We were arguing politics with a decidedly right-leaning antiques dealer when I noticed that the lights in the rest of the hall had gone out. Monsieur’s wife was waiting by with a twinge of impatience in her upper lip. Closing time had come and gone. With a forced laugh I barked out, “If you gentlemen continue any longer, I will have to take a nap on your Louis XVI settee!” That worked and I saw the inner churnings as Remi, my dear companion, silently conceded that we would have to return another day to finish the conversation.
As we let ourselves out, we passed amongst so many bijous of antiques, sitting quietly in the dark, waiting to catch an admirer’s attention. How I wished that I could transform into Audrey Hepburn in “How to Steal a Million” for ah, she would be tempted. But of course, I could not.
We stumbled past the Napoleon III desks and out the dimly lit back exit to find the sky had matched our moods and turned to gray.
But oh, what a wonderful mix of a mist we found ourselves in.
A bit of a wonderland. The gardens of le jardin du quai, one of the most romantic restaurants in all of Provence, to be precise.
Because of the rain, the garden was closed. We were alone and made ourselves at home because it was easy to do.
The flowers said, “Welcome.” They know their job.
As we would soon be heading up into the hills to our mazet rental in a land without internet reception, Remi sat at a table and languidly charged his messages from a world that seemed si lointain even though Arles is only little over an hour away.
I wandered, camera in hand but it was almost like an afterthought, just a way of confirming with an inner nod, “Yes, I am seeing this. Pinch me, it is real.” After nine years of living in this region, may I never lose sight of that instinctive hope.
I took my time.
And it was funny because none of the antiques that were for sale had moved me anywhere near what the living version of all that style and grace did in this garden.
I know and knew that it was created for effect but it was still a bit of living history…
…and all the more beautiful as we were the only ones there to appreciate it.
Some of the evening’s kitchen crew snaked past to the back door of the kitchen. One of the young women, seeing my wonder, nodded at me and smiled with acknowledgement and pride.
Le jardin du quai
91 Avenue Julien Guigne
84800 L’Isle sur la Sorgue
Tel.: 04 90 20 14 98
Is it odd to write about a restaurant where you haven’t eaten? Maybe. But then again, how many have made me dream as much? Not many. So take a seat, my friends, there actually is a second act to this number and no food is involved…
Thank you for being here, thank you for reading Lost in Arles…
Wonderful; lovely touch of sultry summer gloom.
At least the antiques dealer was willing to discuss… but then how wise of you to focus on the beauty of your surrounding and forget the worries!
It is indeed as some have already mentioned a magical place, especially emptied by the rain and turned into a lush setting for a "Grimms Märchen".
See one of my favorite plants there. The one with the purple blossoms which can hang or climb. It is called "Blue Rain" in German. (:
Did I tell you, we are planning to be in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue around next March? We already spotted a nice rental and we will definitely visit this restaurant.
PS: I am nearly through " It's In His Kiss". It works as well as a "recovery-read" as for the supposed to be " pool-side-read". Thrilling and amusing". (:
It is not at all odd to write about a living art work which you have experienced first hand and beautifully captured on camera. I never cease to be amazed by what can be unintentially "discovered" in France. Warm regards
Nothing could equal the charm of this wonderful place, Heather.
So happy you & Remi are out & about meeting all the new people and fitting right in with everyone.
I imagine the greetings, petals falling on your hair on your arrival at Le jardin du quai. And your table covered with petals. Will you be tempted to walk around carrying your glass of wine while waiting for your order? Or will you stay on your seats and have a love-talk?
a lovely escape during some insane days
thank you
So green and lush! I think you should go back there to eat! It really is beautiful and romantic – thank you for sharing your discovery with us!
Talk about magic…seeing the table with flower petals is like a dream taking its first steps…inspiring…for me…where you live is beautiful because your photographs are beautiful.
I really love those outdoor tables in the yard. Such beautiful pictures as always Heather.
It does seem like a magical place – all the more special because you were able to enjoy it by yourselves.