Final Lunch in Provence, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

Today, in between visits to potential properties for Amy's future photography workshops, we enjoyed our final lunch in Provence in the village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. We had hoped to dodge the relentless mistral that has been blowing for days without end but, alas, no respite was to be found. So we settled in to the Hostellerie le Chateau restaurant for a lengthy indoors, out-of-the-wind meal.

We were not disappointed.  The server was accommodating to our vegetarian/vegan needs and the chef conjured up a delicious three-course feast that made our day.  He also came out to table to visit and see how we liked his creations. Great service! Above, a starter of fresh asparagus on a flaky pastry bed.

Followed by a melange of roasted veggies.

And to finish up, a delicious sorbet.

And on the way home, we passed this "snow covered" field to pay homage to my snow-covered home in Massachusetts......

.....and to see close-up, a fresh crop of springtime dandelions - ah, Provence - au revoir mon ami!

Tomorrow, we hit the road for the 600km drive to Lucca, Italy.

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is the town at the source of the Sorgue River and is located only 6km/3.6 mi from L'isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Its freshwater spring is one of the most prolific in all of France. The river flows fast, cold, and clear. We returned to visit on a sunny day this time.

A beautiful spot on the planet.

It was nice enough for some to eat outside if you could get a sunny table out of the wind.

Some were bundled up like it was winter - parent's choice I expect.

Just outside town is the Carpentras Canal aqueduct that crosses overhead and perpendicular to the Sorgue River.

Of course, I had to climb up for a view (westward).

And it was worth the climb (eastward view). The camera is in my hand taking this picture.

Note: I published two posts today, keep scrolling.

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is the town at the source of the Sorgue River, located only 6km/3.6 mi from L'isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Its freshwater spring is one of the most prolific in all of France. The river flows fast, cold, and clear.

The town is ringed by tall cliffs hundreds of feet high but on this gray, rainy day, only low clouds were visible.

There was a local kayak slalom competition going on at the time of our visit.

They were wet anyway and didn't care about the rain.

Going over the falls after the third gate on the course.

Yes, I know it's  a blurry point-and-shoot image but, you get the idea. If you want to see more artistic and sharper photos, check out Amy's blog at this link, she uses a "real" camera and knows how to use it well.

Cold and wet -  two of my least favorite conditions.

This town deserves another visit when it isn't pouring rain. And remember, when you travel, always carry a bright colorful umbrella like this one - random photographers (like me) will appreciate your choice.

(Note: this is one of two posts I published today - keep on scrolling down).