnaval celebration is now over. And so is the morning mountain bike race. It’s a warm, early spring Sunday afternoon. What to do? See those folks sitting on the terrasse? They know. À table, mes amis, and bon appétit!