tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65217971025557517292024-02-19T09:30:42.595+01:00Unique Provence Luxury and Authentic Travel BlogTravel ideas, experiences, encounters and generally interesting stuff from Unique Provence by Philip HaslettAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-13887571270686353952014-12-14T13:06:00.000+01:002014-12-15T09:55:27.284+01:00Happy cooking in Provence with René Bérard<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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La Bastide des Saveurs</h2>
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I could
not wipe the smile off my face for the first two hours of my cooking class with
Michelin starred chef René Bérard in his beautiful domain in the Var region of Provence, la "Bastide des Saveurs". This first class
chef is in the business of transmitting the real Provence experience with
utmost authenticity … and, like the other 5 novice students participating that
day, I was under his spell.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr Bérard giving me a few useful tips</td></tr>
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My equally as entranced colleague Linda enjoyed capturing
the details of Mr. Bérard’s rustic kitchen décor, from its jarred herbs and
spices to its copper pans and Provençal tiles... not to mention Mr. Bérard's very attentive little spaniel named Gribouille.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mr. Bérard organizes his classes by theme and our session
was focused on dessert. More than six different desserts were concocted by our
group of 5 novice students, from lemon meringue pie to <i>crème patissière</i>, chocolate <i>moelleux</i>
cakes and caramelized apples. Learning (just a few of) the tricks of Mr.
Bérard’s trade was fascinating. And as if weren’t enough to be swept off our
feet by Mr. Bérard’s jovial nature and continual joke-telling, the moment of
ultimate enjoyment came when we wrapped up our fourth hour of cooking and
walked outside to the most quintessentially Provençal table setting my
imagination could have depicted. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Giving classes in La Cadière d’Azur, this charming small
town of 5,000 inhabitants, is a feat Mr. Bérard particularly takes to heart as
this is where he was born and raised. Having celebrated his 70<sup>th</sup>
birthday not too long ago, Mr. Bérard ensured the transmission of talent and family
cooking secrets, via his son Jean-François who now runs a nearby restaurant
also owned by the family.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself, René Bérard and Linda Ouarghi </td></tr>
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Many thanks to Stéphane Zanarelli for organising this opportunity for Linda and myself.<br />
If a cooking class with René Bérard interests you, don't hesitate to contact us using the link on the right.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">About the author:</span></b><br />
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="color: blue;">Laura Gillespie is a Unique Provence travel consultant specialized in luxury events in Provence, as well as in the creation and realisation of unique travel itineraries and programs. Laura is American and has been based in Provence for nearly 20 years. </span></i></span></div>
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Below are more photos of our day ©Linda Ouaghi<br />
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Once upon a time the areas of Provence that are now famous for their lavender fields, where then famous for their almonds.<br />
Indeed the main crops on the Valensole plateau were almonds and wheat, and the wheat was usually used for animal feed. Growing almonds was a hard job however and climatic conditions and competition from abroad just to name those, soon put a stop to the almond trees and let the lavender take its place.<br />
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If you take a trip to the Valensole plateau nowadays you will find that most of the lone trees growing amongst the lavender and wheat fields are wild almond trees, witnesses to the past when they were the kings of the land!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild almonds in Haute Provence</td></tr>
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But times have changed and the almond trees are back. The harvest nowadays is used for essential almond oil and also for human consumption as the almonds are quite delicious, and when incorporated with local lavender honey the resulting nougat is something you won't forget in a hurry!<br />
The essential oil is used in skin creams and one of the biggest clients is L'Occitane en Provence whose custom ensures the survival of the local harvest.<br />
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Below are a series of photos that can be found on our Flickr page of this years almond blossom. What is quite amazing is the scent given off by the flowers which smells of honey straight from the jar!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-60700290570757649652014-03-26T19:02:00.000+01:002014-03-26T19:02:08.466+01:00Private Tours in Provence - Our New MinivanUnique Provence is fast becoming a reference for luxury tourism in Provence. Not only individual clients through our blog and website but travel agencies around the world. Our guides have that personal touch that makes a trip special and our permanent on site research, of which you can read some of the results in this blog make us stand out from the crowd.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Caravelle ©Patrick Gaudin </td></tr>
