An abandoned farm house sits in the middle of a plowed field in the valley.
Abandoned Farm House in the Field
An abandoned farm house sits in the middle of a plowed field in the valley.
The Top of The Village
Trees grow on the top tier of the village of Bonnieux built on a mountain top. Through the trees in center is visible, a crucifix (cross) on a pedestal, which is typical of the historic Catholic culture of France.
House Built Into A Village Wall
Black shutters keep the sun out of a house built right into the southern exposure of a village wall.
In a Shady Evergreen Glade
I snapped these forming cones in a shady evergreen glade in the Luberon Hills.
Scarecrow on Terrace Garden
A rather nattily dressed scarecrow chases the birds away on a garden terrace.
Impressionistic Orchard Lane
I used the impressionist filter to render the picture of the rustic orchard lane into a painting. The orchard lane reminded me of my grandfather's farm, and a sunny day on a farm lane is as pastoral as one can get.
Classic Provencale Fabric Pattern & Colours
The colours, motifs and patterns of Provencale fabrics are ubiquitous. This example is seen on table cloths, draperies, quilts and virtually anywhere fabric is used.
The View From the Vineyard
The view from the vineyard across the valley to hills is always spectacular, and very pastoral.
Walking Through the Vineyard
I was walking through a Provence vineyard. I looked down and saw a snail shell and a ladybug.
Roads in Provence
Roads in Provence are generally excellent, well marked and with good indication of the next town and how far. The road system in France is generally very good.
Row of Shops
A row of shops in Sr. Saturnin has a driving school tucked in between a home furnishing shop and a shop that sells awnings and pergola covers.
Chock-a-block Full
Take a look at what is crammed into this village square. You have a hostel, a cafe, a restaurant, a hotel, an ice cream shop and a war memorial.
A Perfect Example
A perfect example about what I like about Provence. Here we have a terrace melding into a street with parked cars. Below is the lower tier of the village built on a mountainside. But in spite of the fact there is a stone retaining wall, it is lined with planters and pots of flowers. Flowers are EVERYWHERE in Provence.
Villagers On A Sunday Morning
Villagers walk their dog along the hilltop village streets on a Sunday morning.
Street Meets Gate in Village Wall
As you drive through the village on the narrow streets, you come to the ancient wall of the old village. This was a gate in the wall. It is obvious that the car will not fit through a gate made for donkeys and horses. And you have to back up all the way, because there is no place to turn around. These are some of the quaint surprises in the hilltop villages of Provence. In another place, the road changes abruptly into stairs.
Incredibly Old Grape Vine
The older that a grape vine is, the thicker it is. This old specimen has been pruned many many seasons and still is producing in a Provencale vineyard.
In a Provence Church Yard
I snapped the above picture in the church yard in the village of Roussillon.
Medieval Walls and Vine
This old rock wall abuts the wall of a hilltop village. A solitary grape vine grows against the ancient rock and doorway lintel. The mortar is made with ocher.
The Hameau
A hameau is French for hamlet. The way that many hameaus came into existence, is that a wealthy farmer would build a dwelling for his grown son and his wife. Also there would be a dwelling for the hired help. Over the generations, a mini village would arise with many dwellings. Hameaus are sought after dwellings these days, because they are usually surrounded by pastoral farm land and vines, even though the houses are close together.A wonderful field of poppies is in front of this hameau.
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