There's a small flea market on Place des Halles every Tuesday and Thursday. I particularly enjoyed this little display. If you were there, are there any items here that you'd be tempted to buy?
Yet another street find today: pizza, fresh from the gutter. Check out the box: The real taste of Italy, it says. I wonder if their delivery staff is as sexy as the box suggests? Maybe you'd order pizza more often if it were the case? Do you often have home-delivered pizza? I never do. In fact I've never ordered a home-delivered meal. I believe it's still quite rare in France, I don't think it's part of the culture here. But maybe it's only me? I do see pizza delivery motorbikes racing around town all the time...
"La tolérance, une nymphomane. Faut la buter pour qu'elle arrête."
An unusual view from my window: no skies and rooftops this time but a bunch of lilac cut from the garden of friends I visited in Aix-en-Provence. Thank you Malou, Bruno, Sandrine and Adelaide for the great day spent with you; who cares if the weather was bad? To try and keep the flowers longer, I placed them outside on my terrace at night so they'd get a bit of fresh air. In the morning, I found that the game of light and shadows around my bouquet created a rather striking composition. On the left the shadow of my chimney, in the foreground the waves made by the Roman tiles of my roof (similar to mission or barrel tiles).
Click on the photos to view full details and spy on people's lives!
Saturday is a great day for taking the kids cycling.
It's been a while since I last posted a view from my window, hasn't it? We've had rain, hail and shine in the past week; sometimes it makes for interesting sunsets. This post participates in Skywatch Friday - did I write Sky Fry Watch Day? I must be dyslexic! 
Remember my "where do your buy your apples?" post of last December? Some of my local readers said they bought them from their cobbler. Well this is it, the amazing second-hand clothes and shoe repair shop that also sells fresh local produce! I used to buy my apricots there last summer too. I can't wait till the summer fruit are back again but at the moment they're still selling last autumn's apples. What struck me here was the special moment when the afternoon sun threw a spotlight on the apple display. Perfect timing.
When was the last time you saw a scale like this in commercial use?
This photo was taken from my car just ten minutes after yesterday's, still running before the storm. A few hundred yards downstream from the Pont d'Avignon (off to the left), the Realm bridge (Pont du Royaume) pictured here is the one I use twice a week to drive my daughter to tennis. Every time I drive back into Avignon I am struck by the spectacular view one gets over the city and the Popes' Palace and I feel blessed to live in such a beautiful place. I remember feeling the same sense of gratitude when I lived in Sydney every time I drove over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, walked around the Opera House or took a walk along the spectacular beaches. And I remember feeling overwhelmed again when I lived in Tahiti, every time I would drive home from work when I got to the bend in the road where the striking blue and green colours of the lagoon sprung into view: it was a breath-taking shock every time, and I mean every time. I never tired of it, just like I never tire of the view here. I often feel that beauty feeds me, literally. Is that a feeling that you share?
Storm last Saturday afternoon, ten minutes before the rain hit. Pretty spectacular it was!
Impact. Broken glass. Because it was there, because it was me.
My photos may be misleading, these baby figs are really tiny still - the leaves speak for it. But as I discover them I can't help but feel a tinge of anticipation in my taste buds. Do you have figs where you live?
On the steps across from the Hotel d'Europe, three students enjoying the spring sunshine. I wonder where they bought their lunch from, I had no idea there was a Chinese restaurant in the vicinity. Perhaps my local readers can tell me where it is?
Walking along Place Carnot I was struck by the way the harsh sun of the "midi" (south) enhanced the strict lines of late 19th century architecture.
Next to the Palais des Papes is the 12th-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms. The cathedral was first built in a pure Provençal Romanesque style in the 12th century but was soon dwarfed by the extravagant palace that rose beside it.
Before taking an interest in photography I don't think I would have paid attention to a baby pine cone and its flower. I think it looks like a peeled banana, don't you?
Spring along the Rhone river, half a kilometre downstream from the Pont d'Avignon.
Amsterdam is often described as a city of bicycles. No such thing here. On this Saturday afternoon no bikes are parked in the special spot offered to them behind the town hall. No velibs in Avignon either. I wonder if we'll have them one day?
For millions of Christians all over the world and of course in Avignon, city of heavy Catholic heritage, this weekend will be one of remembrance of a man who gave his life to save others, was crucified and resurrected, spread a message of love and changed the course of History.
Can you guess what plant, tree or fruit this is? They're all over town (answer tomorrow)
"If by French law, giving assistance, shelter or comfort to illegal immigrants is a crime then arrest me because I'm a helper", said the some 200 voluntarily hand-cuffed people who came to demonstrate in front of Avignon's Tribunal at 1 p.m. yesterday - joining the thousands of others who also did so in other parts of France. Their commitment to solidarity is a strong answer to the acute problem posed by illegal migrants in Europe, a topic beautifully developed in "Welcome", a French movie by Philippe Lioret that was released here in March and continues to generate much attention and debate.
Almond, cherry, peach and apricot trees have in common that they emerge from their winter bareness with a burst of white or pink flowers - the leaves only come afterwards. Apple trees (here) and pear trees are different in that their sweet green leaves come out first, then the flowers. They're finally in bloom now - and it's a delight. See how green the background is in this photo as opposed to the stark nakedness of apricot trees here.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a beautiful building whose entrance is protected by graceful gates. The square waterpiece in front of it, a recent addition, adds a peaceful reflection. If you try to gatecrash the place, interesting decorative effects await in the staircase.
Spring along the city walls - the perfect tourist brochure view. Yes, I've been paid by the Tourist Office (I wish!)
Not here, not there, you ain't going anywhere. Now get moving, you're blocking the traffic!
Gagged. Avignon is full of such magnificently sculpted details but I enjoy capturing them at the particular time of day when light brings additional structure.
Back in April last year, the city council and regional authorities approved a huge project : remodeling the banks of the Rhone river across from the Pont d'Avignon into a huge artificial beach. While the investment was important, the expectation of massive tourism revenue drew solid enthusiasm from the local community. Works started in September 2008 and all winter truckload after truckload of sand were deposited along the river bank. Here's the final result: Avignon Plage (Avignon beach) will officially be inaugurated this afternoon. "We are confident that this new feature will substantially boost visitor numbers to Avignon and also provide great enjoyment to local residents" said mayor of Avignon Mrs. Marie-Jose Roig this morning. In summer, a life guard service will be set up to ensure safe swimming around the Pont d'Avignon. Canoe and sailboard rentals will also be available.