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Last year I went back to school to sit the exam in order to become a certified passenger transport company and we hired our vehicles or contracted other companies with vehicles to do our transfers and transport but all this has changed as of today! We are now the proud owners of our first luxury minivan with another in the pipeline for the coming months. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The van on its first photo shoot in front of the Montagne Ste Victoire</td></tr>
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The vehicle we have chosen is a long wheelbase Volkswagen Caravelle with an all leather interior and tri zone air-conditioning. The 180hp engine and 7 speed automatic gearbox guarantee a smooth ride in all road conditions.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing in front of a dry stone hut in Haute Provence</td></tr>
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The other little detail that you will notice when we come to pick you up from your hotel or cruise ship is that our van is not black or gray like 99% of the other tour vans in Provence it's Navy Blue so still reasonably sober but a bit brighter all the same.<br />
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So for your next transfer or guided tour through Provence your van awaits...<br />
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If you are interested in a guided tour in Provence whether it be for one day or for a week contact us using the link on the right, we would be delighted to show you our Provence in our nice new shiny blue van!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-2256444844930240752014-02-07T19:35:00.000+01:002014-02-07T19:35:12.527+01:00Lavender Endowment Fund WebsiteThe Lavender Endowment Fund website is up and running in English. The translation was done by me and so if you spot any glaring errors don't hesitate to post a message.<br />
The website can be viewed here : <a href="http://www.sauvegarde-lavandes-provence.org/en/">http://www.sauvegarde-lavandes-provence.org/en/</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Healthy Lavender and photo bombing bee taken near Sault last summer</td></tr>
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<br />
The Decline of Lavender page was taken directly from my blog post article <a href="http://blog.unique-provence.com/2013/09/provence-lavender-under-threat.html" target="_blank">Provence Lavender Under Threat</a> as the members of the board decided it explained the issue clearly.<br />
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Please spread the word as Provence lavender needs help, the situation is not disastrous but it is not good either, and money is needed for research.<br />
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For every lavender day tour offered by Unique Provence we will donate 50€ to the fund and every small group tour, 100€ per person, but you can donate by using the paypal link on the endowment fund website.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-40689290562267930552013-12-17T11:44:00.002+01:002013-12-17T11:49:20.226+01:00Moonrise and the Mont Ventoux- Photo of the DayI had to share this even if the photo isn't great.<br />
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Last night I was driving home after seeing a client and happened to find myself faced with the amazing sight of the moon rising behind the Mont Ventoux as the sun went down, transferring the golden hues of the sunset to the moon. </div>
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I was in my car in busy traffic and managed to get my camera out of its bag and put on my zoom lens and click out of the window. I didn't have much time to fiddle with many settings as the car behind was getting irate and the brief moment that you see in the photo lasted about 2 minutes before the moon lost its orange glow and rose too high. </div>
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The photo is cropped to the essentials and allows you to imagine how stunning it was to see.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-83971252633641504882013-12-09T15:34:00.000+01:002013-12-10T09:11:42.834+01:00A Truffle Hunt in ProvenceIf you had planned your trip to Provence in the depth of Winter to visit monuments and enjoy wine tastings you may well go home a little disappointed.<br />
The trees have lost their leaves, many hotels have shut for the season, the main tourist attractions have little to offer in the way of souvenirs... It's all a bit quiet and even a bit sad...<br />
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...or at least that is how it may seem. In fact there are some unique activities that can only take place during the Winter and the highlight of them all is the Truffle Hunt!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A truffle wood in winter</td></tr>
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Of course truffles can be found throughout the year but the finest, most pungent member of this underground fungus makes its appearance from the month of December through to March, I am of course talking about Tuber Melanosporum or the Winter Truffle or as it is referred to in France "Le Diamant Noir", The Black Diamond.<br />
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A Short History of Truffles</h3>
