FREE PATTERN ALERT!!!
We couldn’t resist bringing a little piece of Provence home with us…
After wandering the lavender fields near Gordes, I picked up a little bundle of dried lavender from an artisan shop and stitched up this Rustic Lavender Heart using soft Camargue colours. It’s a quick, calming project—ideal for popping into drawers, wardrobes, or even your camper (like we do!).
It’s also a fantastic scrappy project, perfect for using up favourite fabric remnants. Whether you prefer hand sewing or popping it through the machine, it’s wonderfully adaptable. You can make a classic heart shape, a simple square, or even a charming little drawstring bag version. Add a personal touch with decorative hearts, or embroider a delicate lavender flower for that extra flourish.
And now you can make one too!
Download your free printable pattern and bring a bit of Ted Walks magic into your home.
For instructions read here...
Rustic Lavender Heart – A Ted Walks Souvenir Inspired by the Lavender Fields of Gordes
A simple and charming hand-stitched heart filled with dried lavender and Camargue charm. Whether tucked into drawers, suitcases, or memory boxes, this sweet little project brings natural fragrance and handmade love wherever it goes.
Time to make: Approx. 30–45 minutes • Skill level: Beginner-friendly
Uses:
- In drawers to keep clothes smelling fresh
- Hung in wardrobes to deter moths
- Beside the bed to promote restful sleep
- In your camper or car for a natural fragrance
- Tucked inside a suitcase to scent your travel clothes
- A sweet handmade gift or wedding favour
- A beautiful little token to pop into memory bears or keepsake boxes
What You’ll Need:
- A small handful of dried lavender
- Fabric scraps in Camargue colours – soft rose, dusty blue, faded mustard, creamy white
- Matching thread
- Ribbon or twine for hanging (optional)
- Needle or sewing machine
- Toy stuffing (just a small amount)
- Pins & scissors
- Heart template (included below)
Instructions:
- Cut your fabric: Use the template to cut 2 heart shapes from your chosen fabric. Mix and match for patchwork or go with a single fabric for simplicity.
- Sew (right sides together): Place hearts right sides together and sew around with a 1cm seam, leaving a 4cm gap for turning and stuffing.
- Clip & Turn: Carefully clip around curves, then turn right-side-out through the gap.
- Fill with fragrance: Combine dried lavender with a bit of stuffing and gently fill the heart until plump but not overstuffed.
- Stitch closed: Use a ladder stitch and matching thread to close the gap neatly.
- Add a hanger (optional): Sew a small loop of ribbon or twine to the top if you'd like to hang it.
Tip: You can prepare your heart shapes and store them flat, adding lavender later as needed. Great for gifting or last-minute handmade tokens!
Holiday Reads:
The Mysterious Bakery on the Rue de Paris
By Evie Woods
When we’ve had a quiet moment to rest during our travels, Sandi has been able to dip into a few lovely holiday reads, and this one has been an absolute treat. Here’s a short review in case you’re looking for something magical to take away on your own summer break…
The Mysterious Bakery on the Rue de Paris is a beautifully written story that blends charm, healing, and a hint of magic. Set in a sleepy French village, it follows a woman who arrives to escape her past, only to find herself drawn into the rhythms of a small bakery steeped in secrets, scents, and second chances.
It’s a story about food, friendship, finding yourself again and, of course, the irresistible pull of fresh pastries and warm bread! If you love books with heart, a touch of mystery, and a French flavour, this is one to pop in your beach bag.
Farewell for Now – But Not Goodbye
It’s with a sad but happy heart that we now begin packing up from our beautiful base here in Provence, and loading up Morrison ( our trusty van).
Though we won’t be leaving France just yet, we’ll start the slow journey north towards Roscoff, with a few creative workdays and inspiration trips planned along the way.
There’s still stitching to do, stories to tell, and beauty to gather — so stay with us as we gently close this chapter and prepare for the next.
Animal Magic
Equally famous are the black Camargue bulls, proud and muscular, bred not for meat but for the traditional sport of Course Camarguaise, a bloodless bull game rooted deeply in local culture. Seeing these animals up close was unforgettable, wild, proud, and deeply woven into the identity of this untamed land.
