Fontaine St.Vaucluse is yet another very pretty town with river flowing through it. You can go kayaking there, which we had done before. This time we did our usual stroll through the town buying yet more stuff- pretty tablecloths, tablemats, napkin holders, earrings etc. I always say we will never buy another thing but stuff always looks so much nicer in these lovely shops. We were relatively sensible for luch and only had one course at a place by the river. We thought that the Abbaye Senanque was close by but it ended up being quite a drive. Still it is a pretty place though it looks much more romantic in July when the lavender in front of it is in full bloom.
Our last evening with Ian and Pierre was spent at a restaurant we hadnt been to before in Maillane called the L'Oustalet Maianen . It has a pretty bright yellow courtyard out the back and excellent food and wine. It had been hot and sunny all day but by the time we got back from the restaurant there was thunder and lightening so we sat outside our gite watching the brewing storm and listening to the frogs calling. It rained overnight and was overcast but still very warm the following day. We set off for Bannieux to the Domaine de Capelongue, a hotel in which Paul and Jane had stayed the previous week. It is set on top of the hill with great views over the Luberon valley- the perfect place for an aperatif. Lunch was inside as it was a bit breezy out. We had had the pre amuse bouche on the terrace followed by the preamuse bouche inside, the amuse bouche, the starter, the fish course, the main course ,the pre pre dessert, pre dessert and the dessert!! All this wonderful food was served by impeccably dressed ladies with complex explanations of what we were about to eat. The accent was too strong for me to understand most of it but it was all good. We even had a visit from the chef to make sure all was well.
After 3 hours or so we staggered out for a bit of culture at nearby Chateau Lacoste. This was a ruined castle once owned by the Marquis de Sade and now owned by Pierre Cardin, who has restored part of it with the most beautiful antique furnishings and very quirky sculptures and further great views over the Luberon. Following this we drove to Menerbes to the small but very peaceful Abbaye de St Hilaire.
Back home we had a visit from the grateful owners of the lost cat who brought a bottle of wine for Paul and Jane. There was lots of french chat about "chats". Ian and Pierre left for their home in Marseille and we met the Kiwis who now run the Mas.
The last supper of cold meats and salads was followed by a rowdy game of Trivial Pursuit which the boys just won.