Pics & Stories from 'La Provence'

Semigrants in the Provence - Text and images by Indra Van Regemorter

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Oct 20, 2015

A Dream Hike

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Stunning view on Mont Ventoux from the limestone mountains in Mormoiron

To us nothing, but truly nothing beats autumn in Provence. Temperatures are currently fluctuating around the high-10s, meaning that a gorgeous Indian summer is underway in the region. With the trees and vines turning golden, auburn and fiery red, what better time to enjoy autumn outdoors. Try as we do, the experience simply cannot be beaten!

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Look at these perfectly lined vines changing into golden auburn!

Fairy tale

There are more than 4000 kilometres of hiking paths and trails crossing Mont Ventoux to the Luberon Hills. You come across typical stone villages, with an inviting cool stream, or red ochre hills surrounded by ancient cypress trees, which characterise the region. As avid nature lovers and (me) photographer, these views are simply stunning! Just like a fairy tale…

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View towards Mormoiron…cypress trees alongside the road, the village being  just vaguely identifiable in the distance

Autumnal grace

Of course, as any lover of the seasons knows, the beauty of autumn is more about the colors than the temperature or the harvest. The hills and forests, once lush and verdant are aflame with autumnal grace.

Exploring

There is no better time for discovering the area. If you don’t know where to start…all the local tourist offices can give you a booklet on a selection of walks and hikes, ranging from an hour’s stroll to a day’s hiking route.  You can explore the hidden territories, fragrant pine forests, cork oak covered hillsides, nature reserves, and of course high peaks and splendid vistas. And last but not least, that odd hidden poolhouse in the middle of nowhere 🙂

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Isn’t this the cutest poolhouse ever ?!

Glorious autumn days

Whether you simply want to stroll to a local cafe and appreciate the tree-lined village pathways or wander out into the hillside, you can always find a walk to suit your own ability and desire. Provence has everything to help you enjoy this glorious time of year. Last weekend we chose to be a bit more adventurous and decided to climb the limestone cliffs located between Mormoiron and Bédoin. Ideal for (occasional) rock climbers like us!

Henk & Diesel heading on up!
Henk & Diesel heading on up!
We made it!
On Top of the World!

Donkey trekking

Funny, each time we go for a hike, we always seem to bump into a donkey (or two). I simply adore them. What makes them so cute I guess is that they love to be caressed. Did you know that you can sign up for a real ‘donkey trekking’ in Provence or all over France for that matter. A donkey can carry the luggage of 2 to 4 people (that is nearly 30 to 40 kg). He is equipped with material that is provided to you by the donkey-driver: a packsaddle for carrying heavy loads, a halter or head collar, a rein or tether for you to hold in your hand, and special bags to carry your luggage. I sure like the sound of this! Beware though…donkeys walk steadily but at a pace of 3 to 4 km/h…so a bit of patience is required 🙂

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Soaking in the beauty

Step after step, we soak in the beauty of this season and region…I can go on and on but this time I will let the images do the talking. Please do click on each photo to enlarge so you can enjoy too!

And hey, if the walk is too tiring, you can always hitchhike back home.
Nothing wrong with getting a ride in a typical French 2CV!

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Tagged: autumn, cypress trees, donkey trekking, hiking, Provence, walking

Comments

  1. Larry T. says

    October 20, 2015 at 14:02

    Your Scenic photos and easy verbiage is on par with the best! Autumn is a nice reprieve from the dog days of August. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Indra says

      October 20, 2015 at 14:14

      The combi of very bearable temps, change of colors, blue sky, full blast sunshine and fabulous scenery made it very tempting for me to take lots of pictures and to write a little story about this experience.
      This way the memory will stay forever, not only in our hearts but also through my blog… 🙂
      Thank you so much for your kind comment Larry!

      Reply
  2. Pascale says

    November 6, 2015 at 13:12

    Oh prachtig, jullie hebben vast heimwee!

    Reply

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