As we drove home, tired and happy, we thought of Saint Sara, and the people who’ve lived with grit and grace on this land. The Camargue is a place of contrasts, salt and water, wild and tender and it’s left a little salt on our paws and a lot of wonder in our hearts.
We’ve absolutely fallen in love with Provence, and never realised just how big it really is! It covers about 31,400 sq. km (12,100 sq. miles). That makes it 1.5 times the size of Wales or about the same as 10 Cornwall’s or 3 times Yorkshire!
It would take around 6 hours to drive across the region from east to west. You’ll find snowy mountains, rolling vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields, medieval villages, and the Mediterranean coast, all in one magical place.
We’ve spent some truly wonderful days exploring just a little of what this diverse and beautiful region has to offer. From the salty breeze of the Camargue to hilltop villages and lavender fields, every place has a story, and every view brings something new.
As makers and creatives, we’ve found so much inspiration here, from the skill of the silk and wool workers, to the colours in the markets, the golden light of the sunsets, and the quiet power of ancient traditions. The art, the textures, the way of life, it all feeds the soul.
We’ve only scratched the surface, and it’s made us realise we’ll definitely have to come back again to explore more of this magical corner of France.
Salt, Salt, Salt
By lunchtime, we found a breezy beachside café and feasted on fresh fish, the scent of salt and lemon filling the air while gulls flew overhead. I nibbled a few frites (don’t tell Sandi!).
In the afternoon, we visited the Musée de la Camargue and learnt how tough life here once was. Salt workers braving the elements, rice farmers battling floods, and vineyards clinging to life in sandy soil. The Camargue’s strength lies in its resilience, and you can feel it in every grain of salt and every stalk of windblown reed.
Next, we followed the pink-hued tracks to the famous salines, vast salt flats that shimmer rose in the sun, surreal and beautiful.
Nearby, a quiet lake offered up a wonderful surprise: a flamboyance of flamingos, elegant and awkward all at once. Their reflections danced across the water, and I could’ve watched them for hours.
One of the most iconic sights in the Camargue are its majestic white horses, thought to be one of the oldest breeds in the world. They roam the wetlands freely, with their windswept manes and powerful stance, perfectly adapted to the salt marshes and shallow waters.
TED WALKS - Edition 3
Final Week in Provence
“Our French adventure is almost over…”
As we enter our final week here in Provence, we’ve taken time to soak up every last moment. This week’s Ted Walks has been a gentle blend of wine tastings, lavender fields, sun-kissed villages, historical treasures, and wildlife wonders, each one inspiring, comforting, and filled with love.
From quiet corners to bustling marchés, Gordon Bear and his companions have been capturing memories (and perhaps a few croissants) along the way.
A Village Steeped in Vine and Story
Perched among the sunlit hills of the southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is more than just a wine region, it’s a story woven through centuries of faith, soil, and craftsmanship.
In the 14th century, Pope Clement V moved the Papacy from Rome to Avignon, just a few miles down the Rhône. His successor, Pope John XXII, chose nearby Châteauneuf as the main papal residence, building a château atop the hill. For eight generations of popes, this village became a spiritual and political hub, its castle towering above the vineyards like a watchful guardian.
Sadly, the original château was heavily damaged during World War II, bombed by the Germans, but its stones still stand, silent witnesses to history.
The land around it is truly unique. Châteauneuf’s vineyards grow in a patchwork of six distinctive soil types:
• Rounded pebbles (galets roulés) that store and reflect heat
• Rich clay that retains water during the hot summers
• Limestone and sandstone, adding elegance and minerality
• Sandy soils, ideal for white wines and delicate reds
• And countless combinations of these, giving each parcel its own personality
This mosaic of terroir, kissed by the mistral wind and warmed by the Provençal sun, is why Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are so complex, bold, and expressive, every bottle tells a different tale of the land.
The region is famous for its unique terroir, sun-drenched vineyards blanketed in rounded stones that soak up heat by day and release it by night, nurturing the vines. Here, winemakers can choose from 13 permitted grape varieties, crafting red and white blends that are bold, complex, and full of Provençal soul.
