Au bon soleil

In the sun‑baked valleys of Provence, a caravan of bustling traders, mule‑drawn wagons and noisy rouleurs weaves its way along a dusty road that has yet to hear the rumble of a railway. At the Logis de la Grosse Hôtesse, travelers gather over wine and toasted biscuits, swapping stories while a stone‑cutter arrives with a mysterious, eight‑foot‑tall, gold‑glimmering “carmentran” destined for a forthcoming carnival. The lively dialogue of locals—Lenthéric, Pierre‑Antoine and the witty rouleur—paints a vivid picture of a community poised between ancient customs and the promise of modern change.

Against this backdrop, the narrative follows the preparations for a festive celebration that will draw the town’s most colorful characters together. As the stone‑cutter’s cargo looms over the inn’s hearth, rumors swirl about the cargo’s purpose and the secretive couple who may be involved. Listeners are invited to linger over the fragrant aromas, the clatter of carriage wheels, and the quiet anticipation that hangs over the Provençal night.