When I arrive in a new city, I make a beeline for the nearest outdoor market. It’s a great place to check out local produce (and buy it, if I’m renting an apartment and can cook on my stay), get a quick lunch, or buy a souvenir.
“There it is!” I shouted. I’d spotted Les Deux Garçons, MFK Fisher’s favorite Aix haunt, shortly after my contact lens debacle. Rose, Rebecca, Kathy, and I plopped down at a table in the back only to be told that if we only wanted cafe, we needed to sit at one of the front tables. Chilly in the morning air, yes, but better for people watching. There’s nothing quite so photogenic as a good cafe creme. Throw in a map, and you have an Instagram masterpiece.
I’ve been to markets in many countries, but the Place des Lices market in Saint Tropez was one of the most comprehensive. Indian headdress? You can buy it there. Local delicacies like tapenade, olive oil, and honey? Check. Naturally, these gorgeous sweets caught my eye, though I resisted.
While washing machines have replaced the need to wash clothes in the very French lavoirs of yesteryear, they still can be found in many towns in Provence. This one in Saorge was familiar. It was next door to the apartment my family rented for a week a few years ago. When I arrived in Saorge on this visit, seeing it was like coming home…with one small change. Note the disco ball someone added for a little tongue-in-cheek fun.