Chateau Colombier

Salon literaire tea-party

2009-08-19T17:53:00.004Z

The tea-party guests de-invited themselves at the last moment, but Rachel was already in baking mood so we carried on regardless. All quite different - all very scrummy.

Sun-dried Tomato, Olive and Basil Bread
(source - the lady, July 2009 from Lazy Days and Beach Blankets, Ryland Peters and Small)

SUN-DRIED TOMATO, OLIVE AND BASIL BREAD

SERVES 6

6oz (175g) plain flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

3 large eggs

31½ floz (100ml) olive oil

31½ oz (100ml) milk

31½ oz (100g) mature Gruyere cheese, grated

31½ oz (100g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and roughly chopped

21/2oz (60g) stoned black olives marinated with herbs, roughly chopped

a small handful of basil leaves, roughly sliced

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

You will also need:

a 8¼ inch (21cm) x 4¼ inch (11cm) non-stick loaf tin, lightly greased and floured

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180C/350˚F or Gas 4.

2. Sift the flour with the baking powder and season well with salt and black pepper. Whisk the eggs and whisk in the milk and oil. Tip two-thirds of the liquid into the flour, beat well then add remaining liquid.

3. Mix in the Gruyère, tomatoes, olives and basil, then tip into the loaf tin. Bake for 50 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

4. Leave to cool, remove from the tin and wrap in aluminium foil. Keep in the fridge.

5. Serve at room temperature, sliced and cut into halves or squares. You could also serve a plate of chunky, handcut slices of salami to eat with your fingers.

Lavender Shortbread
(source - the Lady, July 2009)

75g caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
175 g butter
1 tblspoon fresh chopped lavender flowers
175g plain flor
75g cornflour, ground rice or fine semolina
shallow backing tin 27 x 18 cm

Preheat oven to 150C/300F/gas 2
Food process sugar and butter till light and fluffy
Add lavender flowers and whizz again
Add half flour and pulse to incorporate, then add rest of flour and pulse again
Add cornflour and pulse (cornflour = smoother; groun rice or semolina = more crumbly and rustic)
Bring together with hands
Sparek onto baking tin, mark it with shortknife into 18 squares and prick lightly with fork
Bake 40 to 45 mins till pale gold; sprinkle with caster sugar, and cooke for another 5 mins
Remove from oven, cool for 10 mins in tin; cut into pieces, remove from tin with palette knife onto rack to cool.
Store in air-tight tin

Rich Fruit Loaf

This recipe comes from my classic Cooking in Colour by Marguerite Pattern. First published 1960 - my copy is the fourth edition published 1974. Recipe number 811

The published recipe calls for candied peel - we used chopped dried prunes (we had them in the cave). I'm never afraid to substitute ingredients (within reason). And on second or third baking will start to play around with spices and flavourings.

100g butter
1kg plain flour (we used an organic wheat flour type 110 - it was almost a very fine brown flour)
pinch salt
125 g currants
125 g sultanas
75 g prunes (we probably used more)
50 - 75 g sugar
really good 25g of fresh yeast (and yes, we found fresh yeast at the boulangerie)
2 eggs
425 ml tepid milk or milk and water
2 tablespoons sugar and water to glaze

Rub butter into sieved flour and salt. Add fruit and all but 1 teaspoon sugar.
Cream yeast with teaspoon of sugar, add to the beaten egs and warm milk and leave for 10 minutes in warm place till frothy
Add to the rest of the ingredients and mix to a dough
Knead on floured board
Leave to rise till doubled in size
Put into 2 large load tins (actually we used 2 x sprung bottom round cake tins)
Leave to prove 20 mins
Bake in centre of hot oven 425 - 450 F, 220 - 230 C, gas 6 - 7, reducing the heat after first 10 mins to 375F/190C/Gas 5, for 40 - 50 mins.
Brush with glaze made with sugar and water as soon as the loaves come of the oven.
Cool on wire tray.

Summer Sun and Autumn Leaves - Special Offers

2009-08-17T14:00:00.004Z

If you've been in cooped up in sun-starved Northern Europe, why not make the most of a break to sun-drenched Provence.

Don't take a rain-check - book your last-minute bargain break today.

From 22 August - 15th September come and stay at Chateau Colombier at the fantastic low rate of 1,200 euros per week for up to 6 people. Each further guest 120 euros per head. Self-catering.

Or come anytime from 22nd August - 15th September for a mini-break at just 60 euros per ensuite double room, with breakfast; table d'hote available as required.

Do a mix and match. We're as flexible as you need us to be.

Or 20% OFF WEBSITE PRICES 26th September - 31st October. Quoete "Autumn Leaves"

Bring your hiking boots and get out walking; hire a bike and follow the route of the Tour de France. Explore the markets ... visit the vineyards ... relax by the pool.

The crowds have gone. But we invite you to share one of the best seasons in our little corner of Paradise.

The Mont Ventoux attraction

2009-08-04T17:58:00.003Z

I have to confess. I've never been to the summit of Mont Ventoux. I have been to the ski station there one VERY cold New Year's Eve - where I also smugly confess to sitting in the bar drinking hot chocolate while the family and friends threw themselves down the luge slopes on a variety of plastic trays.

And I watched the pen-ultimate stage of the Tour de France this year with awe as the guys I'd seen with my own eyes sprinting past the house 4 hours earlier reached the finish line.

But it's with equal pride that I am thinking of keeping a tally of the Mont Ventoux ascents achieved by my cycling house guests.

The early arrivers of my June group of house guests did all three routes to the top (starting and finishing at Le Colombier).

I'm listening in to the plans. It seems that there will be at least one or two breakaways from choir practice who also have the Mont in their sites. Rachel - my sous-chatelaine for the month with a fitness to die for - is tempted to join them.

Of course I'm encouraging her. What a personal souvenir to take back the other side of the world.

And talking of Rachel - look out for her guest blogs coming soon.

Alberto Contador en route to victory

2009-07-31T11:07:00.004Z

It was Tour de France fever last Saturday as the Tour cycled past us en route to Mont Ventoux.

As well as many shots of headless riders, and tarmac (why do cyclists go so fast? - I guess it was a sprint stage) guess who I managed to snap cycling past Chateau Colombier?

Ouch - the cost of a motorised pool cover

2009-06-05T16:27:00.003Z

The pool cover is great - it's safe, it keeps the pool clean, and - most importantly - the greenhouse effect helps heat the water up, and stops it cooling down at night.

OK - swimming for 15 minutes at 15 degrees on the 15 of March this year was a bit excessive. But the temperature of the water has been well into the 20s since early April. Actually, during the recent heat wave (temperatures in the 30s for a week) the water has been too warm.

However, the cover also has its disadvantages. Mainly that it's heavy, and needs 2 people to push it open and shut. And that's not that easy an job even with 2. For 1 person it's almost impossible.

