August 7th ~ Tour with Benoit

Today we had a scheduled tour with Benoit.  He is a local resident that was raised in Saint-Jeanette.  He and his wife travelled abroad getting university degrees and then returned to Benoit's home town to run the local Bed and Breakfast.  Corrine does all of the cooking and Benoit does a lot of great tours.

The kids were served fresh pressed apple juice and we had cafe au lait before we headed out for the day.

A bridge blown up during World War II by the  Nazi's

 We started out at the bottom of the perched village of Tourrettes for the long hike up.  It took us a good 30 minutes, but Benoit had lots of entertaining information and stories to share.

 Once we reached the top the kids were hot and thirsty so they had a good long drink at the local "faucet" and a little splash to cool off.

 The boys headed in one direction and us girls in another.  There were lots of quaint little shops for us to enjoy.  there are no cars allowed in the village so it was awesome to wander the streets without having to worry about getting run over by those crazy drivers.

 This little shop had all kids of natural local  flavourings that you could put into oils and sugar and syrups.

 We stopped for gelato.  Tourrette was once the worlds largest producer of lavender and violets.  They use these flowers to flavour many of the foods here.  We had violet gelato and I do have to say I was skeptical, but it was amazing.

 Next we were off to a goat farm about 15 minutes up the mountain.  Corrine, Benoit's wife made a fantastic lunch of roast chicken, tabbouleh, baguette's, wine and fresh goat cheese ~ YUMMY!!

 We learnt all about the process of making cheese and then went to visit the goats.

 This one really liked the "Shade" under Ang's dress.

 These goats were the friendliest most affectionate little things.  Rod defiantly made a new friend.

 Evan and Jordyn had half the heard following them wherever they went.

 This is the house where Bruno the goat farmer and his family live.  Pretty modest.

 The final stop was a Sweet Factory where they use local fruit and flowers to make very unique candies and chocolate.

 Back at the villa we made our first pizza from scratch in the wood burning pizza oven.  We made the dough and prepared the toppings while the boys played with the fire.

The pizza and the day was a huge success!!