There are fairs, fetes, trade shows, exhibits, shows and even more happening all over France now that summer is approaching.  They actually take place all year long, but things roll into high gear once the warm weather starts.

Today we went to Terres de Provence near Aix en Provence,  a fair loaded with local produce,  beautiful animals, great things to eat and drink, and people passionate about local traditions.

We did our produce shopping and found this producer (with the lettuce) who has a farm near us.  If you don’t need produce, there are lots of cheese producers, winemakers, bakers and charcuterie stands where you can shop for the ultimate Provençal picnic.

I got us a bunch of garlic at this giant shoulder high garlic pile. 

The farmer told me that if you leave the stalks on, you can keep the garlic in a cool dry place and it’s good until January.

 

There is a variety of artichokes here that is really pretty.  Smaller and longer than the kind I know in the US – there is even tinier than this kind.  So pretty.  We are having some tonight for dinner.

 

..fabulous skirt.

Beau mec (beautiful guy).

The Liquoristerie had a stand.  This is Antoine, our fabulous rep for fairs.

This is a new line of products Pascal just came out with, Provençal Tapas made with his liqueurs and absinthes.  They make a great ensemble with crudités, bread, and Pascal’s aperitifs.  Antoine already sold out of the garlic confit with absinthe, fresh mint, and green pepper.  It is tasty!

Because it is France, there was exquisitely prepared food.  We had lunch of local delicacies for a very good price.

 Isn’t this basket fabulous?  I don’t know how I’d wear it, though.

We learned that this little colt, three months old, will become white as his mama in 5 years.  These are the famous Camargue horses.  I became friends with Mom when she came up to me at the fence and we bonded.  I loved these animals – I don’t even have room in this post to add all the photos of the wonderful beasts I saw today.

This is the cute marketing campaign for Terres de Provence.

So rendez vous, render yourself, to a local fair during your visit to France.  This one was free, full of local color, great shows, and beautiful ambiance.  They are one of the best ways to get to know France.