On this warm and wondrous day, we visited three remarkable wine houses, each offering a glimpse into the history, passion, and flavour of this legendary land, all with Gordon Bear peeking from our bags, curious and delighted.
From the vineyards, we stepped into the cool embrace of a 13th-century cellar, where the incredible Valentina guided us through a beautifully curated tasting. Les Caves Saint Charles is run by a master sommelier and wine consultant, and every candlelit corner of this cave whispered stories of ancient stone and oak-aged secrets.
We sipped two white wines – vibrant, floral, and fresh, followed by three reds that were deep, velvety, and expressive. Valentina shared her knowledge with warmth and joy, bringing the wines to life with tales of barrels, grape blends, and ageing.
A truly magical setting, Gordon peeked from the tasting table, wide-eyed in the flickering glow.
Stop Two: Les Caves Saint Charles
Stop One: Domaine St Patrice
We began our day with a warm welcome from Jennifer at Domaine St Patrice, a historic estate nestled just outside the village walls. She led us through a vertical tasting, a special style of tasting where you sample the same wine from different vintages, allowing you to appreciate how the wine evolves over time. It was like listening to the same song sung by different voices, each vintage holding the same melody but expressed with its own rhythm and character.
The five reds we tasted revealed how sun, rain, and time shape each bottle. It was generous, soulful wine, full of Châteauneuf’s signature power, spice, and depth.
Gordon loved posing against the backdrop of vines and the old château tower.
Under dappled shade and with a view of the vines, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the exquisite Hostellerie du Château, where time slows and every bite is kissed by the region’s flavours. With our glasses topped up and a gentle breeze in the air, it was the perfect moment to reflect, relax, and smile at the beauty of the day.
Fresh Provençal dishes, crisp white wine, and good company, what more could we need?
Pause for Lunch: Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches
Final Stop: Château La Nerthe
We ended our journey at one of the oldest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the elegant Château La Nerthe, whose roots trace back to the 16th century. Surrounded by centuries-old vineyards, we sampled two whites (refined and aromatic) and three stunning reds, rich in character and history all beautifully presented by our extremely knowledgeable guide, Anton.
The wines here felt like they carried the wisdom of the land, layers of spice, fruit, and warmth unfolding with every sip.
Back in the cool air-conditioned car, we read about the Abbaye’s fascinating history. Founded in 1148 by Cistercian monks, Sénanque is still a working monastery today. Its iconic lavender fields help support the monastic community, who live a quiet life of prayer and cultivation, echoes of centuries past in every stone and bloom.
Our next stop was the stunning hilltop village of Gordes, with its winding streets and spectacular views. We found a traditional little café where we enjoyed a rustic Provençal lunch, light omelettes followed by a divine apple tarte that we’re still dreaming about.
After lunch, we wandered across to the Château de Gordes, an imposing 11th-century castle rebuilt in Renaissance style in the 1500s. It’s stood through centuries of change and now houses art exhibitions, including one that absolutely delighted Sandi, filled with colour, texture and beautiful lines that sparked a flurry of notebook sketches!
By the time the afternoon sun was at its hottest, we took shelter in the elegant Ladurée café, sipping something cool while Sandi and her creative companion enjoyed a little retail therapy. Local artisan shops and boutiques proved full of treasures, and inspiration for new bag patterns ((watch this space)!
A Little Luxury
Monday brought us another scorcher of a day in Provence, and the perfect time to chase the purple haze of lavender fields in bloom. We set off toward the famous Abbaye de Sénanque, nestled in a quiet valley near Gordes. Although the abbey itself was closed for visitors between 11am and 1pm, the fields just outside were putting on their own glorious display.
Lavender was just coming into full bloom, rows and rows of violet against golden stone, swaying softly in the breeze. The scent was intoxicating, and butterflies danced all around us. Despite the stifling heat, we couldn’t resist a few photo stops, Gordon Bear particularly enjoyed striking a pose!
Lavender & Legends
Apple Tarte Recipe
This rustic French dessert turns humble apples into something beautifully elegant. Made with buttery puff pastry and deeply caramelised fruit, the Apple Tarte Tatin is baked upside down and flipped just before serving, revealing golden layers of glossy apples. Crisp on the edges, soft in the centre, and rich with a buttery caramel glaze, it's perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A timeless favourite for cosy dinners or weekend baking with a touch of French flair.
