A Good Life ....with Chocolate Beignet

November 06, 2011 3 min read

[caption id="attachment_494" align="aligncenter" width="235" caption="The Village of Gordes"]Gordes in the South of France[/caption]

The South of France is everything that we romanticized . The lavender was just in bloom, a little earlier than normal and pure bonus for us. The towns were absolutely gorgeous and the pastry to die for!

[caption id="attachment_483" align="aligncenter" width="730" caption="Lavandene in the South of France"]lavendene in South of France[/caption]

A trip to Gordesin the Luberon region is a must do in France.  It's listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France and it's easy to see why!   Peter Mayle's book A Year in Provencehas over the last twenty one years contributed to the village's popularity. Its has inherent beauty though and a certain majesty as the  buildings cling to the sides of the rock spiraling toward the pinnacle. Its peak offers an amazing castle and church and stunning views across the Luberon Valley and mountains. Easy to see why this little town has become a favourite with movie stars, celebrities and artists. Make a note to self - Dello Mano should be there! :)


[caption id="attachment_485" align="aligncenter" width="730" caption="Gordes Village"]Gordes one of the most beautiful villages of France[/caption]

But of course,whilst we very much enjoyed the charm of the village and the views, we were there for the chocolate and the pastry. Not to be disappointed we very quickly found La Boulangerie de Mamie Jane.

[caption id="attachment_480" align="aligncenter" width="730" caption="Our search for pastry and chocolate in Gordes"]Patisserie in Gordes[/caption]

It would be easy to get carried away with the village and the views and forgive the villagers if they did not offer a patisserie of splendor but there was no need for compromise here as this little Boulangerie offered the most fabulous pastry and chocolate choices.

[caption id="attachment_501" align="aligncenter" width="730" caption="a choice of delicious pastry - no brownies!"]A choice of Pastry[/caption]

The shop is located on the steep climb up to the village main square so be sure to look out for it on the way up as it may be easy to miss it once you arrive at the top of the village.

pastry in Gordes
pastry selection
So many  sweet choices and they all looked absolutely delicious. We settled though, on a strawberry tart which is shown below and was every bit as delicious as it looks! I think we rated it the best fruit pastry we had in France.

[caption id="attachment_486" align="aligncenter" width="730" caption="Strawberry Tart in Gordes"]strawberry tart in Gordes[/caption]

And of course there was the chocolate - we found heaven in  a chocolate Beignet. We're huge donought fans making an annual pilgramage to the Queen Vic markets each year, just for a jam donought. This Beignet then was not to be resisted! With our astry choices set we sat in the French summer sun, in a little cobbled street with stunning views of the valley and enjoyed every moment of this chocolate experience. We all thought that  "dreams are made of this!"

[caption id="attachment_489" align="aligncenter" width="730" caption="Deliciousness"]Gordes in the South of France offers great chocolate[/caption]

Chocolate, pastry and the South of France and we were thinking  it couldnt get any better except to learn  that one of our favourite movies "A Good Year" was also set in this quaint little village. You may recall the scenes with Russell Crowe visiting his love interest in the village cafe. We like to think Russel may well have won her heart a little faster with a box of Dello Mano.  :)  We must get Russell Crowe to try our Brownies!

[caption id="attachment_492" align="aligncenter" width="730" caption="Cafe scene setting for the movie " A Good Year""][/caption]

A simply wonderful village and a very memorable way to spend a day in the South of France. The village is magnificent and the pastry and chocolate delicious. Has to be one of the best places to sit and enjoy chocolate!

Anyone been there or another village that you would rate as good or better than Gordes?


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