13 June 2026

 Our full day in Cotignac was a day of classic Provencal-summer moments of beauty, hence a glut of photographs.

We explored the town in the morning. Views of the surrounding cliffs always present, even in cracks between buildings -

Even the (mostly American) tourists couldn't detract from the loveliness of these giant plane trees and faded, shuttered facades -

or the fountains (17 of them in this very small town) -

I watched this pigeon drink from the running water -

In some back streets we made an accidental and happy discovery of a small wine shop and traiteur where we bought some local wine and produce from the owner and then sat in his little courtyard at the back of the shop -

for a glass of wine in the shade of a large fig tree -

Then headed back to the pool in 32 degree heat to read, stare at the sky through trees, and listen to birds. Merlin has been quite active here in the south! 

This evening we hiked up the hill through the vineyards again -

to Le Jardin Secret -

to another shaded terrace with views down to the valley, where we had a memorable dinner of four plats with a bottle of Provencal rosé  -

Octopus with haricots verts -

Grilled St Pierre -

and veal, with a tarte aux cerises to end - which clearly I was too contentedly sated to have captured :)