Don’t visit this town, there is nothing much to see!
This is what I often read in travel guide books when I look up “Carpentras”, located in Provence in the south of France.
Carpentras is a town 35 minutes’ drive to the north east of Avignon. It has an enormous market on Friday morning which is worth visiting, with 100s of colourful stalls spread through the town. But I don’t know whether I’m becoming a little middle aged or something but I love going to this town on a non-market day – everything is so much quieter, where you can see where you are walking, you can hear and see the water fountains, and you have the shops to yourself!
Carpentras is a local town without the normal tourist shops. It has some wonderful sights, and I was especially taken by a visit to the local Jewish synagogue – the oldest in France. This town has a richness of history that will astound, especially with its unique links to the Vatican from the end of the 13th century.
I’ve just been exploring in Carpentras and I came across a shop which astounded both my wife and me! Every now and then you stumble on something that truly surprises you, that makes you feel good about life, that makes you smile. JOUVAUD is such a shop, such a place!
If you are travelling in Provence then add this shop to your itinerary. Go to Carpentras, have lunch in the centre square overlooking the fountains, then go to Jouvaud for a coffee and dessert, and even to do some shopping to finish off a perfect day!! Perfection!
Jouvaud - Delicatessan, Cafe, Shop!
Picture Postcard in Cafe Jouvaud
You must visit Jouvaud in Carpentras or Tokyo!
Shabby Chic at Jouvaud in Carpentras
Shopping at Jouvaud in Carpentras
Treat yourself to a Dessert and Coffee in Jouvaud, Carpentras! You won't regret it!
absolutely love the presentation of this place, what a find. The complete package when one can finish off with such divine desserts…delicious looking!!
You would have wanted to spend the whole day here!!! One day!! Thanks for your note Kate!
Adorable. This is the kind of thing that makes one understand the why “french country” is such a lasting style choice (is it just “country” if you are in France?) It has a delicate balance of refined / austere and homey / rural. Great pics.
I hope they send you free pot of jam, an off-white pillow or a antique bottle filled with cosmos for writing such a nice blog entry! =)
Hadn’t thought of the off white pillow slip – there’s an idea – I’ll let you know what they say!!!
I can see why you were so taken with the place just by looking at these photos. What a wonderful find! I’d really like to have one of Jouvaud’s eclairs right now.
Have to say I didn’t try the eclair, but had this chocolate mousse that was exquisite, with just a slight hint of espresso coffee! Actually the coffee afterwards was the best ever!! We exited this shop with satisfied stomachs, and shopping bags filled!!!!
Love the photos and I love stumbling upon little finds like this.
Thanks Caz. Do you find that finding such places is quite rare? That always surprise me. Even in Australia when you walk through a suburb generally speaking places can be fairly unmemorable!
Swoon! I love France – this makes me want to go back so badly!
Amy, how nice to receive your comment. What’s stopping you going back!?!?
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The desserts look heavenly, I’d definitely treat myself.
Thanks. But my perennial problem is making a choice! Ordering a coffee is just the easiest way out, and probably better for the waistline!!!
Shops are great especially those individual labours of love that you discover sometimes…
Thanks Robin. I’ve got a bit of work keeping up with your photos!!
Looks like an incredible day in Carpentras!
Thanks Devin! A chocolate eclair to finish your day!?
Can you explain the significance in this ”You must visit Jouvaud in Carpentras or Tokyo!” Tokyo? Have I missed something?
John, loved it and just goes to show that delights await us if we make the time to explore off the usual tourist trail.
Jim you might be interested in following this link to find out the answer!! http://r.gnavi.co.jp/a216500/