By: Tuula
Photos,

Signs of spring in Provence… (a photo post)

Greetings dear readers and friends. Well, I hope it’s warm and sunny in your corner of the world, because for us… spring is on!  We went from thunderstorms last week (even a hailstorm last Thursday) to summer-like temperatures and clear, blue skies. And man, it’s really nice.

Spring greens at the Sanary-sur-Mer market.

And the change in people’s moods is pretty great too. We were at the Sanary-sur-Mer market last Wednesday – the first hot day of the week – and folks were just itching to change from their winter wares to beach-club attire.

Summer-like weather at the port of Sanary.

Out came the shorts, flip-flops, T-shirts, etc… and one lady selling goat cheeses got a good ribbing from her neighbor for wearing what was clearly a bikini top under her cover-up. “On est à la plage?” Are we at the beach? said the man next to her selling fruit & veg. But who could blame her. South-of-France natives are used to the sun and the nice weather that’s made this region so famous.

Enjoying café life at the Bar des Sports, Sanary-sur-Mer.

Grumbly French folks are no longer so grumbly and are taking full advantage of spring. The cafés are full of life, local gardens are blooming, and everyone seems to be outdoors – biking, skating, trekking, or enjoying a simple “promenade”.

Strawberries at the Toulon daily market.

And goodness, if spring isn’t one of the prettiest times of year in Provence. From the markets, to the mountains, beaches, and fields of wildflowers that line the roads, there’s something to marvel at every day.

Eggplants in Toulon.

I hope you enjoy these photos of springtime in Provence and wishing you a very bon weekend!

Iris flowers from our own garden.