Sunday morning saw us headed toward one of the most well known markets in Provence at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – literally island on the Sorgue (river.)
This town is known in particular for its abundance of antique shops and Sam was hoping to come across a bust of his idol, Napoleon – therefore it had been on our list of ‘must visits.’
Whilst Napoleon’s bust proved to be elusive, almost everything else was on sale. Cheeses (some as big as car tyres), small-goods in varieties too numerous to translate or mention, and the freshest of fruit and vegetable stands were to be found hugging every narrow winding street.
The fishmonger stocked a smelly display of prawns, oysters, mussels and all manner of whole fish including the sardines that will grace our barbeque this evening!
As in other years the brightly coloured baskets were eye catching and I have to admit I succumbed to this years model, a bargain at only 16 euros. I will worry about fitting it into my luggage later. Today it served its purpose, bulging with cherries, raspberries, strawberries and baguettes as well as huge tomatoes, onion and garlic for the pasta sauce Russell is planning later this week.
Hats, clothing, model cars made of aluminium drink cans, tablecloths, napery and tea towels, juxtaposed with stalls selling a local version of paella and decorated cupboard door handles.
The town boasts literally hundreds of antique stores that are open for normal trading but today even the ‘flea market’ type stalls were displaying silverware, exquisite cutlery, crockery and furniture that the average Australian antique enthusiast would jump at.
As the town clock struck one the stall holders began to dismantle their stands and pack up, ready to do it all again in another town tomorrow.
Hoping we could remember where we’d left Pablo and laden with delicious supplies we were looking forward to lunch and an afternoon recovery session by the pool.