France, Uncategorized EUROTRIP: AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD 31 August 2010

The wonderful thing about the South of France is being able to go on…… road trips!

It felt amazing to be able to get into a car and just drive. To see rolling hills, green countryside, and little villages. We used to go on road trips back when we lived in Australia, and really miss it when we’re in Shanghai. So we spent our time in the South of France to the fullest, driving everywhere and enjoying the gorgeous weather and lovely scenery.

We were fascinated with the little town of Gordes, in the Provence region of France. Situated on a hilltop, the picturesque old village is composed of stone houses with terracotta clay tile roofs spiraling around the mountain peak, completed by a 12th-century castle perched at the top of the mountain. Sounds pretty? It sure was!


Road trip!

The roads of the South of France

The fairytale town of Gordes

At the top of the village

We stumbled upon La Bastide de Gordes & Spa, a luxury hotel perched in the heart of the village. It was here that we had a simple lunch, in their outdoor garden offering breathtaking views over the Luberon hills and featuring hanging gardens overlooking the valley below. It. Was. STUNNING. The views were beautiful, especially given the clear, sunny weather. It felt like we were in a fairytale, sitting under lush trees with a lovely breeze in the warm sun, and overlooking the mountains and valley.

And…. their Paninis. We just assumed all paninis are created equal. It was here that we learned it’s simply not true. I nearly fainted when I took a bite of mine. Let me clarify first that generally, I’m NOT a fan of sandwiches – I find them too plain, boring, and the bread just a ‘filler’. But theirs was amazing. The bread was flattened because it was toasted, and so was crisp and not dry and tough at all (and don’t forget French really do bake their bread better). Mine was stuffed full with a ton of tender chicken, tomatoes and cheese, and had this stunning “capres et citron confit” (capers and lemon) spread. It was REALLY GOOD. All washed down with a chilled peach juice and cold glasses of water, our simple lunch was pure bliss. On the downside, it was 14 euro for each panini (yeowch!!) but worth it because it was so amazing – both the food and the views.


At La Bastide de Gordes & Spa

Poulet, tomates, mozzarella, capres et citron confit

THE MOST AMAZING PANINIS WE’VE EVER HAD!!!!!!! OMGGGGG………….

Top of the world! Or at least, at the top of Gordes

In the main area

Puttering around an adorable little French shop

Lots of little nooks and crannies.. check out the mountains peeking out behind the leaves

Enjoying life – I love this pic πŸ™‚

Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall…………


Let’s Chat!




Let's Chat!

Wow – while I really have no desire to see Paris (just hate, hate, hate tourist-filled places), I can’t help thinking how beautiful the countryside looks there! I’ll do my best not to be jellus! ;p

Oh, and because I now feel strangely compelled to show you all of my scarf purchases – here’s my latest one by Ralph Lauren. Pink and brown and gold.
Photobucket
Ignore the sock monkey – he’s always riffling through by closet!

If you go to France in non-peak season, there aren’t many tourists there πŸ™‚

Heh the scarf is gorgeous.. i love the design!

Lovely place! Funny enough, I just finished reading a book about four queens of Europe from the early 13th century that came from Provence (when it was a county of the Holy Roman Empire). It was called The Land of Song πŸ™‚

What a generous amount of chicken they put in!! The other day I randomly came across this cafe where they serve a very special toast – banana, brie and bacon toast! It was by far the most delicious toast I have ever had!!!

You should definitely try it! or make it yourself. I guess they are pretty easy to make. All you need are white bread, brie, banana (ripe ones) and bacon (and some butter I think)! I am going to try to make my own soon!!

This is how to make paninis.
This is how I was making the sauce in my restaurant : real capres, confit green lime skin, olive oil, and ton of garlic…This is how the bread doesnt dry, even after the grill press.
I am so glad you went to Gordes…I did not imagine you would rent a car… How about Oppede-le-Vieux? and Bonnieux, Apt ?
Now is the most interesting part of your trip for me…
cannot wait to see you on the Vieux-Port and la “Bonne Mere” ^__^ A. aka Mr T

I never used to like sandwiches.. now I’m a convert haha. Have you had anything simliar in China before? i really want more!

We also went to Lacoste, Oppede le Vieux, Bonnieux, Sault, Rousillion etc.. before hitting Marseilles/Cassis/St Tropez. adorable lil towns πŸ™‚

Wow – while I really have no desire to see Paris (just hate, hate, hate tourist-filled places), I can’t help thinking how beautiful the countryside looks there! I’ll do my best not to be jellus! ;p

Oh, and because I now feel strangely compelled to show you all of my scarf purchases – here’s my latest one by Ralph Lauren. Pink and brown and gold.
Photobucket
Ignore the sock monkey – he’s always riffling through by closet!

If you go to France in non-peak season, there aren’t many tourists there πŸ™‚

Heh the scarf is gorgeous.. i love the design!

Lovely place! Funny enough, I just finished reading a book about four queens of Europe from the early 13th century that came from Provence (when it was a county of the Holy Roman Empire). It was called The Land of Song πŸ™‚

What a generous amount of chicken they put in!! The other day I randomly came across this cafe where they serve a very special toast – banana, brie and bacon toast! It was by far the most delicious toast I have ever had!!!

You should definitely try it! or make it yourself. I guess they are pretty easy to make. All you need are white bread, brie, banana (ripe ones) and bacon (and some butter I think)! I am going to try to make my own soon!!

This is how to make paninis.
This is how I was making the sauce in my restaurant : real capres, confit green lime skin, olive oil, and ton of garlic…This is how the bread doesnt dry, even after the grill press.
I am so glad you went to Gordes…I did not imagine you would rent a car… How about Oppede-le-Vieux? and Bonnieux, Apt ?
Now is the most interesting part of your trip for me…
cannot wait to see you on the Vieux-Port and la “Bonne Mere” ^__^ A. aka Mr T

I never used to like sandwiches.. now I’m a convert haha. Have you had anything simliar in China before? i really want more!

We also went to Lacoste, Oppede le Vieux, Bonnieux, Sault, Rousillion etc.. before hitting Marseilles/Cassis/St Tropez. adorable lil towns πŸ™‚