Gordon’s Grog Club
This week’s tipple: Château La Genestière – Tavel
We couldn’t resist picking up a chilled bottle of this beautiful Tavel rosé, from the southern Rhône. Made with a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, it’s deeper in colour than your average rosé, with bold notes of ripe berries, dried herbs and a whisper of spice. Awarded a silver medal at the 2025 Concours des Vins d’Orange, it paired perfectly with our warm fig and almond cake. A glass of this, a sea view, and a slice of something sweet? Gordon says that’s holiday happiness in a bottle. Santé!
TED WALKS - Edition 2
From Sunlight to Monet
“And so the adventure continues…”
After the long journey south, we spent our first full day at our new Family Comforts HQ doing exactly what we needed: absolutely nothing. Just us, the sunshine, a gentle breeze, and the soft hum of cicadas. Gordon Bear settled on the terrace with his binoculars, watching the olive trees sway while we let our tired feet rest and our hearts catch up.
A Day in
Les Baux-de-Provence
On Tuesday, we set out early to visit the breathtaking hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence, perched high on a limestone plateau. It felt like stepping into a postcard, narrow cobbled streets, rustic stone houses, and the most spectacular views stretching right across the Alpilles.
The artisan shops in Baux-de-Provence are a delightful blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern creativity, nestled within the stunning backdrop of this historic village. As you wander through the cobblestone streets, you'll encounter charming boutiques showcasing a variety of handmade goods, from intricately designed ceramics to beautifully crafted jewellery and textiles. Local artisans proudly display their work, often inviting visitors to witness the creative process firsthand. The fragrant scent of lavender and the vibrant hues of regional pottery fill the air, creating an enchanting atmosphere that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the area. Each shop tells a story, offering unique pieces that capture the essence of Provence, making them perfect souvenirs of your visit to this picturesque locale.
Biscuit Heaven – A traditional Provençal biscuiterie we stumbled upon, filled with handmade treats and the scent of almond and honey.
Sandi and Gordon, enjoying a shaded seat in the ruins of Les Baux.
A Pause in the Past
Medieval Village
Les Baux-de-Provence is one of France’s most enchanting hilltop villages. Its name comes from the Provençal word “Baou” meaning rocky outcrop, and indeed, this medieval village clings dramatically to a limestone crag, offering sweeping views over olive groves, lavender fields, and vineyards.
The area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, but it rose to prominence in the Middle Ages under the powerful Lords of Baux, who claimed descent from the Magi king Balthazar. By the 12th century, the village had become a strategic fortress and a symbol of Provençal pride, complete with a grand castle and over 400 soldiers.
During the 16th century Wars of Religion, the town became a Protestant stronghold. But in 1632, Cardinal Richelieu ordered the castle destroyed to curb rebellious nobles. What remains today is a hauntingly beautiful ruin, open for visitors to explore.
In the 20th century, Les Baux was revived by artists and historians. In 1945, it was officially declared a historic monument, and in 1998, the village joined the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” list.
Now, Les Baux is famous not just for its history, but for its artistic heart, from the Carrières de Lumières (a former quarry turned immersive art space) to local crafts, wine, and olive oil. Wandering its cobbled lanes feels like stepping back in time.
After a leisurely wander, we tucked into a sun-drenched lunch where the star of the table was a chilled gazpacho, (See recipe in Ted Walks 1) so fresh and vibrant it tasted like summer in a bowl.
Just a short walk away was the Carrières des Lumières, an old limestone quarry transformed into a magical art space. This season’s immersive light show was dedicated to Henri Rousseau and Claude Monet. It was nothing short of mesmerising, layers of colour and brushstrokes dancing across the cavern walls to music, wrapping us in art from every angle. Gordon Bear sat in silent awe, ears twitching as the paintings came to life.
Light & Imagination – Scenes from Carrières des Lumières, where art, music and motion filled the quarry.