So - it's got to be motorised. But you could almost buy a small car for the cost.

Do you think I can start to charge visitors a pool cover motor service charge?

the theme of 26

2009-05-11T12:23:00.004Z

Sometimes you can land yourself in it following on from conversations with friends.

Random exchanges and chats with Anne (during her recent wet and cold trip wine tasting to the Languedoc) means that I have set myself a challenge for food and wine weekends here at Chateau Colombier.

My plan is to create 26 "amuses bouches" (little tasters - think tapas) to go with 26 different regional wines and drinks.

Why 26? Because that's the number of the department of the Drome.

I'm very happy for visitors to help - in ideas, in preparation, in sourcing products and wines, in wine and food tasting, and for the photos and tasting notes.

Happy in Provence

2009-04-22T09:51:00.003Z

A blog Happy faces, Happy places by Matthew Taylor reminded me of a conversation with Josef Gehrmann from Muenster - he and his family were house guests here at Le Colombier this easter.

On the dining room wall I have a picture of Van Gogh's The Potato Eaters. It's a dark and sombre picture - and I just liked the contrast with my environment here in Provence.

It's a reminder that I'm here, not there.

It was Josef who pointed out how much the darkness - and depression - of this Van Gogh painting contrasts with the brighness of, for example, his famous sunflowers, painted, of course, in the light of Provence.

The light of Provence is almost a cliche - it is amazing, and undescribable. But the effect it has on your emotions - and your happiness - is very real.

Parcours de Sante (fitness circuits)

2009-04-08T22:31:00.003Z

They've been doing a make-over at the lakes at Cornillon. More trees, parking bays, and more picnic benches. And a great adult outdoor fitness circuit, complete with little signs showing you how to use the equipment.

Personally, I'll stick to the swimming and the picnics. But it adds to the multi-generational activities that the lakes offer.

Any volunteers to construct a fitness circuit on the terraces and in the wood at Le Colombier?

First swim of the season

2009-03-15T18:00:00.000Z

Pool at 15 degrees. So with a wetsuit, and upbeat music, I officially opened the swimming season. Managed 15 minutes. Can't be bad.

Green Gym

2009-03-11T23:39:00.002Z

I read an article a while ago about a new credit crunch way to get fit. It seems you dump your expensive gym membership, and head out to your local potato farm. There you get to spend the morning picking potatoes; you get a healthy workout in the open air; and the farmer gives you a healthy lunch of soup and home made bread.

Somehow I'm not sure that you'll be back everyweek. However, start a vegetable patch to grow your own potates - and the rest - and you'll soon discover muscles you didn't know you had.

So if you fancy a workout - of the muscles during the day, and the tastebuds in the evening - come and try your hand at gardening in my green and blue gym!

Classical and ancient heritage

2008-12-31T16:03:00.004Z

Vaison is your first stop for things Roman: its ampitheatre and its museums. Further afield you have Orange, Nimes, the Pont du Gard and Arles.

Going further back, how about visiting Le Pegue, the archeological museum dedicated to the celts and the greeks in Valreas. See http://museearcheoloepegue.com.

The collection comes from an archeological dig at Saint-Marcel from 1956 - 1985. The dig found the traces from 6000 years ago, and an abundance of remains from the Iron Age (725 bc). The museum is open saturday and sunday 14.00 - 18.00 the first weekend of each month in the winter; and everyday 14.00 - 18.00 except Wednesday June - September.

Markets

2008-12-31T15:33:00.004Z

The Saturday Times last year declared Nyons market to be the best in France. Every Thursday morning. And there are often specialist Sunday markets - crafts, brocantes, books etc.

Look out also for the evening markets in the summer time in the villages around. And you'll find an abundance of "Vide-Grenier" (literally, empty the attics - what we'd call a car boot sale) village sales over the summer. It's worth getting there early for the bargains.

If you can't make the Thursday market, here are some of the other ones around.

Monday
La Motte Chalancon (july and august)

Tuesday
Crest, Grignan, Vaison

Wednesday
Buis les Baronnies, Remuzat

Friday
Dieulefit, Taulignan, Visan

Saturday
Buis les Baronnies, Montbrun les Bains

Flea Markets and Brocantes:
Art market 1st Sunday of the month (Vaison)
Brocantes 3rd Sunday of the month (Vaison)

And Isle Sur la Sorgue is well known for its 160+ antique shops and regular markets; plus an extended easter antiques market

Artisanat and local industrial heritage

2008-12-31T15:21:00.004Z

This area of Provence has always had its local industries - as well as its food, wine and olives. It has become home to many individual artists and craftspeople. And over the summer months you'll find lots of them selling their crafts on the local markets. Look out for pottery, mohair, jewellery, wood working, soaps and lavender products, jams, honey and chutneys, leather goods and the rest.

There are also plenty of small museums that attest to the industrial heritage of the area - for example the Silk museum at Taulignan (www.musee-soie.fr), and the botanical museum at Buis les Baronnies which has an informative chronology of the developments of lavender and tilleul (linden flower) production (www.maisondesplantes.com).

Nyons has its own working lavender distillerie and shop (Distillerie Bleu Provence). And also in Nyons you can visit La Scourtinerie - hand crafted provencal rugs and baskets made from sisal / coir,

If you've got a sweet tooth - check out the Nougat at Montelimar - and its museum www.nougatsoubeyran.com. And Haribo has its factory - with visits - close to the Pont due Gard

Activities - useful information

2008-12-31T15:06:00.006Z

It's raining, so rather than gardening I thought I'd prune the mountains of paperwork that accumulate over the months and years. So as I find useful information, I'll now put it on the blog and tag it ... and bin the paper.

Perhaps 2009 can be the year of the paperless chateau?

Quad bikes - from age 16; for hire at Aubres for 1, 2 or 3 hours. Costs (2008) 35 euros, 60 euros, 80 euros. Also day and overnight trips.

Reserve: tel 04 75 26 60; 06 88 86 31 58

Kayaks and canoeing; at Saillans on the river Drome (90 minutes drive from Le Colombier); see EVA www.eauxvivesaventure.com tel 04 75 21 55 71 or CapPlein Air www.cappleinair.com tel 04 75 40 60 60

Bring swim wear, sports shoes, hats, drinking water, picnic, sun screen and sun glasses. Age 7 and over; Open March to October

There's also great kayaking on the Ardeche.

Rock climbing (escalades); lots all around. Also Via Ferrata - the rock climbing routes

Hang gliding instruction at Mevouillon www.provence-parapente.com

it's november!

2008-11-29T18:47:00.003Z

and we get to experience the elements. We've had sunshine, frost, snow and rain. Hey - at least we have variety. So I've managed to get the necessary gardening in during the week: planting 500+ bulbs for spring colour (and yes, the back does hurt!). Plus I've started digging over the veggie plot - about a tenth ... better than nothing.