References to Truffles can be found as far back as ancient Egypt, where we know that Cheops served truffles to visiting delegations. The Greek Theophrastus (327-287 BC) thought that truffles were created by Autumn rains and thunder but it took several hundred years for his countryman Plutarch (46-120AD) to realise that it was water, earth and lightening that made truffles... Since then no new theories are mentioned so I'll stick with that one.<br />
Truffles where a common foodstuff in pre-middle age times they were plentiful and all you needed was a pig (a sow) to find them and nearby woodland, but with the increased power of the Catholic church the eating of truffles was soon stopped as the eating of a black object found underground and requiring a cloven hoofed animal to find it could only be the work of the devil.<br />
Luckily such superstitions where less adhered to in the Renaissance period by the likes of François I during whose reign the Truffle was returned to its rightful place on the table. At the time the Truffles on the royal tables originated from Burgundy, then from the South West of France and notably from the Perigord which gave them one of their names "La Truffe du Périgord".<br />
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At the time truffles were still hunted for by Sows who apparently found the odour of the truffle similar to that of the sexual organs of a male pig. The fact that they have to be reigned in to stop them eating the truffle is either the indication of an extraordinarily amorous sentiment or that of pure hatred for their male counterparts. Whatever the case, with this new information in mind, next time you enjoy a Truffle Brouillade you can shine in society by announcing with authority the similarity to the senses of the truffle and a boars nether regions.<br />
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<h3>
The Birth of Truffle Cultivation</h3>
Modern day truffles are "grown", sort of. In 1810, a man called Joseph Talon from the village of Saint-Saturnin les Apt in the heart of the Luberon region of Provence discovered the connection with the truffle and the trees that they grew near, and it was this discovery that led to the development of modern day truffle farming. The technique consists of rubbing mashed up truffles into the roots of small oak trees an then planting them, actually it's a bit more complicated than that but that's the general idea.<br />
Truffle production in France in 1880 was 1320 tonnes, with 60% coming from the South East of France ie. Provence. Today those figures have dropped to a mere 30 tonnes with 80% coming from the South East and the rest from the Perigord contrary to popular belief. The reason for this decline is in part due to the massive toll of the First World War which basically wiped out a generation and in doing so not only took away the work force required, but also the link needed to hand down the information from generation to generation. The Second World War followed shortly afterwards and I personally think that a luxury item like a truffle was no longer a priority in war torn Europe.<br />
<br />
<h3>
A Truffle Hunt in Provence </h3>
Nowadays dogs are used to hunt for the truffles as they are easier to control, and it is possible to go on a truffle hunt in Provence which is exactly what I did on Saturday with two travel agents from New York.<br />
We had a rendez-vous in the morning with Eric Jaumard who was welcoming a small group and had invited us to join them for the hunt. The day began inside with a bit of history (see above) before heading out into the truffle plantation with his trusty dog.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC350Gs_eeJT65-Ty-CE1OpYuYyha6y5Xs6cdFqHgAsM4Dny-r3AaF4xOkc7pF9U-g5f6Sxi67KxEu6IfNYFbcSP-KwOaZ0pqtTDmtTHGAsH1BTETyPYi3jzVv-0KS0-5VA6INWvaY0j3r/s1600/Truffle02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC350Gs_eeJT65-Ty-CE1OpYuYyha6y5Xs6cdFqHgAsM4Dny-r3AaF4xOkc7pF9U-g5f6Sxi67KxEu6IfNYFbcSP-KwOaZ0pqtTDmtTHGAsH1BTETyPYi3jzVv-0KS0-5VA6INWvaY0j3r/s400/Truffle02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After sniffing one out and indicating the spot the truffle is revealed using a special pick axe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjIj18Ulv6jMY8ZlBDKE8B5OpU39E0htM_jTtJ6v37PNvqH-pzMf5Nk0pzks_865TTjwdDDpIWHPJ3Z43emTTU-IhrVsj_CHrJ-2oTMDeHRgSsLtMyTiT3sFeCoxmBS3rWAQzrEyomNxd/s1600/truffle03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjIj18Ulv6jMY8ZlBDKE8B5OpU39E0htM_jTtJ6v37PNvqH-pzMf5Nk0pzks_865TTjwdDDpIWHPJ3Z43emTTU-IhrVsj_CHrJ-2oTMDeHRgSsLtMyTiT3sFeCoxmBS3rWAQzrEyomNxd/s400/truffle03.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A helpful paw to find the truffle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvONaVAhyphenhyphenYYVYfVBRhnzDCPv5kmrR2VS6jOKvDTRhXhKYg0RUN4FTVCjh1nHxnOHhk5HEonN0OfPVPrhGNJBUuaAwDlIoCmSdiFmw1wpIxXgoE3m6sxPxR1OqJMnLTNFQsc53esW2is5mj/s1600/truffle04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvONaVAhyphenhyphenYYVYfVBRhnzDCPv5kmrR2VS6jOKvDTRhXhKYg0RUN4FTVCjh1nHxnOHhk5HEonN0OfPVPrhGNJBUuaAwDlIoCmSdiFmw1wpIxXgoE3m6sxPxR1OqJMnLTNFQsc53esW2is5mj/s400/truffle04.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small one to start the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWXB9zIn65z8iXV8We1j6gNI7cdtWflQYsxt_7SyuHa2LbX9W1Xi5RvIzr7eymIx1ye773kmpG2gm941Bby8OF4ufWlcrkBSShL5jusK0__NFHgngYWUfCj5nL_1PGEGPRRTsFSn049gK/s1600/truffle06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWXB9zIn65z8iXV8We1j6gNI7cdtWflQYsxt_7SyuHa2LbX9W1Xi5RvIzr7eymIx1ye773kmpG2gm941Bby8OF4ufWlcrkBSShL5jusK0__NFHgngYWUfCj5nL_1PGEGPRRTsFSn049gK/s400/truffle06.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot the truffle...