Written on Sunday, January 22nd, 2012 at 10:15 am
It’s amazing to see that there are nearly 200 blog posts in the Chateau Colombier blog archives, from our very first blog post in 2006.
Quickly scanning through them, the following posts catch my (Clare’s) eye:
Hexagram 37
The Barbeque Fairy
another birthday party at Le Colombier (and associated blogs)
Eight (and often nine) go mad in the Drome (guest blog)
Flashing the Lycra
Written on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 at 6:04 pm
Losing weight is always on my list but with an important wedding to go to in September more must go this year!
I’m going to grow more (and different) vegetables this year and make a start on some soft fruit, maybe treat myself to a fruit cage.
I’m going to use my bike more in 2012.
I’m going to be more diligent in keeping in contact with friends.
I’m going to try out more new recipes (especially low fat ones!)
Finally,I’m going to explore more places in the south like Arles and Aigues Mortes that I’ve been meaning to visit for ages. It’s far too easy to arrive at the house and then feel far too comfortable to stir beyond the gates.
So those are mine – what are yours?
Written on Sunday, November 6th, 2011 at 11:28 am
Another walk that comes complete with information panneaux is found about two-thirds of the way up Garde Grosse the mountain opposite Nyons with its communications aerial on top. In fact, you can drive all the way to the top where there are amazing views out over Nyons and beyond. Be sure to take your binoculars – you can see Sue’s house near Venterol if you look carefully – and on a clear day you can see the mountains of the Ardeche.
Anyway back to the walk which is quite easy, well signposted and takes between 30 and 45 minutes depending on your level of fitness. There is a large car park and the panneaux explain the flora and fauna although sadly some of them are raindamaged and impossible to read these days. Still it’s a good choice for the casual walker and it gives stunning views out towards the mountains of Angele and Cougoir.
There are masses of maps and info on these and many other walks at Colombier and we’re always happy to advise and point you in the right direction – literally and metaphorically!
Written on Tuesday, October 25th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
I always prefer my walks to follow a circuit. Turning back and retracing one’s steps is somehow dispiriting. There are a couple of walks I’ve found that have panneaux (information boards) along the route and apart from providing interesting and educational information they also give a sense of completion as you reach each stage.
This particular walk is found between Les Pilles and Chateauneuf La Bordette and is in an area used for grazing sheep and goats. We can give more precise directions as it’s not the easiest to find! The walk itself is very well signposted along the route with cute sheep signs pointing the way. The terrain is fairly easy with just a couple of downhill stretches that are slightly more tricky, and is very varied with open grassy sections, stony uphill paths and even a densely wooded area. There is a ruined farm with interesting bread oven and terraces once used for growing fodder and mulberry trees to feed silkworms. If you’re lucky enough you may see a flock of sheep complete with bells or a small herd of goats. The walk takes about an hour for the non superfit!
Written on Tuesday, September 13th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Really looking forward to my week back in the Drome. I love this time of year: daytime can still be warm enough to soak up the rays or swim but the mornings and evenings have that slight chill in the air. It only needs the smallest hint of a chill for me to light a fire – any excuse really. I love to close the shutters in the evening and sit in front of blazing logs with a glass of Vinsobres and the latest slice and dice.
It’s also the perfect time to go for long walks in the countryside without having to pack numerous bottles of water. The light is particularly clear in September – just right for those artists or photographers among you. In fact the quality of the air around Nyons is famous – so much so that in the past asthmatics used to be sent to the area to recuperate.
It’s also vendanges time and the scent of wine lingering in the air hits you as you drive up from the airport.
Time to go out wine-tasting once more. Naturally not for my own benefit but just so that I can report back to you all!
Written on Wednesday, September 7th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
A few days ago shots were ringing out on the hillsides near Venterol and bobbing red hats could be seen moving through the undergrowth. Boars don’t wear red hats so this is a safety measure for the hunters. Friends staying at my house saw 2 dead boar loaded in the back of a pickup on its way back to the village and the next day the ex-mayor brought round a leg for them to sample. Clare was invited to dinner that night and reports back that it was very tasty indeed.