Immersed in
Light at the Quarry
Liquid Gold and Velvet Reds
After the show, we made our way to Moulin Castelas, where we sampled some truly exquisite Provençal olive oils. Cold-pressed from sun-ripened olives grown on the surrounding hillsides, each blend told a story, fruity, peppery, grassy notes that danced on the tongue. We learned that high-quality extra virgin olive oil is made by mechanically pressing olives just hours after harvesting, without heat or chemicals, to preserve its natural flavours and antioxidants. With a tour of the mill, where the magic happens, we were taken through the entire process from harvesting to bottling. Totally fascinating.
Our final stop was the Mas Sainte Berthe winery, tucked into the foothills of Les Baux. One sip… and then another… and we may have found more than a couple of new favourites to enjoy during the evenings ahead. Gordon Bear insists he was just “sniffing the bouquet,” but we’re not sure!
Cheers to Provence – A charming sculpture from the vineyard tasting room, raising a glass to local life.
Later in the week, Gordon Bear joined us for a magical wander through the sun-dappled streets of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a Provençal town full of canals, colour, and charm.
We set off early, keen to watch the stallholders set up as the market slowly came to life. With our first cup of coffee warming our hands, we wandered the quiet back streets, captivated by the moss-covered water wheels spinning gently in the morning light, each one telling its own story of the town’s silk and textile heritage.
As the sun rose higher, the market bloomed with scent and sound, lavender, fresh cherries, ripe apricots, and the cheerful buzz of stallholders offering baskets of local treasures. Gordon peeked into woven baskets and tucked himself amongst the vintage linens, soaking up the atmosphere.
Lunch was a treat, moules marinière under a shady awning, followed by Îles flottantes (a dessert of meringues floating on a light custard and drizzled with golden caramel) as light as the clouds drifting above us. Afterwards, we strolled just a few minutes to the Brun de Vian-Tiran wool museum, tucked beside the river. The tour, offered in both French and English, gave us a peek behind the scenes of a centuries-old craft, and although Gordon’s soft bear heart was most impressed by the beautifully woven shawls, we’ll share more about this fascinating visit in a special blog coming soon.
By the time we wandered back to the car, hearts and shopping baskets full, the Provençal heat had reached 38 degrees. Gordon had quite the job keeping his little tie on straight, but he said it was worth every step.
Scenes from the vibrant town!
Market Day at
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Wandering through a French market is more than shopping, it’s a cherished tradition woven into daily life. From bustling village squares to shaded Provençal avenues, markets are where locals gather for the freshest produce, fragrant herbs, crusty bread, and handmade treasures. Each stall tells a story, whether it’s olives cured from the grower’s own grove or soap crafted from lavender harvested nearby. These vibrant markets aren’t just about what you buy, they’re about slowing down, connecting, and soaking up the rhythm of French life.
So this Tuesday, Gordon Bear and the team strolled into the bustling market square in Carry-le-Rouet, to their Tuesday market and what a feast for the senses it was!
From giant wedges of nutty Comté to glistening olives, fresh-picked lettuces, and the golden blooms of courgette flowers, the market was brimming with Provençal colour and flavour.
We met friendly stallholders, tried a slice (or three!) of delicious local cheese, and watched the locals haggle over tomatoes as sweet as sunshine. There’s something magical about a morning spent here, the hum of French chatter, the clink of knives on chopping boards, and the scent of herbs in the warm breeze.
And of course, Gordon made sure to pick up a few tasty treats for later…
Market Day in
Carry-le-Rouet
Fig Cake Recipes
A slice of Provençal charm! Inspired by fig trees, village markets, and sunny afternoons, we’re sharing two rustic favourites: a gently spiced Fig & Almond Cake, perfect with a coffee or dollop of yoghurt, and a no-bake Soucou Fig & Walnut Cake—dense, sweet, and made to pair with cheese and rosé. Simple, sun-kissed, and full of southern French soul.
For the recipe read here...
Provençal Fig & Almond Cake – A Taste of the South of France
This rustic, gently spiced cake is packed with juicy figs, ground almonds, and a touch of honey, perfect with a morning coffee or afternoon tea in the sunshine. It’s inspired by the fig trees and market stalls of Provence, and it’s naturally gluten-free too!