You have to adapt to the seasons, here. Not that I'm ever a morning person, but there is no point in trying to get out, at this time of the year, before the sun has burnt off the morning mists and ground frosts. But 13.00 - 15.00, if the sun is shining is wonderful. And if the sun isn't there - well, do some digging and you'll soon warm up.

But the rain is something different. That's why you have to seize the moment when it's there. If I hadn't switched off the computer at lunchtime on Thursday, 250 bulbs would have lost their chance to strut their stuff in spring.

Now it's been raining for a couple of days (and rain here = snow higher up). So though there were a couple of hours today when I did geranium cuttings (no cost - used the compost heap's potting compost), I couldn't have continued planting bulbs or digging the veggie plot (ground too waterlogged).

You'll have to wait till spring for the pictures!

Lightning Process Retreats at Chateau Colombier

2008-09-29T17:38:00.004Z

I'm delighted that Michelle Clemons has chosen Chateau Colombier as the venue for her original Lightning Process Retreats.

They'll be held monthly through the year (apart from high season). The chill-out room at the top of the tower might finally come into its own. I'll be offering business coaching to "top and tail" the programme if required. Plus, of course, being the the perfect hostess / Chatelaine. You'll find the dates and prices on the Lightning Process website
-----------------------------------

The Lightning Process™ is a three day training program designed by Phil Parker, an osteopath and personal development expert in London. Your Lightning Process trainer in Provence is Michelle Clemons, who has been personally trained by Phil Parker.

This training is derived from osteopathy, neuro-linguistic programming, hypnotherapy, self hypnosis and life coaching. The program teaches, step by step, how to influence key body systems such as the immunological, neurological and musculoskeletal systems. It actually teaches your brain and body to work together to powerfully and positively influence your health and your life.

The Lightning Process has had spectacular success with stress management, anxiety, depression, ME and chronic fatigue syndrome, fear of public speaking, panic attacks, low self esteem and many, many other issues.

More photos of the pool and garden

2008-09-29T17:27:00.003Z

Having failed to upload these to the zen photo gallery, here are some more up to date photos of the pool and the gardens.

It's amazing how the cover warms up - and keeps the pool. From 10 degrees when it was filled end of March, the water was in the low 30's in July. It was still mid 20's mid September. I'll post the water temperature each month as we go through autumn.

The Swimming Pool

2008-05-31T12:27:00.003Z

A long time coming - and of course not without its traumas of planning permissions, heavy rain, etc etc.

But here it is - and it's wonderful. Should be able to swim 9 months a year, thanks to its "greenhouse" cover.

Come and try it!

Art and Music and Culture in Provence 2008

2007-12-19T12:22:00.000Z

Why not combine a trip to Le Colombier with some of the best cultural events of Southern France? Highlights - within an easy 2 hour drive - include:

Aix-en-Provence Festival: classical opera and concerts, 27 June - 23 July 2008. Operas include work by Wagner, Mozart and Handel. Bookings open 3rd July - so get out your diary and start planning now.

The annual Avignon festival even has its own fringe. Running in July, you'll find all the details posted in the new year.

The Jazz festival at Crest (vocals) will be held between the 3rd and the 9th August 2008.

5 years on: and new for 2008

2007-12-09T21:31:00.000Z

You read it here first! It's time to get your bookings in for next summer as we are planning - finally - to get a swimming pool installed. It will have a sliding mini-greenhouse style cover (to conform to security requirements, but with the added bonus of water that's at least 6 degrees warmer than with just an ordinary cover). It might even have a jacuzzi! So watch this space for news of progress.

Also, Sebastian is powering ahead and converting the final outhouse into a fully wheelchair / disabled friendly studio gite.

Christmas in Provence

2007-12-09T20:53:00.000Z

In London, you had to book your online supermarket delivery slot for Christmas by the beginning of December. Luckily - no such problems in Nyons. Don't want to cook - how about lunch on Christmas Day at the Petit Caveau? Or if you're at Le Colombier and want a supermarket-free time, and want to make sure you eat the best of the local produce? Here are some ideas for 2007.

You can order your foie gras, or home-smoked salmon, or scallops, or a variety of poultry from Laurent at the Petit Caveau (Nyons finest not Tesco finest)(for more details on ordering, and the Christmas and New Year menus, see the Petit Caveau website).

And although the usual weekly market in Nyons is on a Thursday - fear not. All the local "traiteurs" and producers will be running a special Christmas market all weekend this year. For more information I've just discovered the Pays de Nyons website (English and French) that looks as though it is being regularly updated with local information and dates. It's also on the links - so check it out before you arrive so you can make the most of your trip.

Travelling the world from my computer screen

2007-12-08T19:29:00.000Z

Although Provence is a place where we keep in touch with traditions, local food, local wine, and under the local sun - whatever the season, it's also my place of work for the time when I'm there. I'm very grateful that modern technologies enable me to work remotely, both from my team, and my clients. And with mobile phones, computers and the world wide web, I'm never more than an email or phone call or social network away from them.

Who could have thought even 10 years ago that I could be running a programme on managing virtual teams with participants in Argentina, Brazil and Puerto Rico, with my co-facilitator in the UK, and looking out of my Chateau Colombier windows at the mountains around me.

Who says you can't have your cake and eat it?

Jigsaw addiction

2007-11-27T18:50:00.000Z

One advantage of having a large home with an equally large dining room and dining table is that it lends itself perfectly to jigsaws! Not having to move them away when you want to eat - and lose crucial pieces in the process - there's always another room with a table that can serve just as well! I've built quite a challenging collection of them here courtesy of ebay. I've also managed to get quite a few friends addicted to jigsaws as well - I have to practically throw Sue out the door some evenings. It's fascinating to see the different ways people approach the task - do they proceed randomly? do they sort by colour? or by topic area? Perhaps I should include this as part of my work re learning preferences.
Ok, I admit it's a bit of a time waster but I'm sure it helps to keep those grey cells in shape and wards off any signs of early-onset dementia!

Le Petit Caveau

2007-11-23T18:37:00.000Z

Another stupendous meal out. Friday is always a quieter evening there so we (I went with my friend and member of my consultancy team, Sue)were able to catch up on news with Laure and Laurent the proprietors. This always involves a good workout for our command of French, although don't worry Laure speaks excellent English. They are attempting to sell the business but fortunately for us without success at present!
Laurent's foie gras is to die for, and the rest of the meal was as amazing and inventive as ever.
Sue has a house in Venterol which is about 15 minutes drive away, and actually introduced me to this area. We often co-ordinate our visits here and fit in some work as well as "R & R".

Cassis

2007-09-17T14:26:00.000Z

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

2007-09-09T14:24:00.000Z

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

2007-09-02T16:49:00.000Z

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.

Where does the time go?

