It was extremely refreshing to be in a place with no corporate presence. No Starbucks or Starbucks knockoffs, no supermarkets, nothing. There was one small market that may have been a chain but it was so unobtrusive it didn't matter. There were two bakers, one open in the morning, the other in the evening (probably an arrangement that makes a lot of sense), a couple markets with food and wine, a pharmacy, a wine shop, and several restaurants, most of which were closed for the season. There were a few galleries, but they were the kind of galleries where you find the artist at work inside.
I know what everyone says about the French. Rude, snobby.. It was simply not the case in Provence. Perhaps people are talking about Parisians (I did have more of that experience there). I only encountered very friendly folks in the shops and on the street. As you walk down the street in Bargemon, everyone you pass says bonjour or bonsoir. It's just the way, and so you join and greet everyone in kind.
On the very steep 10 minute walk into the village from the house.
So many things, and the very old things especially, are made of stone in France. The building are ancient and a marvel to behold.
Bargemon is known for having some of the purest water in the world. This is a fountain where water pours continuously. People come with their bottles and fill up their drinking water.
The village square at night
Smiling in the midst of old stones.
more to come...
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