For the recipe read here...
Apple Tarte Tatin – Caramelised Upside-Down French Apple Tart
A classic French dessert made with golden puff pastry and richly caramelised apples. This upside-down tart is easy to make and utterly irresistible, especially served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples give a perfect balance of tart and sweet, and the deep caramel adds a buttery richness that defines this rustic dish.
Yields: 8 servings • Prep time: 25 minutes • Baking time: 45–50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6–8 apples (preferably Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 6 tbsp water
- 1 cup (225g) sugar
- 4 oz (115g) unsalted butter
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Method:
- Using a 9-inch flat-sided cake pan as a guide, cut a circle out of the puff pastry. Prick all over with a fork and set aside.
- Peel and quarter the apples. Remove the cores using a spoon or melon baller.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine water and sugar. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring until it turns a light amber color and lumps are gone.
- Add butter and stir constantly until the mixture becomes a creamy light brown caramel. Add the apples and coat well.
- Continue cooking for 15–20 minutes, stirring regularly, until the caramel thickens and coats the apples. Do not let it burn—taste as you go.
- Arrange the caramel-coated apples tightly in concentric circles at the bottom of a cake pan or springform pan. Pour remaining caramel over the top.
- Place the puff pastry circle on top, tucking it down along the edges of the pan.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until pastry is golden brown and firm. Let cool for 1 hour before inverting onto a plate.
- Slice and serve warm with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Serving suggestion: A warm slice with a dollop of vanilla ice cream brings out the rich caramel and tender apples—perfect for cosy evenings or French-inspired dinners.
Gordon’s Grog Club
We rounded off the day with a wine tasting at a nearby cave, sampling chilled rosé and rich reds under the olive trees. Another perfect Provence day, full of beauty, history, creativity and just the right amount of mischief.
July’s Pick: “Mon Amour” by Étienne Imbert
Vigneron à Gordes, Provence
Discovered just outside the stunning hilltop village of Gordes, this month’s pick is a true taste of Provence. “Mon Amour” is the passion project of Étienne Imbert, a young, independent winemaker crafting small-batch, organic wines on his family’s estate of four generations, nestled between lavender fields and olive groves.
Sandi and I sampled both the rosé and red cuvée, and both were elegant, balanced, and full of southern French soul. The rosé was light and dry with subtle notes of white peach and wild herbs, while the red offered soft tannins, ripe cherry, and just a whisper of pepper, perfect for warm summer evenings.
Etienne’s ethos is all about low intervention, local terroir, and wines made with heart. And we couldn’t think of a better bottle to celebrate our time in the Luberon.
📍Wine notes:
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Mon Amour Rosé: dry, elegant, light floral finish
-
Mon Amour Rouge: soft, fruity, lightly spiced
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Pairs perfectly with: sunshine, good company, and apple tarte
Into the Camargue: Salt, Saints & Flamingos
Wednesday’s adventure took Gordon Bear and travel companions into the heart of the Camargue, a wild and windswept corner of southern France where the land feels ancient and otherworldly. We started our morning in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a sun-bleached seaside town with a distinctly Spanish flair. After coffee, we wandered the cobbled lanes, where shutters clattered gently in the breeze and the sea whispered just beyond the rooftops.
The town is steeped in legend, and in the heart of it sits the striking Église des Saintes-Maries, home to the crypt of Saint Sara, the beloved patron saint of the Romani people. Her story speaks of kindness and refuge, how she welcomed the exiled Marys from the sea, offering protection and a place to belong. The church felt cool and quiet, with candles flickering and devotion deep in the air.
Later this month.....
As our sun-soaked adventure begins to wind down, there's chatter of one final little wander before we pack away the sun hats and lavender sprigs. Ted’s still got that familiar twinkle in his eye (and perhaps one last glass of rosé to savour), so don’t be too surprised if our next Ted Walks takes you somewhere delightfully unexpected.
We’d love for you to join us along the way - until the next time.....
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