Have you ever tripped over a pumpkin? Because if you are wearing flip-flops it is not a nice encounter. Pumpkins are round, tough and very orange and that's what your toe becomes. Here in Rians we get literally caught up with pumpkins every year and a pumpkin festival 2nd weekend of October. La fête de la courge à RIANS, octobre 10-11- La fête de la Courge est devenue le fleuron de notre village, un peu nos "vieilles charrues".

Brignoles

One great attraction at the annual Foire de Brignoles was the ITER stand.  Not only did it look 'state of the art' but it was the only stand not selling stuff - rather giving away ITER bags, pencils and brochures for free!  The message is:  fusion is 'in' big time, weather we like it or not something has to manage the worlds energy needs in the future, and ITER, I hope, will lead the way.

The Foire in Brignoles

Brignoles, pronounced Brignol, is a pretty large town.  Every year they hold a fair.  What I liked the most  amazing animal section.  Inside the marquee were row upon row of chickens, rabbits, ducks, geese, sheep, exotic birds, pigs and one cow and her calf.  You could buy what you pleased there and then.  Needless to say I wanted a Toulouse  goose!  All I came away with that day was a basket full of flowers.  

The beginning of March was warm and pleasant, but it roared out like a lion with the Mistral winds whipping down the narrow streets.  I spent a very cold windy day on March 24th in Arles.  What an impressive jewel, the Roman amphitheatre built with dry stone i.e. no cement, the ruins of the Forum, another  half circle amphitheatre and a hippodrome are only a few things the Romans left behind!   Along the River Rhone  a carved head of Julius Ceasar was found embedded in the river.  Van Gogh also had his hayday in Arles painting pictures by night as the evenings were so warm it was cooler outside.  In 2009 the modern world is still forgotten in these narrow passages, Arles boasts a museum, a photography college, lots of cafes and boutiques.  Well worth a trip.

Pumpkin Festival

Just when you think you are about to embark on a calm weekend, you walk out to get your baguette and you see the whole street is full of pumpkins.  Pumpkin experts from all over Provence come to Rians to show off their pumpkins in October.  There are so many to choose from and if  you haven't thought of collecting pumpkins ever - now is the time!

Views of Rians 09

Here are a selection of window shots in and around the village of Rians in the Var, France (4000 inhabitants).  The house with blue shutters is ours and the rental rooms overlook the square (45E a night).  

Out of Provence

Out of Provence is a family run B&B Chambre d'Hotes situated in the Var in the rural village of Rians, France.  Like most things in life, this one just happened!  Our house was built in the 1730' and has every ounce of the medieval character of that period;  thick walls, winding stair cases, brick tiled floors and lots of oak beams.  Charm best describes Rians, but also history has stopped in it tracks when one walks through the narrow streets endless 'time' has carved houses and gardens into a magical thread.  We have 2 ensuite rooms to rent (45E per room), a breakfast area, kitchen facilities and easy access to shops, Aix en Provence is 35mins.  Car essential.