Fields of Lavender

Since we covered some of our scheduled trip the day before, we (thankfully) had a more lazy day ahead. Checking the weather things were looking up: sun, warm weather, and the best part - no wind!

Picnic
Since we were making wonderful time, we stopped by the side of the road to have a mini-picnic to map out the rest of our day. Not too happy with the directions that our tour company has provided, we've basically thrown out their directions and are figuring out our own way to our destinations. Of course this is much easier to do when the weather co-operates.

Lavender
Enjoying the ride again, we were able to stop and smell the lavender. (Well, as close as past-bloom herbs smell.) Back home you'll only find the odd bush or few of lavender. Here, they are planted row upon row like you would find vines. In fact, you'll often find them besides vines! Life is good, filled with lavender and wine.

Stupid bike tires
Day 3 and one tire pumped, one tire tube changed, and one tire tube patched. For all the months commuting, never has the tire maintenance been so bad.

Oak juice
French think their wine is the best, often looking down at new world wine...if not every other wine. In one of the dégustations I was conversing with our host about oak in wine, and how some of the new world wines tend to over oak. She knew exactly what I was referring to, and said that the french call this stuff "oak juice". A new wine term is born!

Côteaux du Tricastin
This is the wine region we're currently situated in, where thankfully the wines are cheaper. However, the quality of flavour also has gone with the price. We decided to buy a bottle of cheaper white wine to have for the night, and we both agree that there are many better out there. We'll have to look for some cheese to pair it with, as that should make it more palatable.

That being said, I did find a great white wine in my tastings today, but since mon mari didn't like it and it was quite a bit more pricey, it was passed on. So there are some great french wines out there - it is just a question of its value when comparing to some of the other countries that produce great wines as well.

A nice night out
The evening ended at an average provençal restaurant. Nothing too fancy, but delicious and filling. Provencial grilled steak on a skewer, bourgogne chicken, salad, and yes, french fries. I'm surprised with the amount of french fries being served with average meals, as I thought it was a north american thing. Apparently not!

Dessert was the final course, and since the menu was oral, our hostess was nice enough to speak slowly so that we could decide. After the next table's recommendations of tummy-rubbing and "mmm", we both chose a delicious gâteau aux pêches.