2007-08-21T22:52:00.000Z

Even if the weather is now worse than it was in April ... I can't believe it was over 4 months since the last Chateau Colombier blog. I've just done a race backwards through time to give you snippets of what's been going on. And with the magic of blogging and changing date stamps, chronologic order has been restored.

Lavender in Provence

2007-07-09T21:48:00.000Z

Just to say that if you want to see the hillsides around us covered in lavender blue - then book your trip from the last week of June through to the middle of July. It's such a sight. And you get the smells - especially as you pass the lavender distilleries in Nyons or St Jalles

May ... visitors from Sweden

2007-05-30T22:13:00.000Z

Inger and Elisabeth arrive from Gothenburg. Long late breakfasts seem to be a Swedish thing. Or at least an Inger thing. When not doing her day job and cutting people up (she's a surgeon, not a psychopath), Inger is an artist. She was bowled over by the intensity of the colours in Provence. A bit of a change from the often gray skys and seascapes of Gothenburg!

So after breakfast, and before the rituals involved in preparing cocktails and evening meals (usually variations on a theme of the side of gravalax salmon they'd brought with them from Sweden), they'd be out and about exploring.

Inger will be back - with a group of artists - later in the year or next year.

Of course, Ryanair is making life easier for us all. They've opened up Marseille as a hub - which includes direct flights from Gothenburg. So all I have to do is work out where to advertise in Gothenburg - though word of mouth will help.

shopping, cooking, driving, gardening, walking, eating, drinking

2007-04-24T22:05:00.000Z

lots of active verbs and lots of activity over the next week.

The weather was great.

We found the 2 crumblettes who got misplaced on their walk back from Nyons on the first day.

They are loving the walking. Walking in in this area of Provence is amazing. We are compiling our own book of local walks for all walking abilities, and for different times of the year.

Never believe someone who says that crumblettes don't eat much. They will eat everything that you put in front of them. And be very appreciative, which is great.

And along with everything else, Jean continued to transform the garden ... last remnants of rubble was cleared, plants were bought and planted, including roses, lavenders and a variety of shrubs.

And we eat the first radishes from my vegetable plot.

The birthday cake

2007-04-23T21:49:00.000Z

Your mother is only 80 once. If you remember, she and Anne had been out at Christmas. In the couple of days of solitude (bliss!) after everyone had left in early January, I dusted down Delia Smith (if you want a traditional recipe - she'll have it) and set to to make my first ever rich fruit cake. The works. And it worked. So it had been sitting gently maturing since January.

Oh yes - a hint if ever you decide to embark on the chatelaineship of a domaine such as Le Colombier. In the cold winter months the mice don't have a lot to eat. You can't keep them out of the cave. But you would be advised to store home made christmas puddings in a thick safe deposit box. Aluminium foil alone hadn't managed to repel the advances of the christmas pudding hungry mice a few years back. Lizzie had made 2 puddings 12 months previously. On christmas eve we found that one had been half eaten through. Lizzie was not amused. Nor were we as our portions of pudding had to be re-calibrated.

So anyway, the cake had been maturing, wrapped in foil, in a tin, inside another sealed box, for a few months. I had spent the previous night adding marzipan, icing it, and decorating it with 80 marzipan balls. Yes, at 2.00 in the morning, I made them and counted them all.

It was actually going to be the actual birthday the day after the group left (28th April) - but my plan was that if we did the stuff with the candles etc on the first night - they could take a piece of cake with them each day for their picnic on the walk.

So cake was produced, candles blown out, slices distributed. Jean arrived. The house party retired to bed. And Jean and I took a bottle of wine out to sit under the tilleul tree and watch the stars. All, finally, was peaceful.

Crumblettes - the arrival - Phase 2

2007-04-21T23:49:00.000Z

the crumblette group is at Le Colombier. The rented Zafira is at Le Colombier. Jean is en route to Marseille. Clare's Kangoo is in the car rental parking at Nimes airport. Clare is 150 euros lighter from taxi fare for Anne and luggage. Clare is cooking dinner - and very frazzled.

I ring Nimes - and am told that - as long as Jean can arrive by 10.30pm, the car park will remain open. There is an extra flight coming in.

Jean arrives at the Hertz car hire desk at Marseilles at 8.00pm. And thank goodness for computers - they can pull up the car hire details for the Zafira and add her details to it (because a photocopy of a driving licence for an additional driver on a car hire policy isn't acceptable - so I couldn't do it an Nimes).

I serve dinner while Jean is belting across to Nimes. She arrives in plenty of time ... but the car park is locked and the airport is closed up. I had obviously been misinformed. Undeterred, Jean spies a light, and starts to make a lot of noise, beating on the door. The security man comes out - and with wit, charm and a lot of body language, the keys to the car park are produced, the hire dropped off and the Kangoo - with Jean - is en route to Le Colombier.

It's going to be a long long week!

Plan C

2007-04-21T23:34:00.000Z

Did I say that Plan A had involved me preparing a picnic, so that we could visit the Pont du Gard en route back to Le Colombier?

So picture me at Nimes airport. It's only the end of April - but in retrospect it was probably one of the best summer days visitors from the UK were to have.

5 crumblettes with Anne. Me, a bit harrassed. Jean somewhere between Luton and Stansted. 2 cars. Lots of luggage. A picnic. And I'm the only driver (crumblettes don't drive outside of their native habitat. Anne doesn't drive.)

No-one wants to be without their luggage possibly overnight. Anne had tried to fit everyone into the Zafira with luggage. This was never going to work. After 20 minutes Anne was forced to agree with me. So Plan C was to put Anne with luggage into local cab to go straight back to Le Colombier. An air-conditionned Mercedes. She was ok to miss out on the picnic at Le Pont du Gard (she'd done it a Christmas on a trial run).

One down; luggage sorted. Just 2 cars, 5 crumblettes, a picnic, and Jean still somewhere between Luton and Stansted / Marseille. And me, of course.

Nimes is not an international airport. The arrivals/departure hall and the 2 car hire desks close when there aren't any flights.

I went to reclaim the keys to the Kangoo I'd left with Hertz ... preferring to leave them on the wheel so Jean could get them if the hall was closed.

So we set off to the Pont du Gard. We had the picnic. The crumblettes did the tourist bit. We returned to Le Colombier. Luggage was distrubuted, bedrooms allocated, pots of tea made and drunk, and as I prepared dinner I had the phone to my ear organising Phase 2 ...

No Anne, we can't fit the suitcases in as well as driver and 6 passengers - and the picnic

2007-04-21T23:11:00.000Z

First the times of the flights from Liverpool were changed to 3 hours earlier. Not a show stopper - we're resourceful.

Original plans of me driving over from Le Colombier to Nimes, meeting up with the Liverpool contingent; waiting Jean to join us 30 mins later from Luton had to be changed.

