I always love French words, written, spoken or sung. Here some of the signs I saw along the way that captured my curiosity.
This is the gorgeous old wine cooperative building, on the way into the commune of L’isle sur la Sorgue, it is surrounded by hectares of vineyards and orchards. Local farmers have been bringing their grapes here for centuries.
Many of the antique shops are located in little enclaves off the main street in IslS with a square in the middle, where the merchants socialize, and dogs and children play. There is also usually a little café, where everyone can go to enjoy and homey lunch.
The shops in the enclaves often use the outdoor spaces for their overflow of merchandise.
This visit, at most every shop there was a reference to the recent tragedy in Paris and the importance of freedom of speech.
This fun little shop on the main street enjoys the the rambling river Sorgue just out their back door.
Filled with new items for the home and a broad collection of enamelled signs.
Oh, the French do love their dogs, here’s my best effort on translating a few of these…
“Strong and nasty little dog”
“Wicked and insightful dog”
“Very conscience guard dog”
“Deluxe dog”
“Retired guard dog”
“Beast dog and wicked”
“Caution! Guard dog 100 meters”
“Dog Snob”
Sadly, I had to visit the Police Municipale on Sunday, since Saturday night I had foolishly parked my car in a space where the market sets up on Sunday. Don’t do that when you go there — park in the POSTE (yellow sign) parking lot so that you don’t have to go to the Police Municipale, and get in a car with a man you don’t know who does not speak English but offers to “aider” you; even though he was very nice and brought me to the Fourriére (tow truck office) where the Police Municipale wrote up 4 pages (with plenty of carbon copies) of information about my violation. They were all very nice, and they let me pay my 35 euro fine to them directly so I didn’t have to mail it. And the Fourriéres took carte de credits…. livin’ on the edge, again, that’s me!
I loved these remainders of the holiday lights still hanging over the street, they look so quaint and old fashioned.
Before leaving Eze they were taking down similar signs in the neighboring communes, and trucking them off to their storage space up in the hills.
They do bring a wonderful glow to the darkened village.
Wonderful translation of the dog signs Emily. Love the lights hanging over the streets!
I am so glad your fine was't more than 35 Euros. Parking fines are really high here!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Oh my, I am so sorry to hear that your car was towed – always an ordeal here. At least they gave you a lift! They don't in Arles and of course the fourriere is inaccessible by bus so it is one looong walk.
And while I know where all of your lovely photos were taken, there is one that escapes me – the seller of the signs! Because, sadly, I could probably use "Chien bête et méchant"!
Heather — they were quite accommodating about the towing, they explained it was a regular occurrence, and that, unusual to most of France, their busiest day of the week is Sunday. They were very nice.
The shop is called Côté-Parc, it is newer things. I found some great little turquoise drinking glasses, very reasonable this trip. In the past I found a great pair of seagrass lampshades, it is at 129 av de la Liberation (the main road). xo, ebh