Fabrics from Provence (provence-online-shopping.com)
Provence is a really beautiful region of France which is steeped in history and tradition and I have spent many years both growing up there and then revisiting this wonderful area. I love the food, the wines, the sunshine and the marvellous way of life in Provence as so many other people do. I also love to explore all the small weekly markets that are held in each little town and village of the region. This is where I find the best local produce whether olives, charcuterie, cheeses and of course the beautiful fabrics and pottery which are so typical of Provence.
For centuries the pottery of Provence has been admired the world over. The exquisite Mediterranean colours and the lovely symbols and designs that are so typical of the region, makes them uniquely Provençale. I particularly love the bright yellow pottery because with its shiny glaze, it is so very cheerful looking. I have many bowls both small and large which I love to use on a daily basis because they remind so much of my many visits to the region. These lovely potteries also brighten up even the dullest of days.
pottery of Provence provence-online-shopping.com
One of my favourite places to visit is very well known indeed, the village of St. Quentin-la-Poterie has been producing superb pottery since the 12th century and even supplied their works to the Palais des Papes in Avignon during the 14th century. Today there are some delightful artisanal workshops which welcome visitors with open arms but you always find a few of their works at the various village markets around the region too.
I also love the Provençale fabrics and again it is the colours and designs which are just so very beautiful. I have many table clothes and napkins which I have collected over the years because with every trip to the region, my collection grows. I just love to use them to dress my table when the weather is miserable because it not only brightens up meal times but gets everyone thinking about the next trip to Provence.
Ceramic of Provence provence-online-shopping.com
There are some wonderful Provençale fabrics which are sold at every market in Provence but these days you can also find them on the Internet with many great traditionally made ones available, so for people who want to cheer up a dull day, this is a great option.
Herbs of Provence provence-online-shopping.com
However, nothing will ever replace wandering around a local French market in Provence, with all the wonderful aromas of the herbs, lavender, cheeses, olives, jambons and so much more tempting you on your way round the many stalls along the alleys. I absolutely adore the atmosphere and the way all the produce is so wonderfully presented on each stall. I come away with arms full of goodies every time I visit a Provençale market and it makes me feel so good about life.
For centuries people have migrated to Provence because the region is so beautiful and today the traditions continue with new innovative designs sitting quite happily next to the older ones. Whether faïence or tissue, Provence produces some of the most beautiful in the world.