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosYxoXLv2sfYHaQjNAsyI2bCqdzTIKvCP7FPtkmAu9p2XrdALwKkeQBCq78t-p-WcCAfSCtEWGSiwVC0718wsAhXWfdaRG_qr5aJ1WIjT51Bf-p4IwIkUso3cfsoA82PNDT5Ut0RxRkzd/s1600/truffle07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosYxoXLv2sfYHaQjNAsyI2bCqdzTIKvCP7FPtkmAu9p2XrdALwKkeQBCq78t-p-WcCAfSCtEWGSiwVC0718wsAhXWfdaRG_qr5aJ1WIjT51Bf-p4IwIkUso3cfsoA82PNDT5Ut0RxRkzd/s400/truffle07.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a big one this time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtrh5wwrbAUd5TE8OzISlZAbH46WMY6bY0yEvhTfhO3t2TwFEYziDXickd84VWwubkr5wAjdJjvmufVRM1bvmPjvzwUFtv9OnYD_NTMMpvnaiEEuGFkm0MY6m2UcMeSCC2YM00ej30NBD/s1600/truffle08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtrh5wwrbAUd5TE8OzISlZAbH46WMY6bY0yEvhTfhO3t2TwFEYziDXickd84VWwubkr5wAjdJjvmufVRM1bvmPjvzwUFtv9OnYD_NTMMpvnaiEEuGFkm0MY6m2UcMeSCC2YM00ej30NBD/s400/truffle08.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the master sniffs, the dog looks on in admiration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_1F4H7a6T9KHMxRVEF5_PiAskQYiJTwquflmzhY1Yy_LwIk3iZgUJSV2An7q9Q7WcwFPq0qmDSGGFH23_jHdNHg9NVRGTY_oemjfXtZPk16nGW7t39ER8N5iN3Gp3vrnIK546ZnbTjt9/s1600/truffle09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_1F4H7a6T9KHMxRVEF5_PiAskQYiJTwquflmzhY1Yy_LwIk3iZgUJSV2An7q9Q7WcwFPq0qmDSGGFH23_jHdNHg9NVRGTY_oemjfXtZPk16nGW7t39ER8N5iN3Gp3vrnIK546ZnbTjt9/s400/truffle09.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of the best ones of the day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My assumption was that the dog would find a truffle or two and we would head back inside, especially as this is the the start of the season. But no! The dog, whose name I forget, was charging around and finding truffles with unbelievable regularity. Big ones and small ones were filling Mr Jaumard's bag and after an hour or so we returned to the farm with a pretty good harvest.<br />
<br />
From there we continued on our way to other discoveries whilst the group sat down to a truffle meal lasting much of the afternoon.<br />
Of course if you would like to experience a truffle hunt followed by a meal, of cooking class we can create a made to measure experience for you. You can contact us using the link on the top right.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-44212728890403704022013-09-29T18:07:00.000+02:002013-09-29T18:10:05.054+02:00Provence Lavender Under Threat<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Despite the
seemingly endless rows of lavender on display at the height of summer in Provence
all is not well in the world of lavender production. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-TagZYAdAq-k1-FagoHPvv39_NEk4Fvjtf3f3nEGTQ1A1hUG4h5HAkBD5c-smFAsNVali_z8mGibyXn_mZiwdlbp9a3N4_eBNxKHxKoSMbEmkuyXqhcA4JTuBt0wU2Jj-BiELN21gmCX/s1600/lavender003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-TagZYAdAq-k1-FagoHPvv39_NEk4Fvjtf3f3nEGTQ1A1hUG4h5HAkBD5c-smFAsNVali_z8mGibyXn_mZiwdlbp9a3N4_eBNxKHxKoSMbEmkuyXqhcA4JTuBt0wU2Jj-BiELN21gmCX/s640/lavender003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Healthy Lavender growing near Sault, Provence</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The cause
of the trouble is a miniscule little insect related to the cicada who goes by
the name of Hyalesthes obsoletus although there is nothing oblsolete about it. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/Hyalesthes_obsoletus1.jpg/800px-Hyalesthes_obsoletus1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/Hyalesthes_obsoletus1.jpg/800px-Hyalesthes_obsoletus1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;">Hyalesthes obsoletus © </span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: start;">Michael F. Schönitzer</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The insect, a sap sucking leaf hopper, has a particular fondness for the taste
of lavender upon which it lays its eggs. The insect and its larvae eat the sap
of the plant which in itself would cause no problems, if eating a bit of sap
was all they did, but unfortunately they are also the carriers of a phytoplasma,
a bacterium devoid of cell walls and therefor dependant on a host, in this case
the sap of the lavender plant. The insect is referred to as a vector, who much
like a mosquito, drinks the sap from the plants and in doing so becomes
infected and so propagates the phytoplasma to other plants. The phytoplasma in
question here is the Stolbur Phytoplasma which also affects potatoes, tomatoes,
maize and vines. Once the phytoplasma is in the plant it inhibits growth and
eventually the plant becomes too weak to be productive or dies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">So there,
in short, you have the problem and the scale is huge. A noted rise in temperatures
has also caused the proliferation of the insect and at this moment in time no
effective solution has been found to eradicate it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sauvegarde-lavandes-provence.org/images/photos/deperissement-lavandes/deperissement-lavande-champ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sauvegarde-lavandes-provence.org/images/photos/deperissement-lavandes/deperissement-lavande-champ.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavendin Plants affected by the Phytoplasma © CRIEPPAM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sauvegarde-lavandes-provence.org/images/photos/deperissement-lavandes/deperissement-lavande.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sauvegarde-lavandes-provence.org/images/photos/deperissement-lavandes/deperissement-lavande.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender Plants affected by the Phytoplasma © CRIEPPAM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The