Not a real problem ... we're resourceful. My workhorse Kangoo was never going to do the group of 6 crumblettes (plus Jean and me). So we'd booked the rental of a Ford Zafira. I'd drive over .. and we'd have 9 people, 8 sets of luggage, 2 cars. No problems.

Change of schedules? I drive over. I do the paper work for the Zafira. We put all the luggage in the Kangoo. I leave the keys for the Kangoo at the Hertz desk - where Jean can show her passport to be put on to the Zafira hire - she picks up the Kangoo, and meets us at the end of our picnic and trip to the Pont du Gard.

Gosh - no problems. A doddle really.

Yes - but. As I was leaving Le Colombier I had received a phone call from Jean. Though they'd set off with hours to spare (her husband Pierre was being the gentleman and driving) - the motorway between Leicester and Luton was closed. They were probably going to miss the flight.

They missed it.

Jean will not be beaten. They had found there was another flight - from Stansted to Marseille. They'd head off to catch it.

So now I am at Nimes with the group of 6 and their luggage; my Kangoo, the 7 seater Zafira; and our picnic.

The only reason that the Zafira is a 7 seater is because it's an estate car with 2 seats in the boot. With 2 seats in the boot, there's no room for even a picnic, let alone lots of luggage.

So, no, we were not going to fit everything and everyone into the hire car. No, I can't guarantee that Jean will be able to pick up Kangoo with luggage tonight.

Plan B ... but it's hard to sell the benefits of Plan B to people who had in their mind Plan A. Plan B is to continue with Plan A, but you might not get your luggage until tomorrow. Can you make do for one night with just a toothbrush? No! You're sure? OK...

No Anne, it won't fit. OK - try if you want. But it won't fit. Plan B is not to fit it all into the Zafira.

The die was cast. The holiday had begun!

another birthday party at Le Colombier

2007-04-21T22:56:00.000Z

Barely had we recycled all the empties from the visit of the Scousers ...(more the mal of the guelle de chien than the fleurs du mal of the Baudelaire Brothers and fellow festive companions)

..when it was the return of the Crumblies. Or rather, the Crumblettes.

Of course it became a classic. What else do you do for your mother's 80th birthday but invite her and some of friends to partake of the delights of Provence at Easter.

Mum and my sister Anne had been here at Christmas, and had tried out lots of the walks (downhill all the way). I'd sweet-talked Jean into coming to do the spring blitz on the garden, and to help me with some of the to-ing and fro-ing.

Flights were booked. The crumblettes with Anne from Liverpool. Jean from Stansted. All Ryanair. Both flights due to arrive within 40 minutes of each other.

Then of course, things changed.

Now I remember why this blog site has been silent - the challenges started to stack up ..

Eight (and often nine) go mad in the Drome

2007-04-09T10:49:00.000Z

Chateau Columbier has the three R's as it's strapline, but don't be fooled into thinking that it's some kind of Dotheboys Hall. The three R's in question are Relax, Refresh, Renew, and it does what it says on the tin.
This is an environment where you can express yourself and our company certainly felt able to do so in many different ways. The natural thespians amongst us found inspiration in the Chateau's ambience and slipped with ease through a gamut of characters including mafiosi, sectarian bigots, Cockney wideboys and endless variations on a theme of Inspector Clouseau.

Without doubt this is God's Acre, and we have seen flora and fauna in abundance: a swallowtail butterfly, vultures, kites, lizards (paying homage to their Lord and Mentor Long Don, the Lizard King) a hoopoe and a scorpion being highlights. A leisurely walk by the nearby River Eygues ended in the hospitable auberge in Les Pilles where a beer or two quenched our barely earned thirst. We have sampled two of the local restaurants and have found both to be of the highest quality. As a digestif we entered the House of Horrors in the travelling fair in Nyons - truly terrifying. A wine tasting trip to Vinsobres was very satisfying - and siesta-inducing.

We have been forced to delay the celebrations of La Fete de la Valise Retrouve as the missing case has still not arrived. The bunting has yet to be hung out and the bacchinalean feasting must wait - Ryan Air plays God with us, and I cannot wear my Martin Chuzzlewit underpants. It's a hard life to be sure.

Avignon was splendid and atmospheric, enhanced greatly by listening to Radio Nostalgi on the way there and back - how can a wonderful country like France produce so much tacky music?

We have graduated from Chateau Colombier with honours in laughter, madcappery, kir royales, fine wines, haute cuisine, music and much conviviality. We intend to return for postgraduate studies in the same subjects before too long. I strongly recommend that you, dear reader, consider doing the same.

Jimmy Baudelaire (of The Baudelaire Brothers)

Flora and fauna

2007-04-05T10:11:00.000Z

Spring is definitely here. The blossom is out all around, the grass is green and needing mowing once a week, and the radishes, lettuce, spinach and onions in the new potager are doing well.

Yesterday I saw a Hoopie in the garden, obviously migrating back north. But of course the camera was upstairs.

And this morning 11 vultures from the local colony in Remuzat were out enjoying some joy riding on the thermals on the hill behind Le Colombier. And the hoopie flashed by as well.

Remember to pack your binoculaurs when you come.

Golden Door and the Director

2007-03-28T10:05:00.000Z

It's amazing how far around the world you can travel from a cinema seat in Nyons.

A couple of films for you to track down. Golden Door is about a group of Sicilians making the move to the US and going through the immigration procedures at Ellis Island, New York. Ellis Island really moved me when I was there 6 years ago ... good to see the whole process shown in such a film.

And then it was to modern Scandinivia, and the comedy The Managing Director, by Lars von Thiers (also directed Dancer in the Dark with Bjork in it). I found it highly amusing, but got into quite an animated debate with Olivier - a film critic - who while appreciating the technical side of the film, felt that it was overly manipulative of the audience... I didn't feel that at all.. Obviously I quite like games!

Mongolian Ping-Pong and Little Red Flowers

2007-01-23T20:13:00.000Z

The weather has turned overnight from great sunshine, blue skies and early summer temperatures to cold, rain and snow across a lot of France.

So I took myself off to the cinema this afternoon to transport myself to Mongolia and China.

Mongolian Ping-Pong (director Ning Hao) is charming and funny. I'm always amazed at the creativity of film directors and writers - who would have thought of a film about a ping pong ball in the depths of the Mongolian steppes ...

Quick cup of coffee and ready for the next trip to China. This was Little Red Flowers (director Zhang Yuan). It's a chronicle of Qiang's experience (at not yet aged 4)of being thrown into "boarding nursery school" 24/7 ... Even in a strictly controlled Maoist institution, Qiang's character - his highs and his lows - play themselves out in this beautiful film.

A great way pass a winter's afternoon.

waxing lyrical - or should that be limerical?

2007-01-09T20:01:00.000Z

Big sister came from the UK
And went walking almost every day.
Good food and good wine
And lots of sunshine
Made it a most delightful stay.