French wild boar
Don’t feel too sorry for the wild boar: this article gives more inforamation on French wild boar.
Widespread
across the whole of France the Wild Boar ~ Sus scrofa scrofa or Sanglier as it is known by the French is
much maligned by farmers who readily blame it for…
© 2011 – Lost-in-France.com
And this next report by BBC News Europe details how their numbers are on the increase and pose a serious threat to agriculture. They’re even starting to encroach on the urban landscape. So French hunters are being urged to wage war on the boar. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11948612
Written on Thursday, July 7th, 2011 at 10:35 am
For those of you who are keen cavaliers there are plenty of opportunities to ride in this area. There are a couple of clubs where you can ride in a manege for dressage/jumping/lessons etc but this is an area that lends itself especially well to long-distance riding. You can go off for a couple of days and stay at special pensions that will look after the horse too!
What could be better than exploring the beautiful countryside from the vantage point of a saddle. A much better view than hiking! At least that’s what Sue tells me since riding is not my thing. You’re also more likely to see the local wildlife as horses don’t frighten them away.
A place she recommends is Ferme Equestre La Viste – www.laviste.com is their website, 04 75 28 16 18 which is at La Roche sur le Buis. They offer a variety of randonnees and activities for adults and children – full details on their site or from the local tourist office. It is a bit of a drive from here but well worth it for the fantastic scenery of the Baronnies that you ride through. It is run by Veronique who is very sympa – Laurent from the Le Petit Caveau’s aunt.
Written on Monday, June 20th, 2011 at 8:41 am
Why not:
try making perfume at the lavender distillery in Nyons (full details on earlier post) and the kids can make soap
go to the cinema – the local one in Nyons is reasonably priced and comfortable – you can challenge your language skills by going to a French film or cop out and watch a VO (version originale).
visit the beautiful chateau at Grignan or the Palais des papes at Avignon – you’ll be under cover from the rain
go wine tasting – if you visit enough places you won’t notice the rain (but please get someone else to drive!)
go shopping at the Centre Commercial at Le Pontet (just off the A6 at Avignon Nord) – there are loads of interesting megastores including Auchan where you could spend many happy hours browsing for bargains (and our friend, Brian, does – even going so far as to invent a new slogan for them – Auchan c’est la solution!!!) and a huge shoe emporium to name just two.
visit one of the local museums such as the Olive Museum at Nyons and while you’re there pop into the Cooperative to buy some oil and lots of other interesting goodies
visit La Scourtinerie on the outskirts of Nyons where they still make vibrantly coloured provencal mats originally used for the tradition method of olive oil extraction
and after all this activity treat yourself to a Shiatsu massage with Jo at les Pilles!
Written on Monday, June 13th, 2011 at 3:35 pm
Well of course, if you’re a gardener or agriculteur or house owner here in the south of France, we are delighted to have rain – especially after the particularly hot and dry spring this year.
But if you’re just here for a week – what do you do? It’s a not a problem you’ll often encounter – as the micro-climate in this area is famed for its 300 days of sunshine a year. But while we can confidently assure you that you’ll find great markets, great wines, and have a great time … we can’t always guarantee you wall to wall sunshine.
So – let’s say that the rain has set in. You could be grumpy and sulk and complain, and wish you’d gone to Devon or Wales or Ireland where at least the rain would have been expected.
Or you can embrace the challenge of making the most of some quality rain-days. Here are a few of my favourite things, mixed in with ideas for all ages and energies:
Let us know your favourite rain-day suggestions.
Written on Saturday, May 28th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
Maybe this is the answer!
Distillerie Bleu Provence in Nyons where they distill lavender and create loads of wonderful beauty products etc is running an ‘Atelier Savon’ where kids can make their very own soap. It’s for children from 6 to 12 years and costs 9 euros per child. It will run every Wednesday morning (reservations required) at 10 o’clock during high season (July 1st to August 31st) and is also available on request/reservation from April 15th to June 30th and September 1st to December 31st.
Sounds great fun. More details on Pays de Nyons tourism site.