Escape to the sun


We've got a full blown Belgian film crew turning up tomorrow at Le Chateau. Something to do with a programme entitled Escape to the Sun or there again it could be called A Place in the Sun or something similar. I'm rather inclined to think it should be called 'I Want Some Sun' as I do believe Belgium has not enjoyed the sunniest of climes this summer. Even worse, or better depending on your point of view it's going to be fronted by some former glamorous Miss Europe which fully puts paid to yours truly being asked to have anything whatsoever to do with the programme apart from work like a donkey all day today 'tidying'. I'm thinking smart freshly laundered bold blue and white check tablecloth laid in a pristine fashion on the lovely long table. Perhaps a Cath Kidson jug with casually untidy sunflowers lolling over the sides, a blue hand turned bowl bursting with fat round garlic, but then what does one do with 'stuff' that seems to breed and accumulate and spread like wildflower as it snakes and coils it's way into every crevice and corner. Lord knows I try, I really do.

On Sunday His Lordship suggested I accompany him on a trip to a nearby village called Cazazils close by to the medieval village of Mirepoix. It was like going back a hundred years in time as we wound our way through hot dusty overgrown lanes, the silence was deafening. On our arrival in the tiny hamlet stood the church, 15th or 16th century it sat proud on the hill surrounded by tall sweet smelling Cyprus trees and springy wiry undergrowth that released its perfume as you walked on it. Wild flowers brushed against my bare legs.

Suddenly Pierre le plombier roars up emitting clouds of dust in his wake. A passionate concerned conversation takes place in the shade with much emphasis and waving of arms. We follow him to his house which sits in a small row. Under the shade of a huge tree sit his neighbours enjoying a leisurely lunch accompanied by cold pitchers of rosé whilst fat cats lazy and slothful curl at their feet. A chubby child splashes contentedly and flashes us a toothy smile.

This is the simple beauty of France that continue to make it such a popular destination with holidaymakers. But you have to know how to look because even though it may be staring you straight in the face you would be surprised at the number of people who miss it completely.

Comments

toady said…
Oooh how glam, you're going to be on telly. U R G E N T send some of that sun over here. It is dire.
Crystal Jigsaw said…
Please order some sunshine!! I'm going to Brittany on 30th August.

Hope your guests are good for you. Will you be on the telly??

CJ xx
Sally's Chateau said…
I shall be nowhere in sight I can assure you and since it is only being transmitted on Belgian TV to a mere 300,000 people all I shall be required to do is brace myself for the stampede of sun seekers as they try and catch a slice of Le Chateau !! LOL.
Withy Brook said…
Re-fuelling my France-envy! I do so love it. I assume you were asked to share the Plombiere's lunch and lovely pink wine? The envy is growing every second and I am near to bursting with it!
Frances said…
Sally, it's lovely that the chateau will be getting air time in Belgium. Do you have any idea when the program will air?

I hope that it guarantees you lots of wonderful guests, who will have a fabulous time, and will tell their friends, who will also have fabulous times, and so forth!

Hoping that the film crew know how to clean up after themselves ... put it in the contract!

As always, very best wishes to you.
Anonymous said…
Wow! Cazazils is the hamlet that we rent a house in & we were there at the beginning of June! As you drove up the little hill into the town, did you see a row of old stone houses? We stay in the one with the white shutters. its really a lovely area, can't wait to go back.
mountainear said…
Lovely slice of French life - we could do with some of your sunshine. Like Withy I am near to bursting with envy.
lampworkbeader said…
Sun, fame, what more could you want. (Answers on a postcard please.)
farmerjulie said…
that sounds wonderful Sally!!
Fire Byrd said…
There is something so utterly compeling about French rustic lunches. Bread,cheese olives and rose enjoyed with good company for a long period, then a siesta... bliss
I think I'm developing a fetish the times I've been here I wax lyrical about food!!

BTW I've changed my name from BB.
Car Hire Cyprus said…
France is one of the most romantic cities in this world.

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