Plague and Pistou

After years of missing the village "pistou" gathering Joelle and I managed to be in the village this past August to catch the event. In 1467 the village of Roquebrune managed to avoid the plague that devastated the region and since then has celebrated with a special mass. More recently they added a procession with the stations of the cross passing through the streets (no cars are in the village, pedestrians only) followed by a village wide gathering to enjoy a homemade "pistou" (sort of like minestrone soup) prepared the day before in the village square by the villagers. For those living in the village there is no charge as they serve up massive pots of soup for everyone to share with bottles of wine being served at cheap prices, music and dancing and just plain fun.

The procession through the streets.





Pistou being served.




People bring their own bowls, but if you forget, they provide them. Fortunately for kids who don't like pistou, they sold frites.


Lots of chatting about the latest village news and yes, talking with hands. What discussion would be complete without a Gallic shrug of the shoulders? Our good friend Chantal kindly reserved us seats at the table and even brought a table cloth for the occasion.


Most people having a pretty good time.