Along with the calendar the weather shifted today. Still sunny, but a chilly morning and a pleasant 75 by midday, but very windy. A nice change from the very hot days of the past 10 days. We set off to the northwest to what the books call The Lavender Trail, which we knew was already past cutting, but worth a…
August 31: Aix-en-Provence
Apparently it does rain occasionally in the south of France, and this was one of the days that it did. After many very hot (high 80’s/low 90’s) days, it was a relief to have a drop in temperture and some cloud cover. (Not something you hear this SoCal girl ever say, right?) Anyway, it gave us a chance to head…
August 30: Cassis
It’s impossible to come to Provence and not visit Cassis. At least that’s what the guide books say. And after looking at some of the beautiful photos and reading the description of this old fishing port, I could understand why the 90 km drive south was worth the effort. Knowing it was a tourist destination and that parking could be…
August 28 & 29: To market to market
Of all the local markets, we’d been advised that the one not to miss was the one on Monday in Forcalquier. And we were also told to arrive before 10AM, as this particular town draws crowds. So, despite the protestations from Paul, we were all up and out early (for us), and arrived in the town center by just after…
August 26 & 27: Exploring, and an Arrival
On Friday morning I headed out north, back into the Alps de Haute Provence region, to first visit a small village that I had passed by on a previous drive, and then to head to a morning market. The route is one which essentially takes you over a section of the Luberon mountain range, so the roads are curvy and…
August 24 & 25: Some visitors and Lourmarin
The weather was a bit weird on Monday — some actual clouds in the what had been nothing but endless blue. It was still quite warm, but a brief rain shower did come by in the late afternoon, only to leave the scent of rain and a beautiful evening sky. I chose not to venture out; took care of some…
August 22 & 23: Around Provence
The long, slow days of summer have been slipping by without very much activity or sightseeing on my part. Knowing that I will be back to that mode of travel soon enough I believe my mind, body and spirit are simply saying that it’s time to sit still. So I am. Except for the morning runs and afternoon lap swimming…
August 21: The Luberon
To be completely honest, I would be perfectly happy staying around this house/property all day, but I know that there are things to see and that I will feel guilty if I do what I could do at home, so, map in hand, I set off to see what I could see. First stop, a nearby village called Mirabeau that…
August 19 & 20: Provence
Yesterday was a long drive from Conques, and without much to note. I was lucky in avoiding any serious traffic issues, which surprised me, as Saturdays have been notoriously difficult driving days. It was still almost 250 miles and I didn’t arrive until 4PM. But oh the wonder of knowing that you can sit still for 2 weeks! And have…
August 18: Conques
I forget what wonderful sights you can see when you are moving at the speed of legs instead of wheels. I had an early morning run, and found the loveliest scene just around the bend from the town. Reminds me of the benefits of what I call “slow touring without windows” — on foot, by bicycle, or kayak. I think…