possible methods to tackle the problem are the following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Antibiotic
treatment which would attack the bacteria directly, but their use on plants is
forbidden in France to avoid the development of mutation and resistance which
would only increase the problem.</span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Chemical
treatment in the form of pesticides would be almost impossible due to the fact
that the larvae live under ground and the adults are present during the
flowering season at the same time as honey bees. Also the use of pesticides is,
from an ecological point of view, not possible even if it did work.</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">So
attacking the phytoplasma or the insect is impossible. All that remains are
ways to discourage the insect from laying its eggs on the lavender and the development
of resistant strains of lavender who remain unaffected by the phytoplasma. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">So far
several varieties have been produced which are tolerant to the attacks but none
are totally immune. The replacement of affected plants by these is taking place
but it is not an end to the problem.
Other experiments which use fine white clay sprayed on to the plants. This
seems to discourage the insect who finds the white aspect unappealing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Research is
continuing all the time and research costs money, hence the creation of the
foundation to save the lavender of Provence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">I myself am
a member of the board and the only representative of the tourism industry. The
president is Olivier Baussan the founder of L’Occitane en Provence. The other
members are mostly lavender producers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Through
donations the foundation can continue its research into this major problem and
as you can see is coming up with answers, but the solution to the problem is
not in sight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Kairos
Travel has decided that as of 2014 every for small group lavender tour 100€ per
guest would be donated to the Lavender Foundation, and for every lavender day
tour or excursion 50€ would be donated. The donations can continue on of course
and you can make a donation however big or small, by following this link: </span><a href="http://www.sauvegarde-lavandes-provence.org/souscription-don-fonds-dotation">http://www.sauvegarde-lavandes-provence.org/souscription-don-fonds-dotation</a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
Foundation’s website is only in French for the moment, but the English version
is being worked upon and should be online soon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you would like to learn more about lavender whilst in Provence (as well as relaxing in th L'Occitane Spa, cooking classes and much much more!) then join us on our "Provence The Lavender Season Tour" information can be found here : <a href="http://www.unique-provence.com/provence-luxury-guided-tours/provence-the-lavender-season">http://www.unique-provence.com/provence-luxury-guided-tours/provence-the-lavender-season</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
or alternatively you could opt for a day tour during the Lavender Season : <a href="http://www.unique-provence.com/guided-tours-of-provence/lavender-day-tour">http://www.unique-provence.com/guided-tours-of-provence/lavender-day-tour</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-82096405277852161052013-08-21T19:09:00.000+02:002013-08-21T19:09:30.486+02:00Hidden secrets of Provence. La Combe de L'Avion a WW2 Resistance Site<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">In 2014 we
have a new tour programmed based on Fiona McIntosh’s novel The Lavender Keeper ,
a story that takes place in occupied France and notably in Provence where the
main character, Luc Bonet, is a lavender farmer before becoming a resistance
fighter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">I started
searching for resistance related sites in the region and during my foray into
this passionate, tragic and heroic part of France’s history I heard of an event
that took place near the beautiful hilltop village of Simiane La Rotonde. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeiovMWhfH87Ul5i2eDhjOblCAuaQ5caybBtWkNxr5mhIZJD1pifzpnL5bFi3CrjjuIvZUyh8Z-Lix2WWn_5_d6ngpGYQeIfqOgJxWCQuq3bgrwv-kHImLfJxmm_GptLXLoBxLPWAXWDH/s1600/avion01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeiovMWhfH87Ul5i2eDhjOblCAuaQ5caybBtWkNxr5mhIZJD1pifzpnL5bFi3CrjjuIvZUyh8Z-Lix2WWn_5_d6ngpGYQeIfqOgJxWCQuq3bgrwv-kHImLfJxmm_GptLXLoBxLPWAXWDH/s640/avion01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
L'AVION</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Not far
from Simiane is the hamlet of Chavon and close to there is an area hidden from
view once used by the local Resistance fighters, who went under the name “Abatteur”
(Slaughterman), for the reception of weapons and supplies parachuted by the
allies. These weapons were then used in actions against the Nazi occupiers
during which many resistance fighters lost their lives. The Abatteur group
comprised 7 men and their main role was the reception of weapons for the
resistance movement. They were under the control of the section for landings
and parachuting known as the S.A.P.
