Summertime along the Mediterranean in the lovely village of Peyriac -de-Mer, what could be lovelier? Well on 5 July, there was the additional option of browsing the village vide grenier.
Peyriac-de-Mer Centreville
Peyriac-de-Mer’s last census (2008) was just over one thousand. However, there are always visitors. They come for the food and for the wine. There are several wine caves and since I was last there, a second café has been added.
The étang or ponds that line along the Mediterranean are breeding areas for flamingos. They usually begin arriving in October but I noticed them in mid-September last year. They feed of the rich shrimp beds and have their young then move on in April.
I knew my friend, Jiranan, would be a vendor at the vide grenier but not where she would be. I managed to take the photo above before she noticed me. She is on the right kneeling with her copain (boyfriend), Olivier.
The vide grenier area and a small playground are located behind the foyer on the road to the next village to the north-east which is Bages.
In most villages you will find a large smooth surface such as the one above in at either the foyer or the mairie. Many events, festivals and village meals (repas) will be centered there. While the area will be filled with chairs and tables early on, the circle will be cleared after eating and the dancing begins. Music is often part of the entire evening.
Walking around any village you will find benches for reading, visiting or just catching your breath. While larger towns have workmen that care for planters and gardens in our small villages these are cared for by volunteers.
The café on the left is one I had been to before on visits to the village. However, it appears to have changed owners and except for the basic structure, has no resemblance to the previous café. The small one on the right is new. The village also has a small store, boulangerie, realtors, numerous wine caves and art galleries. Like many of these villages, there is a large portion of the population that is involved in the arts. There are art events frequently but not this time. Even with two cafés, many people were out searching for a place to sit and enjoy some refreshments.
The above salad is more beautiful in person. It is scallops and shrimp and of course, all local. The dark spots are a touch of balsamic vinegar and there were two different types of sprouts. A perfect pairing with a local rosé!
Beneath the green awning directly ahead is one of many small art galleries. This one in particular is currently featuring pottery. However, you cannot go far without finding another gallery.
This charming village is located about 20km from my village and I drive past it frequently on my way into Narbonne.
Like everywhere else in France there are weekly markets, music festivals, theatre and more.
Bisous,
Léa
found-in-france 
Thanks for the tour of this lovely place. Sadly, I read this before lunch, and the photo of your salad has made me even more hungry. Don’t think my tuna salad sandwich is going to come even close to your yummy lunch! 🙂
Thank you Heather, while I’ve always liked tuna, I must agree! 🙂
What a lovely place – quite glorious 🙂
Thank you Polly! It is a haven for artists but then where isn’t it in France? 🙂
So pretty. I’d love to be able to take a stroll through that village.
I can’t begin to do it justice! There is so much there.
What a gorgeous summer post Lea, full of sunshine. I can’t even spend time in the garden yet, but have thoroughly enjoyed my virtual tour with you. xxx
If you were here, it is one of the places I would drag you. I’ve been wondering how you are doing but didn’t want to bother you. The tour is ready when you are! xxx
I’m struggling in a big way and it’s two weeks since. But found dome energy to post a poem, just. 😊 xxx
I do understand and have been thinking of you. I just didn’t want to bother you. 🙂 xxx
😊 xxx
🙂 xxx
Lovely photos! Thanks for the tour! 😺 I think I’ll stalk on over there and check out the French variety of chats!
That sounds like a wise decision to make. I’ve no doubt you will be impressed.
😻 Me too!!
I don’t seem to have access to the cat emoticons… 😦
Oh they aren’t in WordPress – they’re part of the IPhone keyboard!😺
Ah! C’est la vie! 🙂
😺
Mais oui!
Beautiful! Thanks. You gave me inspiration with this 🙂
How exciting! You often inspire me! 🙂
Thank you. I’m glad if I can inspire 🙂
You definitely do. 🙂
😀
😀
gorgeous!
I agree! I just wish I could do it justice.
Interesting read, lovely village and photos! 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
I’m glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. Léa
It’s my pleasure, Lea. Regards, Iris
My pleasure as well. It allowed me to read some of your work. My other blog is poetry. 🙂
Shall drop by to read your poetry sometime, thanks 🙂
Thank you. That would be lovely!
Lea what a perfect summers day. Such a gorgeous village. You are blessed to have such marvellous places to visit. It looks like my kind of place. The food and markets look wonderful. Enjoy the warmer weather and thanks for sharing your piece of the world with us.
Kath, the ratio of artists around here is extremely high, you would feel right at home! Imagine your husband with his camera and you with your paints and all those flamingos!
Yes I love flamingoes Lea. I remember when I saw my first one at the zoo as a child. They captured my imagination and I was in awe of the colours. Wondering how they got their pink feathers. We also adore markets like these.
Kath, we are not the only ones who appreciate the shrimp but they are the ones who sport the colours. My mind just rushes to what you could do with them…
Always a treasure to find places like this, and Peyriac -de-Mer seems to be about perfect to see and enjoy life.
I believe it is a gem. If you want it on a grander scale about 30 minutes south is Collioure which dazzled the likes of Picasso, Cézanne, Van Gogh… it continues to dazzle us today.
🙂 I like this idea ~ Peyriac-de-Mer on-one-hand and just 30 minutes south is Collioure. Not bad at all 🙂
It is rough but someone has to live here! 😉
Yes indeed, so thank you for sharing 🙂
Wish you a great week ~
It sounds like an ideal family and childhood.
What a wonderful way to spend a day!
It works for me! Thank you for stopping to comment. 🙂
I love the idea of wine caves and getting together for music and dancing. A village like this sounds like the perfect place to be. I’m glad you’re enjoying the summer!
Sheila, this is the perfect place to be and the biggest event of the year is only a week away!
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Love this part of France and have visited from time to time to see friends living in St. Antonin du Var.. This village looks delightful and that plate of seafood amazing.. If you love France then you will enjoy following this blog with Lea.
Lovely views and village. That salad- so scrumptious!
Yes, it is a lovely village and so many art festivals all year around. A great salad as the Scallops were cooked perfectly!
I’m so hungry right now…
I do understand! Thank you so taking the time to comment. 🙂
What a beautiful place, Lea. Thank you for taking us on this glorious tour! Would so love to see it in person. 🙂
Jennifer, I agree. You should see the étangs (ponds) filled with flamingos as they are from October to April. It is there breeding ground and they thrive on the shrimp there. 🙂 Never say never, perhaps one day… 🙂
That must be a sight to behold.
It is lovely!
What a lovely litle village and that salad it is just saying eat me!
Peyriac-de-Mer is lovely. Thank you for taking the time to comment. 🙂
What a wonder filled post, and your photos are lovely! Thank you so much for sharing this great tour, and warm greetings from Montreal, Canada. 🙂
So very French. What a nice lifestyle you have. All your pictures are so evocative.
Thank you Katherine. I adore it here. Your kind words are appreciated. It was an honour to be asked to cover art events for Eurocultures.