Wednesday 30 July 2014

France part 3: Villefranche and Cordes

The wonderful weekly market at Villefrance de Rouergue. 

We were invited to lunch by some friends, so we went to this market on the way to pick up some bits. I spotted these dahlias being sold by a little old lady whose produce came entirely from her garden. Q was mystified, because he thought the flowers on the next stall looked better, but I saw her sitting there quietly on her own with her hair in a bun, at a small table with a checkered tablecloth and I knew I wanted HER flowers. I wish I had managed to get a photo of her. 

We took dahlias, an apple tart and some local wine as presents for our hosts.
That's a 1960s Lanz Original dress being whipped up by the wind there. Seemed like a reasonable choice for lunch, but as soon as I arrived I was challenged to table tennis. I took off my shoes and bracelets and tucked my dress into my underwear, but I still lost. 

Can you see the woman behind watching with her arms crossed? There was a man at Q's shoulder too. I felt like a sleb being papped. No time for the usual messing around. I posed, he shot two photos. If I ended up looking like Quasimodo, too bad. 
A fabulous pair of knockers! They do amazing doors, door furniture and windows in France.
Cordes-sur-Ciel. Everywhere we visited was medieval, but what I really liked about it was that each town had its own distinct style and character. You didn't feel like you were looking at the same old place over and over again. Each time we agreed we were glad we had made the effort.
Probably the only time I have an ice cream is on holiday. Violet ice cream for me, mint choc chip for him, chosen by me to go with the lilac for the photo! See, I do try.

I love testing out new flavours. When we were in Scandinavia a couple of years ago we had liquorice flavour. Gorgeous.

8 comments:

Helga said...

Oooo, that's a fine pair o' knockers there missy!!!!
I completely get why you had to have that lady's dahlias! I still moon over a dear old bandy legged man in ankle freezers I saw in Greece many moons ago.....AND you are as exquisite as those dahlias in that heavenly frock!!! GAH!
It's just so frickin' bloody gorgeous there. Move there, please, so I have a really good excuse to come and stay FOREVER!
Love you! XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Anonymous said...

You look lovely in the 1960s Lanz dress.: what a great little find/ number.
I visited Cirdes many years ago with Martin and your photos bring back some great memories.. Xx

Vix said...

Ha! Me with my baps out and you playing table tennis with your frock in your knickers, classy pair, aren't we?
Love that snap of you in your Lanz maxi and that incredible market. What lovely gifts to give to your hosts. I can just imagine the flower seller with her bun and tablecloth.
Great knockers, love! xxxx

Curtise said...

Well, everyone's got their knockers, haven't they? But I won't hear a WORD said against you, Princess Tan-Tan, I bet the sight of you playing ping pong with your dress tucked into your scanties was a joy to behold. And I know you have skillz, so I suspect you let your opponent win...
Oh, the places you have been to on this trip are so beautiful! The wonderful market with the little lady and her dahlias (we'll skate over the grumpy Madame with the fierce arms and stare), the stunning arches and beams and windows and cobbles - all such a delight. And you look glorious in your dress, I do love the print.
Violet ice cream? No no, that's as bad as eating lavender. Q has the right idea, stick with the traditional. Next you'll be telling me you nibbled on the dahlias, and that would be ridiculous! Xxxxx

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I love that dress!! And all the scenery and architecture. And that ice cream looks super-fantastic :)

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

They do have fabulous knockers abroad don't they? (er hem). More lovely pics, Tanya. I'm with Curtise on the violet ice-cream nonsense - ugh. Pretty colour though. xx

Miss Magpie said...

Those Dahlias are so pretty. I'm actually a bit scared by that cross armed woman, I'd have run away!

Krista said...

That market!!!! Dalias are my absolute favorite flower no doubt so much variety! They are also called the drag queen of flowers, so much drama! I buy all my flowers from the Hmong people at Farmers Market! Another beautiful dress too!
XXOO