(Section Atterrissage Parachutage).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"> The drop zone area is now covered in lavender
and a rather forlorn sign indicates its whereabouts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxxKwmeUx20En8s9fSCcizJ42fFWvBcj-k-USd6FgwEsyiqTTprrd3atxh60WQNnAk8wHoOHzO6on-OTYTizZSTqKrktyjJiBoJWkvv3l2PLVXIcokyS6-hmhUnxwRCD79oHBOvoKtYZ-/s1600/abatteur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxxKwmeUx20En8s9fSCcizJ42fFWvBcj-k-USd6FgwEsyiqTTprrd3atxh60WQNnAk8wHoOHzO6on-OTYTizZSTqKrktyjJiBoJWkvv3l2PLVXIcokyS6-hmhUnxwRCD79oHBOvoKtYZ-/s640/abatteur.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Drop Zone for the Abatteur Resistance Group</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">On the
night of the 10<sup>th</sup> May 1944 a tragic event took place that would profoundly
affect the Abatteur group and to this day leaves no one indifferent to the
horrors of World War II and indeed any war.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">The section
chief had received a coded message on Radio London that a parachute drop of
weapons was to take place on the night of the 10<sup>th</sup> May 1944. He
summoned his group and they lit the three beacons for the plane on the drop zone.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Unknown to
them a British bombing raid was taking place over Valance that night and one of
the Wellington Bombers from this raid saw the beacons. The bomber in question
had probably been severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire and was looking for
somewhere to land as the return home seemed impossible. Seeing the beacons and mistaking
them as a Resistance landing strip they decided to give the landing a go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">On the
field the seven men from the resistance group saw the plane fly over at 2am, disappear
and then come back at low altitude and seemingly at full throttle only to watch
it crash into the valley below, now named “La Combe de L’Avion”, The Airplane
Valley. After the crash there was a moment of silence and the men hurried down
to see if there were any survivors, but the silence was brief and a series of
explosions and detonations followed and the zone was too hot to approach. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3a/Vickers-wellington-bomber-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3a/Vickers-wellington-bomber-01.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wellington Bombers in formation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">At dawn the
wreckage revealed the carbonised remains of the four crew at the front of the
plane where the heat was such that even their identity plaques had melted. The identity
of the fifth crew member, the gunner, Eric Howell, in the tail section was readable and it was
this name that allowed the authorities to later identify the rest of the crew.
What shocked the resistance group was that Eric Howell was only 22 years old,
the same age as them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">The burial
of their remains was overseen by the section chief René Char and the rest of
the plane was dismantled and hidden from sight under branches and forest
debris. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">The men
then returned to their duties receiving weapons as the war raged on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">But that
night was never forgotten and as soon as the war ended a monument was put up in
valley in their memory. In 1994 a team from the BBC found the families of the
lost airmen and took them to the site, but I cannot find any information on
this event, if any one knows anything use the comments below of send me an
email.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Every year
on the 10<sup>th</sup> of May a commemoration ceremony takes place in the Combe
de l’Avion to remember those who died there on that tragic night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">The site
can be reached on foot from Chavon though it is not easy to find the start of
the sign posted trail. I asked a farmer who, like everyone in the hamlet showed
