Cassis

No, not the blackcurrent stuff that you add to white wine to make a Kir, but the bustling little fishing village just 30 minutes east of Marseille.

I can't believe it's taken me 4 years to discover it. The area is known for the Calanques - the limestone cliffs and little coves. The village itself has a marina, a couple of sandy beaches, and loads of fish restaurants.

We stayed at the Hotel Liautaud right by the sea. Basic but clean. It has parking but you need to book it. Had a great fish dinner at chez gilbert (phone for a reservation); and a blanc de blanc 2006 from the donaine du paternel.

We'll be back - it's nice to swim in the sea (especially outside the main season); take a boat ride; eat well. Next time we'll fit in some wine tasting to take back to the cave at Le Colombier

L'ivresse du pouvoir

Just been to see "L'ivresse du pouvoir" by Chabrol. In the "talking film" category rather than action movie - but probably all the more satisfying for it (How could the Bourne Ultimatum get away with being little more than 2 extended - though good - chase scenes).

Is this the difference in the cultural expectations / differences between France and the US; US conspiracy theory is all about the action chase, where the outsider is the hero; France is around the judiciary taking on the corruption of the public sector? ...

It's also of course the difference between the Extraverted action-based movie; and the Introverted reflective film

this is what it is about

It's the beginning of September - so getting towards the end of summer. Today has been bright and warm, and I've resisted work - and had a great day. I read till 2.00 in the morning (my distraction); got up lazily, started thinking of dinner for the neighbours who are coming round tonight (see the other blog cooking in provence for the menu); went and swam at Janet and John's. They were all out to lunch, so I had the pool to myself (24 degrees so still warm), and gently swam up and down for 45 mnutes.

Then back to the kitchen to stew figs, make biscuits, prepare chilled soups, all with no time pressures, and not a single phone call.

Shame it's Monday tomorrow.