Spring in Les Alpilles

(click for larger image to get the full effect of the picture)

Les Alpilles are the limestone mountains of southern Provence.  They are not as high as mountains go, but they have a stark beauty.  The wild flowers and herbs grow on the hills perfuming the air in the spring time.

Steeple Dominates Skyline of Saignon

Like most mountain-top villages, the steeple of the Catholic church is the highest point in the village, and the church is built on the highest point. It would be a major chore to walk to church on Sunday morning.

Over Hill and Dale

Looking over the vines on hill and dale, one can see across the valley into the hills beyond. To the north, outside the range of this photograph, is Mont Ventoux.

The View From the Vineyard

The view from the vineyard across the valley to hills is always spectacular, and very pastoral.

Gordes

This is a distant view of the mountain-top village of Gordes -- one of the more famous and picturesque in Provence. Ex-president Francois Mitterand had a summer home here.

This is a view from a property that has a hermit's grave from the 13th Century, a Roman aquaduct, a Gaulois old stone wall from the time of Asterix, was the home of a famous French philosopher, has a courtyard, a truffle grounds, a vineyard, grows all of the herbs of Provence, and the Lovely One won't let me buy the property.

Winding Mountain Road

A view of a winding mountain road through 17th century buildings.

Changes

If you were driving a car on this narrow village lane, you would be majorly surprised. The road ends in steps.

Notice that in the medieval days when the mountain top village was different, there was a doorway in the wall. Now it is all bricked in except for a small portico for the milkman.

A resident told me that if you lived in a village house, you may have a passageway through someone elses house, or that the room directly above you belongs to the house next door. Village houses are fascinating.

Winding Roads, A Beamer, Mountains and Courtyard

This pic has all the elements in it. You have a BMW convertible zipping along en plein air, on a winding mountain road past an elegant courtyard with the view of forest draped hills in the background.

Hilltop Village Tier

This village has three tiers, and this is the approach to the third tier. Tour buses play chicken with you on the narrow road and try to make you back up to let them pass.