A year in Provence

Thank you SO much for reminding me of A Very Good Year. I loved that film and have wanted to watch it again but couldn't remember the name.

A Very Good Year is such a good film dahlia.
I may put that on my watch again list, thanks for reminding me.

We looked forward to watching this series, but found it just too "sweet" and a bit contrived, although the scenery was beautiful and Carol herself lovely. Perhaps it seemed too scripted?
We both enjoyed an oldish film "A Very Good Year", starring Russell Crowe (but don't let this put you off!); also set in Provence, it was like taking a summer holiday!

I'm warming to Carol. She takes everything in her stride, isn't overly fussed about her appearance and is easy around animals and insects - which says a lot.

I didn't think I'd like this series but like Jeremy Clarkson's Farm it's growing on me.

Callistemon

Josianne

I'm getting more used to Carol now. Last night I really wanted to taste that goat's cheese with olive tapenade.

Just asking, did she say the goatmaker's daughter? He had been at the property 39 years, so say 25 ish when he bought it = approx 64. The little girl wasn't much more than 8.

We noticed that.

Obviously goats' cheese keeps you young and puts a spring in your step ?

I have some in the fridge, must try it!

Did the same calculation, so I now know I wasn’t the only one. Funny to think of how many other gransnetters must have done the same.

Fromagerie des Courmettes.
High in the hills above Tourrettes-sur-Loup, this organic goats-cheese producer welcomes visitors. To see its 70 goats being milked, arrive sharp at 8am. Farm tours (one hour, €63 for up to 10 people, available in English) include tastings of the cheese – divine and incredibly diverse in taste. You can also buy cheese direct from the onsite shop without taking a tour. Find the farm 4.4km along the perilously steep and hairpin-laced rte des Courmettes, signposted off the D2210 to Tourrettes.
Anyone? Need to get up early though.

Josianne

I'm getting more used to Carol now. Last night I really wanted to taste that goat's cheese with olive tapenade.

Just asking, did she say the goatmaker's daughter? He had been at the property 39 years, so say 25 ish when he bought it = approx 64. The little girl wasn't much more than 8.

We noticed that.

Obviously goats' cheese keeps you young and puts a spring in your step ?

I have some in the fridge, must try it!

Last nights programme was far more interesting.

I'm getting more used to Carol now. Last night I really wanted to taste that goat's cheese with olive tapenade.

Just asking, did she say the goatmaker's daughter? He had been at the property 39 years, so say 25 ish when he bought it = approx 64. The little girl wasn't much more than 8.

Thanks for flagging up this programme MrsPickles. I watched this on catch up this evening.
Carole Drinkwater was not as I imagined her now, but the scenery was beautiful.
Years ago, I read all her series of 'The Olive Farm' books and really enjoyed them. Wishing I hadn't given them all away.

travelsafar

When was this on TV please?

It was Sunday evening on Channel 5. 9pm if I remember right.

MayBee70

Whitewavemark2

Tbh I find her irritating, and a tad up herself. But you can’t have everything?. The scenery is glorious and I can “smell” Provence as I watch each scene.

I know this is horrible of me and I apologise for it but it’s what I was thinking so I’ll say it. After how she described her husband in the other programme I was expecting to see someone drop dead gorgeous with go to bed eyes (or at least unbelieveably charming). I was very disappointed!

Don't apologise!

What Whitewave said, beauty in the eye and all that, plus it's a good thing we don't all fancy the same people!

When was this on TV please?

MayBee70

Whitewavemark2

Tbh I find her irritating, and a tad up herself. But you can’t have everything?. The scenery is glorious and I can “smell” Provence as I watch each scene.

I know this is horrible of me and I apologise for it but it’s what I was thinking so I’ll say it. After how she described her husband in the other programme I was expecting to see someone drop dead gorgeous with go to bed eyes (or at least unbelieveably charming). I was very disappointed!

??? beauty in the eye and all that, although I do see what you mean.

Whitewavemark2

Tbh I find her irritating, and a tad up herself. But you can’t have everything?. The scenery is glorious and I can “smell” Provence as I watch each scene.

I know this is horrible of me and I apologise for it but it’s what I was thinking so I’ll say it. After how she described her husband in the other programme I was expecting to see someone drop dead gorgeous with go to bed eyes (or at least unbelieveably charming). I was very disappointed!

We canoed and swam in the Gorges Du Verdun. That lovely colour!

Loved dining at Chateau de Berne, especially their Rose. We visited Salernes for bathroom tiles, wonderful ceramics too, then up to Tourtour, beautiful little commune. The drive to Gorges du Verdun must be the scariest but what a view!

Ooo do you know Lorgues? We stayed there a few times and used to dine at Chateau de Berne as a treat. And Tourtour, scary drive.

I enjoyed Peter Mayle’s tales when his books came out. Wasn’t keen on Carol Drinkwater at all. More about her personal relationship/life and I agree with pp, a bit too up herself.

We were in the Var Josianne. Rural location surrounded by vineyards. 30 mins north of St Tropez out of season which was preferable, 2+hrs during summer months. 45mins west of Cannes. Cannes and Nice markets were favourite haunts.

Wow, quelle chance Kalu?. Where were you?
We have stayed in the main tourist places and in a couple of pretty villages further inland.
Such a beautiful area, the shimmery sea and so many art museums to visit.
I'm off to look through my photos.

We lived in Provence for 10 years and I loved it. Wonderful neighbours, who taught me the Provençal language. Leaving Nice airport, walking through the car park to the smell of eucalyptus trees was heaven. The sound of cicadas and finding geckos in the house, poisonous caterpillar lines to be carefully disposed of, wild boars nuisance but delicious in a daube. Beautiful areas all around to explore.

Yes, she was.

Haven't seen this yet. Was she the original Helen in All Creatures?

Was the table shifting bit at the end a little parody on Peter Mayle's chapter about the difficulties with his table? That was so funny in the book.
That market in Cannes is fabulous. I remember all the yacht catering staff queueing up early in the mornings to buy produce for their posh guests on board.