Yields: 8 slices • Prep time: 20 minutes • Baking time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 200g ground almonds
- 50g gluten-free flour blend (or plain flour)
- 150g unsalted butter (softened)
- 120g soft brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking powder (gluten-free if needed)
- 4–5 fresh figs, quartered (or 300g dried figs)
- 1 tbsp honey (for drizzling)
- Flaked almonds (optional topping)
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (fan). Line and grease a 20cm round tin.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in the vanilla.
- Fold in the ground almonds, flour, baking powder, and spices.
- Pour the batter into the tin and smooth the top.
- Arrange fig quarters on top, pressing slightly into the batter.
- Drizzle with honey and scatter with flaked almonds.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden and set.
- Cool, then slice and enjoy with a dollop of crème fraîche or Greek yoghurt.
Serving suggestion: Best enjoyed outside, with a view of lavender fields or a curious bear beside you. 😉
For the recipe read here...
Soucou – Fig & Walnut Cheese Companion Cake
This traditional treat from southern France is made by pressing dried figs with nuts and warm spices into a dense, sliceable cake. Sometimes wrapped in fig leaves and left to dry naturally in the sun, it’s a wonderful companion to a cheeseboard or a glass of wine. No baking needed, just patience and a good press!
Yields: 1 small disc • Prep time: 20 minutes • Rest time: 1–2 days (for pressing)
Ingredients:
- 300g soft dried figs (remove hard stems)
- 100g walnuts (or almonds/hazelnuts), roughly chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp honey or grape must (optional, for extra stickiness)
- Fresh fig leaves for wrapping (optional but traditional)
Method:
- Roughly chop figs and place in a food processor with orange zest and spices.
- Blitz until you get a sticky, chunky paste.
- Transfer to a bowl and stir in chopped nuts.
- Press firmly into a small round dish or shape by hand into a disc.
- Wrap in fig leaves (if using), then in parchment paper.
- Weigh down with a plate or tin and refrigerate or leave in a cool place for 1–2 days.
- Slice thinly to serve.
Serving suggestion: Serve with a wedge of aged goat’s cheese, a drizzle of honey, and a glass of chilled rosé. Ideal for picnics, cheese boards, or Ted Walks with a touch of French flair.
Figs in the Garden
Early on Saturday morning, inspired by the scent of ripe figs in the air, and the fig tree in our garden with beautiful ripe figs hanging from it, we decided to bake a cake.
We stumbled upon a fig and almond recipe, and by mid-morning, the kitchen was filled with the most delicious aroma. We couldn’t resist enjoying a slice while it was still warm from the oven, topped with a dollop of crème fraîche and paired with a glass of orange wine. Orange wine isn’t made from oranges, it’s actually a white wine made using a red wine technique! Instead of removing the grape skins straight away (like you usually do with white wine), the skins and seeds are left to ferment with the juice for days or even months. This gives the wine its amber or orange hue, along with a bolder, deeper flavour. It’s an ancient method dating back thousands of years to Georgia (the country), and it’s made a modern comeback thanks to the natural wine movement. Heaven in Provence!
✂️ What’s Coming Next…
As our sun-soaked adventure draws to a close, there's talk of one last little wander before we pack our bags. Ted has a twinkle in his eye (and maybe one final glass of rosé to finish), so don’t be too surprised if Ted Walks #3 takes you somewhere unexpected.
We hope you’ll join us again for this final chapter of our French holiday – one more tale, one more treat, one more postcard for the collection.
Stay Connected
To make sure you don’t miss what’s next:
• Ted Walks #3 – the last leg of the journey
• Fresh patterns and makes with a Provençal twist
• Gordon Bear’s seasonal favourites
• Behind-the-scenes from our little studio
Love From
The journey’s not quite over – let’s sew one more memory together.
With love from France,
Sandi, Andy & Gordon Bear 🧸💕
Family Comforts HQ-on-Tour
Oooh la la! It’s a Summer Fever Pattern Sale!
50% OFF all patterns – for 5 sizzling days only!
From 27 June to 1 July, enjoy half price on every pattern in the shop – just use code SUMMERFEVER at checkout.
Buy as many as you like, mix, match, and stitch your summer heart out!
Don’t miss it – the sunshine won’t wait!