me immediately where it was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1j3Dc1vAkaxaZvP3kkqaRy1qxCpMB6-yDrNmzGsFzbE19zgHUGp9gaR4YhUzjb9bLcBifWlZ4Ww16peqPWFF_Nps9KE_mh13agKSYO1JEP6vnXwaBPnUuEuMr9JzcOoL4VRU0hNzhtVNx/s1600/avion02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1j3Dc1vAkaxaZvP3kkqaRy1qxCpMB6-yDrNmzGsFzbE19zgHUGp9gaR4YhUzjb9bLcBifWlZ4Ww16peqPWFF_Nps9KE_mh13agKSYO1JEP6vnXwaBPnUuEuMr9JzcOoL4VRU0hNzhtVNx/s640/avion02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once you find these signs you are on your way!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Once you
see the signs that read “Avion”, Airplane, you are on your way. It is about a mile walk
from the first sign. As you walk you pass the drop zone (photo above) and the
beauty of provence is all around. Lavender fields, dry stone ruins, wild thyme
and a myriad of butterflies reveal themselves as you walk. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuxP0i-8T1ccmUAaExeWthFmt-PRQCswr7plu42qTSHSUake2Y8o1CF5sPmGv2P5qSc6eIvM5APv4Wxs3kOa5qMc1Elp60lzsmow7Ajuo87GjGOfsM4yYeHljTsRw6sRBRskkGZP9NnmD/s1600/dry+stone01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuxP0i-8T1ccmUAaExeWthFmt-PRQCswr7plu42qTSHSUake2Y8o1CF5sPmGv2P5qSc6eIvM5APv4Wxs3kOa5qMc1Elp60lzsmow7Ajuo87GjGOfsM4yYeHljTsRw6sRBRskkGZP9NnmD/s640/dry+stone01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remains of a dry stone hut or barn now inhabited by a tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">When you
reach the site you first see the monument with the inscription which translates
“To the five airmen from the Royal Air Force who fell on the 10<sup>th</sup>
May 1944 for the triumph of liberty. Simiane is grateful”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmRIXkoIOQMp8mh7ipUtXMhYh-9h5OvpSd51mfKMM4RLqQEqD8D4IOXVmhaGNvvNGghV6RA48VafgtqxdJIugM1R0cmN6xZE6VNH04K9tNFM0y5lbmvtd96lDDgZMjXvI-C2byE6K5cmk/s1600/monument01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmRIXkoIOQMp8mh7ipUtXMhYh-9h5OvpSd51mfKMM4RLqQEqD8D4IOXVmhaGNvvNGghV6RA48VafgtqxdJIugM1R0cmN6xZE6VNH04K9tNFM0y5lbmvtd96lDDgZMjXvI-C2byE6K5cmk/s640/monument01.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The monument in "La Combe de L'Avion" with the remains of the wreaths from this years commemoration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Just beyond
the monument is a statue made of the remains of the plane, some melted all held
together by bits of wire, but despite its somewhat rustic aspect, one can’t
help but be moved by the reality of the events that took place here all those years ago. </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0HalkZ4icPGU7KQ0iU1hmQveQAPFGPUBURF5GtOQqO0ygT29aPjqmvgbvZQj56e4WRCMtoblj7422MwdC5fz0PXUk7ABrBwNRpUo4_5wyF5PHXqrh4abYlE9wPtvHBydGODUB9xBpgWU/s1600/statue01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0HalkZ4icPGU7KQ0iU1hmQveQAPFGPUBURF5GtOQqO0ygT29aPjqmvgbvZQj56e4WRCMtoblj7422MwdC5fz0PXUk7ABrBwNRpUo4_5wyF5PHXqrh4abYlE9wPtvHBydGODUB9xBpgWU/s640/statue01.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The statue made of the remnants of the plane. Note the plaques of two of the airmen on the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">The
names of all the members of the crew are on a plaque below the statue and five
plaques can be found spread around the site with their names repeated, maybe symbolising
where they were found on that tragic night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Below are some details of the remains of the plane, note the melted piece in the centre photo.