Each morning she took all her pills
To cope with her various ills,
Then she put on her boots
And enjoyed the routes
Especially if they were downhills.

She's coming again in the spring
When Mum her friends is to bring.
The itinerary is fixed
It's a little more mixed
With both walks and some sightseeing.

Phew .... home alone

2007-01-02T21:58:00.000Z

The fact that I haven't blogged since 23 December is not because nothing has being going on (sorry, a few too many negatives happening); but because there has been too much happening in terms of The Chatelaine's duties.

The final house guests leave tomorrow - the airport run is scheduled for 9.00am - to leave us time to do a quick visit of the Pont du Gard enroute to Nimes.

And then - bliss - I'll just have myself to look after. The book is waiting; the wine is chilling, the fire is laid.

... but it's been good, the weather has been great.

Best moment? Apart from my superb Christmas dinner? Probably Margereta and Nellie (from Gothenburg)'s Swedish drinking songs around the piano!

No fog here

2006-12-23T12:20:00.000Z

As the UK is covered with a thick blanket of fog, we have clear blue skies and sunshine. Luckily the Christmas house guests are getting through: Lancashire and Cambridgeshire arrived on time on Wednesday; Berkshire changed plans and drove on Thursday; Gothenburg arrived with only an hours delay in the end yesterday. Just the London contingent to arrive tonight. Here's hoping they get through.

Back to work on the reserves of Vitamin D; and then off to Nyons this afternoon to do some shopping. And sit in a cafe and rejoice that we're not battling the crowds (and the fog) on Oxford Street.

And the weather forecast is set fair for at least the next three days. So we'll be able to do aperitifs on the terrace on Christmas Day.

In the moment or by the clock?

2006-12-09T21:30:00.000Z

I'm not sure whether this is city versus rural, or France versus England, but in the week I've been back in London I've been noticing some differences. In France, back at Le Colombier, everything helps you to be "in the moment" - whatever that moment is. It might be about the seasons, or the weather, or market day, or aperitif time, or coffee on the terrace. The moment is as long as it takes. If it's fine, you sit outside. If it's raining, you stay in.

There are a few things you need to be aware of in terms of time; shops close for lunch; lunch is served between 12.00 and 2.00 so if you want lunch out you to have to remember to be in time. But of course it's only city-basd foreigners who would ever want to eat outside of the main eating moments.

Whereas in London life is ruled by the clock, agendas, plans. You can shop and eat 24/7. The weather was really bad the other day - cold, windy, heavy rain; but everyone still carried on rushing from a to b, getting to work, coming back from work, rushing between meetings, going to the gym, getting to that class, going Christmas shopping, meeting up with friends, remembering the train schedules and the last tube home. And texts and phone calls on the ever present mobile to schedule, reschedule, plan and replan. All commuters hear the mobile phone "I'm on the train" refrain day in, day out.

Cafes proudly display there wi-fi zone notices; laptops jostle with the latte and americanos; and busy busy executives are grouped around the tables in earnest conversation, jostling files and papers, or on their phones.

Whereas sitting outside La Belle Epoque in Nyons, you just watch the world go by. It's a cafe moment. And probably in the sun.

Pan's Labyrinth

2006-12-08T10:12:00.000Z

I'm in London at the moment, but decided to take advantage of a wet and windy afternoon (tornados in North London) to take myself off to the Ritzy cinema. This is a great art cinema in Brixton (just a short bus ride from me in Vauxhall), and usually has something "foreign" that's worth seeing. So yesterday's treat was Pan's Labyrinth:

Director: Guillermo Toro Origin: Spain Year: 2006 Duration: 119m Starring: Ariadna Gil, Maribel Verdu, Doug Jones, Ivana Baquero, Sergi Lopez

A fairy tale for adults inspired by the paintings of Francisco Goya and rooted, like THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE, in the context of war, this is del Toro's most accomplished work in his own opinion. In 1940s Spain, recently remarried Carmen (Gil) and daughter Ofelia (Baquero) move in with the cold and authoritarian new husband, Vidal (López), a captain in General Franco's army. Finding her new life difficult, Ofelia seeks refuge in a labyrinth she discovers next to the house. A magical creature named Pan, the guardian of the labyrinth, reveals that Ofelia is the long-lost princess of a magical kingdom. To discover the truth, she will have to accomplish three dangerous tasks. Del Toro's startling vision rests on a profoundly moving story with universal appeal.

It was slightly odd seeing it subtitled into English - I'm more used to seeing French subtitles! But well worth seeing.

One thing that I did notice was that in France, at the end of the film, most people sit through the music and the credits at the end - "respect" to the makers of the film. Here in London, people were putting on their coats and leaving as the first credits started to roll. And people were coming in for the next showing before the credits had finished.

Traditional Christmas fare in Provence

2006-12-06T22:30:00.000Z

I'm trying to do some research into the traditional food for Christmas in Provence.

I've spent Christmas in the Beaujolais region (around Macon and Lyon) and there we would have the "reveillon" after midnight mass ... a full meal, at 2.00am! However, I think that's one tradition I'll avoid - especially as we will be doing a more traditional English style Christmas lunch of turkey with all the trimmings.

But I've just found this about Christmas traditions in Provence.

The "great supper" is eaten on Christmas Eve, before going to midnight mass. Everything is minutely prepared. Each dish has its own symbolism and numbers are important :

The table has 3 white tablecloths - 3 for the 3 members of the Trinity – with 3 white lighted candelabras and 3 saucers of sprouted wheat germs planted on St. Barbe's Day. Absolutely no mistletoe believed to bring bad luck&!

The "great supper" is paradoxically made up of 7 lean dishes in memory of the 7 sufferings of Mary. It is served with 13 bread rolls followed by the 13 desserts, which represent the Last Supper with Jesus and the 12 apostles.
These lean dishes differ from one part of Provence to another. The dishes often served are chard stalks and celery, cauliflower, spinach and cod, omelette, snails, garlic soup & but never any meat, simply fish, shellfish, gratins, vegetables, soups and anchoïade (anchovy paste). The only abundance is that of the thirteen desserts.

The thirteen desserts are eaten after Midnight mass. They will remain on the table for the following 3 days, until 27th December:

the 4 mendicant (orders): dry figs (Franciscans), almonds (Carmelites), raisins (Dominicans) and hazelnuts (Augustinians),

dates: symbol of Christ who came from the Orient,

nougat (black and white) for the white penitents and black penitents according to some people, while for others white nougat, soft and creamy represents purity and goodness, the harder and brittle black nougat symbolising impurity and forces of evil&

the "fougasse à l'huile d'olive", also called "la pompe": a flat loaf made using olive oil,

quince cheese or crystallised fruit in the Apt or Carpentras regions,

"oreillettes": light thin waffles,

fresh fruit: mandarin oranges, oranges, pears, raisins and winter melons preserved for the occasion.

