Autumn in Provence
EUROPE, COUNTRY, WEEKEND GETAWAY
IN THE MOOD : AUTUMN IN PROVENCE
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One of the joys of living in Barcelona is that I can jump in the car and drive to France. The villages and countryside of Provence, and especially the hills of the Luberon, are among my favorite places. I like to go in the off season when it’s quiet. I had never been in November and I imagined crisp air, beautiful light and a soft wind (not the powerful mistral – yet!) I found all that and more.
I stayed at the beautiful, historic Domaine de Fontenille in Lauris. Since I enjoy excellent food and wine and I love to drive the backroads of the Luberon, this was a perfect base for me. I took walks among barren grape vines and marveled at the unique beauty of row upon row of cut back lavender. I encountered a stunning late afternoon landscape along the narrow road between Rousillon and Bonnieux; I will never forget it.
I took time to visit old stomping grounds. I was amazed by the emptiness of the Palais de Papes in Avignon. The antique stores in L’Isle- Sur-La-Sorgue were cold and damp. Gordes was half closed. So peaceful! I stopped in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence for lunch after a visit to nearby Abbaye de Montmajour. A small magical thing happened while I was walking near la mairie, I looked down and between my feet, there on the stones, was the name “Vincent” and a single crimson fallen leaf. Vincent is never find from mind when taking in the beauty of Provence.
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