Castellane

I'm at the hotel in Castellane for two nights. This is a beautiful little town built in the medieval days as a fortified City with only two entrances. Today the remnants of those two entrances still exist. On the east side, the entrance had a drawbridge. The western entrance had a portcullis. You can see the vestiges of the ancient machinery in the stonework.

I strolled through the narrow streets, did a little shopping, and ate an ice cream cone. You know I had to do that. The town is rather touristy but I suppose we have to expect that with all the rafting and water sports in the area.

I walked through town looking for a light dinner when I smelled seafood sauteed in wine and herbs. Most of the tables inside were empty but the server said the interior tables were all reserved. If you make a reservation for 8 pm, they cannot seat anybody there at 7 pm. Dinner takes more than an hour. If you're done in 45 minutes, you are dining wrong. Thankfully, I was wearing a sweater and windbreaker so I ate on the sidewalk terrace. Sidewalk tables are for walk-ins.

For the entrée, I had Mussels Gratiné which are broiled in butter, wine, herbs, and a little cheese. I last ate these a half-century ago in Paris. After finishing the mussels, I tore apart the bread to soak up the buttery wine goodness.

For my plat, I had the daily "suggestion" which was risotto with bay scallops. It was creamy and delicious. After an espresso, I headed back to the hotel for an early night.Read more