Cooking in Provence

2006-12-02T12:02:00.000Z

I'm getting into this blogging; and starting to think about all sorts of ways I can use the tools to help me.

So I've set up another blog - Cooking in Provence - to help me keep track of ideas for food, recipes and so on. You're welcome to check in on this one too - and add comments and your favourite recipes too.

Plumbers

2006-11-30T08:54:00.000Z

I was right when I said that anything to do with plumbers was always expensive.

They arrived - and quickly discovered that it wasn't just a problem of a bit of glue; there was also a blockage in the drains.

I now have a large trench in the lawn from the terrace to the grey water tank; a pipe that's got an uphill slope (hence the blockage) and now various holes ...

So the plumbers will be back for the third day to do some major renovations - including installing a grease trap. Seems a bit excessive for 2 dishwashers and 3 kitchen sinks, but with sceptic tanks etc. its best to be prepared.

One thing seems to be universal in terms of plumbing, drains and crises: lots of peering into holes, shaking of heads, mutterings, and blaming of whatever idiot did the work in the first place.

But no need to provide mugs of tea every half hour!

At least the new dishwasher is doing its job.

Hexagram 37: Dwelling People

2006-11-28T13:34:00.000Z

Elaine's stay last week had me looking through my bookshelves for her, as she'd just completed a course in hypnosis (I qualified in hypnotherapy and nlp a few years ago). And my books on the I Ching - the Oracle of Change - came back into focus after a few years of gathering dust.

So active in the pursuit of displacement activity, instead of writing my chapter, I thought I'd consult the Oracle with a question about le Colombier.

So what's the I Ching? A book I'd recommend is How to Use the I Ching by Stephen Karcher. As it says on the cover, "The ancient Chinese oracle, the I Ching, helps you work with the changes in your life. Its images and practical advice let you participate in change instead of being its victim. It acts like a wise old friend or helping spirit".

Stephen explains in the foreword: "The I Ching is one of the world's oldest and most profound divination systems, a powerful tool which can help you navigate the voyage of your life. It helps you to see the forces that are shaping difficult situations, and to understand the meaning of obstacles. It keeps you connected to the creative process of life. It brings out your helping spirit, the inner voice that helps you find your way."

First you create a question or a statement that you want to work with. Then using one of three methods (coins, sticks or stones) you follow a formula that brings you up one of the 64 Hexagrams, which will give you readings - or divinations - about your situation or question.

So as I'm here in Le Colombier, and would quite like some wise guidance on how things will work out, my questions was "How do I attract great people to Le Colombier?"

And my answer was Hexagram 37: Dwelling People.

"This is a group of people living and working together, a family or clan with ties of feeling between them. Care for your relationships with people, and the space you share with others. Profit and insight come through the woman and the yin. Accept, nourish, care for things. Thus warmth and clarity will spread throughout the dwelling and affect all people. Dwelling means staying inside the net of feelings and relationships. Use your words to connect with people. A woman's attitude can correct the inside; a man's attitude can correct the outside. Together they reflect the great way of heaven and earth. Clarify each person's position so they know who and what they are. In this way, you can set the whole world right."

As the I Ching is about change, additional insight can be drawn from the "transforming" lines. I had three.

The Six at Second - "release what you have to give without a direction. Locate yourself in the centre and feed the people. Divination: the way is open." This is explained as the place of the one who nourishes all the people in the dwelling, giving without imposing on others. Act like this, and the way will be open.

Nine at Third included a warning that this is a time for strict measures and discipline to put the house in order. If you let things go, you will lose the way.

And Six at Fourth shows that it is an affluent dwelling, the Great way is open. For an affluent dwelling is where the good flows for all. The way is certainly open. Let the flow of riches serve a real purpose.

What an amazingly matched response to my question!

And hold on the language of "flow" and discipline to put the house in order. I've just flowed a gin and tonic into a glass after an afternoon with the plumbers. More to follow on that later ...

Sante!

Just in Time, or Be Prepared?

2006-11-28T11:20:00.000Z

Those who know me know that I'm a Just in Time kind of gal - the fact that I'm busy blogging instead of getting down to writing a 6000 word chapter for a book that has a deadline of this Thursday points to this.

But somehow I have learnt that I can't get away with last minute laissez faire habits here at Le Colombier.

For example. You've been basking in the sunshine in late September, and wham, bang, overnight the temperatures plummet to below freezing and before you know it an outside valve has sheered in half and you've an expensive crisis on your hands. Crisis because water is spraying out from the inlet to the mains water, you've got a house full of people and you have to turn off the mains water. So you've got to get the plumbers in - and fast.

Expensive - because you've got to get the plumbers in - and fast.

(The fact that nobody had warned you that you need to make sure that exposed taps are drained and insulation is in place from early September is neither here nor there - any fool knows that, it goes without saying).

Returning to the house after a 9 day house rental by a group of 17 German cyclists and opening the dishwasher, it was obvious that German efficiency in dishwasher stacking meant that they had managed to get all their breakfast stuff in, and all washed beautifully. But I don't do efficient dishwasher stacking - and with the knowledge of the Christmas house party fast approaching, a second dishwasher would help. (Plus the old one is temperamental at the best of times).

With great forethought, during the restauration of the house and fitting out the kitchen, we'd pre-planned an area and the plumbing for a second installation.

In a "Just in Time" frame of mind I'd probably have waited till my return here from London on the 17th December to go and order one. In fact, Just in Time shopping is the norm not the exception here. Local, family-owned shops mean goods are held in stock, the white van is parked round the back, and I've had beds and freezers etc delivered on the day of ordering.

But I've learnt! And my developing "Be Prepared" personna called me to action.

On Friday I got Seb (my local Handy Andy but with soul, philosophy, an eye for what will work, and French artistic cool) to move the old dishwasher into the never-before used place. Of course the work surface was 2 mm too low, so it involved the inevitable chiselling out of plaster etc etc to get it to fit. A minor detail - and I was expecting it.

Later that afternoon I filled aforesaid old dishwasher with the accumulated crockery, flicked the switch to on, and went off to do something else. (There was a lot of accumulated washing up as I was in full "Be Prepared" mode and cooking cakes for the invading hordes.)

I came back to find a mini-flood where a cap on the out-flow pipes hadn't been glued in place and so was "blowing" geyser like as the water was pumping out. So a wet floor, and a dishwasher of dirty washing up. But thankfully this was still a month before Christmas.

I ordered the new dishwasher Saturday for delivery on Tuesday morning (ie today). Yesterday I got Seb to glue the aforesaid cap in place, let it dry, flicked the switch, watched to make sure the initial pumping was flood-free, and went off to do some work.

Mistake! I came down 15 mins before going out to dinner to find the kitchen floor completely awash. Another join lower down had obviously not been glued in place either.

So the plumbers are coming this afternoon. And I get to practise my French - and my patience.

