It’s a good thing that today we made our last visit of this trip to Vaison la Romaine’s Tuesday market, because I’m running seriously thin on new repertoire for this or any market. Although we will be still in the country next Tuesday, we will be packed up and off to the south.
So today I will reclaim my theme from last Thursday that featured market dogs, because although I entitled that one “pampered pooches”, I believe that may have been a misnomer based on today’s sightings.
It was another steamy market walk and we were wilting by the end of it. Apparently the heat was also too much for the dogs. First there was one dog in its own stroller, then three, but in fairness to the three, they were puppies.


There were also the regular sightings of creatures significantly less canine in nature and more classically French.

We also finally saw zucchini blossoms and although we didn’t buy them, I thought we walked away from the vegetable stand with what one might consider a very French collection, namely fresh figs, uniquely ribbed beefsteak tomatoes which are the tastiest of French tomatoes, elongated French radishes and jujubes, which are not our jelly kind, but rather a tiny grape-shaped fruit that is very crunchy.

Following market we headed to Vacqueras for lunch a L’Eloge, which is a very modern restaurant in the basement of the Vacqueras Wine Cooperative. We managed to get a table without reservation and were seated in a very private circular setting mostly enclosed in white sheers with white leather chairs. Each table in the restaurant is compartmentalized in the same manner with fibre-optically lighted ramps connecting them. Tres chic!
We opted for the 15 Euro menu considered their light and rapid offering. It still started with an amuse bouche of a warm asparagus mousse. Main course was a veal chop with pureed potatoes, one baby carrot, one braised cherry tomato and one spear of asparagus. It was delicious! Dessert and coffee was included which consisted of an assortment of little pastries including a little pistachio crème brulee. We drank the Cave’s Vacqueras rose which was only 3 Euros per glass.

The washrooms in this place were also worth a comment. The common sink area was glassed and looked out over the oak barrel room of the Cave so you could just stand there washing your hands contemplating the excellent wine to come.
Not much to report from the rest of the day, where we mostly made an effort to escape the heat and stay hydrated – translation cocktail hour.