Showing off our Provençal playground to visitors always promises oohs and ahhs of delight. And that’s just me. Playing tour guide in and around Saint-Rémy gives me the opportunity to see my adopted home from different perspectives, which is gratifying in fresh new ways.
But donning my host hat means giving the travelers the best experience. And a key trick to guests getting the biggest kick possible out of the area’s treasures is tailoring the tours to match their preferred interests.
Happily, my latest “tourees” were devoted foodies, marketers, and art-and-architecture lovers like me, and also shared my penchant for hiking the hills. So, designing an itinerary was a snap.
We covered a good amount of territory in a few days, aiming for a rich, yet unrushed roster of activities—always staying flexible and keeping tabs on energy levels. After their Lyon to Arles river cruise, my buddies were anxious to get out and about. To that end, we caught up as we ambled around old-town St. Rémy, admiring the pretty squares—particularly Place Favier and Place Pellissier—and pausing at art galleries and boutiques. We strolled up to the sanitarium Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, where Van Gogh stayed (1889-1890)—and painted The Starry Night—and walked across the foothills of the Alpilles, taking in one of the best overviews of the town.
When the weather cooperated, we enjoyed apèros on the terrace and lingered over lunch featuring salades de chèvre chaud. Luckily, the day that Mother Nature decided to throw a “damp” tantrum, we had reservations for a special déjeuner at Le Capoun.
Other highlights were Saint-Rémy’s fabulous Wednesday outdoor market and Carrières des Lumières, for the immersive sound-and-light show starring Picasso and the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Excursions to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Aix-en-Provence rounded out the visit.
Then came the hard part—saying au revoir to my très chères amies. But we made memories that we’ll treasure…forever.
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Wherever you are, dear readers, wishing you health, happiness, and hope.
Bises, Gayle
PS
When May rolls around, so do Rollers—remarkable!
PPS
Pleasures of Provence is making its way around the world. I always love to hear how the story resonates with readers, so if you have a favorite part (or parts!), please do let me know. And if you’d like to share your enthusiasm on Amazon or Goodreads, that would be marvelous. Many, many heartfelt thanks in advance for taking the time for that—it means a ton.
Gayle Smith Padgett 