And the new machine hasn't arrived yet either ... its delivery has been delayed until this afternoon. At least the floor has more or less dried out.

La Charette Bleue

2006-11-27T17:14:00.000Z

OK, so I just can't resist the chance to go out and eat. It's Sue and Graham's last night - so they're off to the Charette Bleue. I'd originally said no ... but with a little nudge my resolve crumbled.

Not that I have to go far - this restaurant is literally 50 metres away from Le Colombier. So no worrying about who has to drive.

It's great food. When Martin is around (to follow the Tour de France - another story) he has a standing (or should that be sitting?) reservation.

.....

a little later

so what did I choose? I went for the 24 euro menu (so sharing a bottle of wine between three of us my bill came to 30 euros). Graham went for the garlic mussels (think snails in garlic butter, but substitute small shelled mussels, and serve like the snails in those little dishes with 6 to 8 holes and you get the picture ... great way to get your fix of garlic butter; you could also substitute mushrooms and get the same effect). But I resisted as I wanted to try a new starter of warm poached pears served with soft fresh goats cheese, lightly grilled to warm through and just slightly brown, served on the mandatory mixed leaves, and a drizzle of rich balsamic vinegar reduction. Really good!

As I was trying to stick to the lowest price menu I skipped over the fillet of venison (like steak, you have to decide whether you want it saignant, a point or bien cuit) - served with chestnuts and a thick pumpkin puree. I also said no to the lamb, the cod, the tajine of monkfish and prawns ... and happily tucked into a roasted stuffed supreme (fillet) of guinea fowl served with quince crisps and on a bed of lightly stir fried savoy cabbage and bacon bits. (On the cheapest menu yes, but I didn't feel at all deprived).

And then time for cheese; local goats cheeses, reblochon, munster, a blue cheese. Well, we had to finish off the bottle of 2004 domaine de moulin Vinsobres..

Still on the pear theme, I had an amazingly tender poached pear in its individual almond sponge dessert, served with pear ice-cream in a little brandy snap basket.

It'll be soup for the rest of the week.

Le Petit Caveau

2006-11-26T23:13:00.000Z

Got to be the best restaurant in Nyons. And beats anywhere I've eaten in London. So what did I have yesterday?

Aperitif served with olives, and nibbles of quails eggs, olive madeleines, and a small chilled soup of broccoli and cauliflower. Then an amuse-bouche of a "canneloni" of squid stuffed with boudin (white blood sausage - but made with the squid ink; sounds weird but was really good). As a starter I had the partridge stuffed with foie gras; I went for the veal as the main. And a dessert of citrus fruits - pink grapefruit sorbet, gingerbread, poached clementine ...

And to drink, an aperitif of cremant de die with apricot liqueur and cinammon; a dry white Vacqueras with the starter; and a glass of Domaine des Rieux Freres (Sainte Jalle) cabernet sauvignon. The red was really full on! The vineyard is about 15 kilometres from Le Colombier into the mountains. They do a good white as well as everyday "bag in the box" wines.

One of the things I really like about food here is that it is based on fresh seasonal food. Mind you, it helps to be adventurous and be prepared to try new things. And anyway, it's market research to recommend places for my clients to go and try for themselves.

Contes de Provence

2006-11-26T21:40:00.000Z

My professional interests include personality preferences, myths and archetypes a well as multi-cultural team working. So I was really delighted to find Jungian syncronicity at work with an evening "presentation" on Provencal folklore tales given by a "conteur" in Venterol on Friday evening (a friend Sue has a house in Venterol. It was through Sue that I got to know the area, and started on the journey to living the dream).

Leaving my house guest to check out the pastis at the local bar with Graham (Sue's bloke), Sue and I went off to the salle de fete to listen to the conteur - Jean Guillon (www.jeanguillon.conteur.free.fr) - take us on a journey through some of the local tales of Provence. We met the host of characters including the Drac of Draginon and the local giant Johan de l'Ours who, in true hero tradition - and the help of the magic potion from his mother - slays the seven-headed "mother of all dragons", overcomes the treachery of his so-called mates, and wins the hand of the princess and the lands of her father.

No magic effects, light or music, just the conteur and his skills. You could really feel part of a tradition of centuries.

I hear that Jackanory is coming back to the BBC - wonder whether it will be simple story telling? There was a little lad in the audience on Friday - and apart from a bit of fidgeting at the beginning, he really got into it ... and happily contributed his views about bees liking honey (not just bears); and there being wolves in the forest ... you had to be there ...

A day in the mountains

2006-11-22T20:33:00.000Z

Autumn's been really mild so far this year and the colours are amazing. If you haven't been here this time of the year before, you really don't expect it.

So we took a day out today and drove up through the mountains to Saillans, on the banks of the Drome. Last time I was there was earlier in August with a group, for a day's canoeing and kayaking. There was a bit more water this time, far fewer people, and it was much colder! And the call of the plat de jour at le Tunnel was more appealing than a wet suit and a guaranteed capsize or two!

The bill for lunch came to under 30 euros for 2 - for a salmon tart starter, cardomum beef with bean sprouts, and lemon pie, bread and wine.

The area round Saillans and Die is known for its sparkling wines - the Cremant and Clairette de Die. So of course we stopped off at the vineyard of Jean-Claude Raspail (www.raspail.com) to stock up the cave for Christmas. Family owned, the production is all organic, with state of the art production facilities. After tasting the wines, practising my french, and being given a tour of the facilities, we loaded our goodies into the car and set off back.

So even at the end of November, there's plenty to do here. If you want reviews of the wines, see Cork'd (www.corkd.com and the username chateaucolombier).

Films in Nyons

2006-11-10T10:16:00.000Z

Nyons is the small market town of about 7000 inhabitants about 8 kilometres from Le Colombier. We have a fantastic 2-screen art-house cinema that shows a great variety of films from across the world.

Had fun seeing the Queen - in English / subtitled in French. Well worth seeing. The evening before we had seen the Cannes prize-winning Chinese film "Luxury Car" by director Wang Chao - quite a contrast. And this Monday saw the Finnish film "Les lumieres des faubourgs" (not sure of the English title) by director Aki Karismaki. I'm glad I have the light and colours of Provence to wake up to every morning.

Chateau Colombier starts to blog

2006-11-09T17:43:00.000Z

It's been a busy year for Chateau Colombier in 2006. So far we've welcomed visitors from the UK, France, USA, and Germany. Now we're preparing for Christmas. This will be time for family to visit - with the addition of a group of artists and their friends from Gothenburg, Sweden.

The weather continues to treat us well. Bright and sunny, and although we've had overnight frosts, they quickly clear and it's tee-shirt weather till the sun goes down. And then it's inside to autumn soups and log fires. Bliss.

This will be an occasional blog - to give you a taste of what you can expect through the different seasons here at Le Colombier in the Drome Provencal, France.