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBH__6CErkw_N4jZ4POWHEUd-382jR7NYhXysE1WQupn9Cf2S8RMwULBa8CEAhzc-QvKYAiV4SbFBSoRvHWWMUgbCsJ9qShIIkfLwyEIJ8oXDrBYxxCO9bXT7FS2EF56Q21_5hIdZL3Ftv/s1600/debris+macro03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBH__6CErkw_N4jZ4POWHEUd-382jR7NYhXysE1WQupn9Cf2S8RMwULBa8CEAhzc-QvKYAiV4SbFBSoRvHWWMUgbCsJ9qShIIkfLwyEIJ8oXDrBYxxCO9bXT7FS2EF56Q21_5hIdZL3Ftv/s320/debris+macro03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxG5RJoxAaRU9XGg_7DemNK0_xtZzNMsndraO1-dK9Q7gHPakJQLSukYIx7rNGE5lOkphBPcCFBLEb2k3nsfrd3EQDHLm7BXIo8LEnv0JUKIv-Gyp2cPe2q7n7-v2kXWDuAZlLfnYwEMg/s1600/debris+macro02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxG5RJoxAaRU9XGg_7DemNK0_xtZzNMsndraO1-dK9Q7gHPakJQLSukYIx7rNGE5lOkphBPcCFBLEb2k3nsfrd3EQDHLm7BXIo8LEnv0JUKIv-Gyp2cPe2q7n7-v2kXWDuAZlLfnYwEMg/s320/debris+macro02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjZ-nhQ5ZcuknRXTam2ywoFkpeQ6XMY3N3le6PZ9KqLvYQ6o1Ml13T4gjb0GyULOovEqE7UjMf1xFESSHF5e7mO5NKpOmUYC_YbzLRyVzJddxbdta7sX_f5cvH7RSJ5v6gKEmx_2r3PUg/s1600/debris+macro01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjZ-nhQ5ZcuknRXTam2ywoFkpeQ6XMY3N3le6PZ9KqLvYQ6o1Ml13T4gjb0GyULOovEqE7UjMf1xFESSHF5e7mO5NKpOmUYC_YbzLRyVzJddxbdta7sX_f5cvH7RSJ5v6gKEmx_2r3PUg/s320/debris+macro01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Their names
were John Huggler 29 years old, pilot ; Harry Lane 28 years old, navigator ;
Neville Green 21 years old, radio; Walter Jackson 21 years old, bomber ; Eric
Howell 22 years old, rear gunner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7W26ynEIdzcEd_MNkpyeEUiFcfFOydW_g_RDUOBELD6B9LsTdITNy8w2nQ4Dzox-tyeTC2ZIUcTECDbOUkkhuwsIdsHi9_MqJrl2Af4ph8N4n4l7ehSPOjYnjBTH1NGGxrf0hVfr-IDt_/s1600/plaque01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7W26ynEIdzcEd_MNkpyeEUiFcfFOydW_g_RDUOBELD6B9LsTdITNy8w2nQ4Dzox-tyeTC2ZIUcTECDbOUkkhuwsIdsHi9_MqJrl2Af4ph8N4n4l7ehSPOjYnjBTH1NGGxrf0hVfr-IDt_/s640/plaque01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The names
of the Resistance Group Abatteur were Raoul Aubert ; Edmée Carretier ; Héloïs
Castor ; Kléber Guillermin ; Pierre Inderkumen ; Léon Michel and Norbert
Vincent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">If you
would like to see this and other sites dedicated to the resistance movement in
Provence contact me using the link on the left.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Also I recommend reading Fiona McIntosh’s novel “The
Lavender Keeper” . You can visit her web site here. </span><a href="http://www.fionamcintosh.com/">http://www.fionamcintosh.com/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-34916439260899163462013-07-09T21:09:00.001+02:002013-07-13T11:11:46.665+02:00Lavender Season 2013 - Plateau d'Albion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmB_V8mJRTR6DZ0rwvUzBlxFkW2JRfAM9LISkHxpkcTB7nFLEWe2VBCk66I_mkelwOIMohh65YV1cmDX_DcT2G83YZ-3FnL8bJBLHJCRr7X2EKj_XrDJceupVsw8jyJV398nai0Yd517C/s1600/lavender+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmB_V8mJRTR6DZ0rwvUzBlxFkW2JRfAM9LISkHxpkcTB7nFLEWe2VBCk66I_mkelwOIMohh65YV1cmDX_DcT2G83YZ-3FnL8bJBLHJCRr7X2EKj_XrDJceupVsw8jyJV398nai0Yd517C/s640/lavender+top.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This year the season got off to a bad start. It rained. And rained. And rained. And then it rained a bit more. At my home we turned off the heating at the start of May!<br />
Provence was not a sunny paradise.<br />
Then the sun did come out and dried the ground and thanks to all the rain Provence turned into a lush, green paradise. The poppy fields that normally appear at the end of May and run into June were two weeks late. The cherry harvest, normally over by now, is still ongoing.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4oVbnyYjX-FNpZ6odCzpqm_i4iak1Xl8QJbCHdHj-pflLcub6eS-OtbWxhu4sRXKK5ba3mPuDrm1AfLThzikf_qrrDKpjouAniNQf9Bj9j-vRwwQJ8rGn22kfLl0gzw1NZdo4FLnK-_8/s1600/poppies_ongles0506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4oVbnyYjX-FNpZ6odCzpqm_i4iak1Xl8QJbCHdHj-pflLcub6eS-OtbWxhu4sRXKK5ba3mPuDrm1AfLThzikf_qrrDKpjouAniNQf9Bj9j-vRwwQJ8rGn22kfLl0gzw1NZdo4FLnK-_8/s400/poppies_ongles0506.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poppies in early June 2013 </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And the lavender is running at least ten days behind schedule maybe more and that is not so great for the lavender producers but for the tourists who want to admire Provence's blue gold it is fantastic, there should be lavender fields in flower to the end of July.<br />
<br />
Today I went for a drive up onto the Plateau d'Albion where you can find fields of true lavender. To make things simple there are two main types of lavender grown in Provence:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>True Lavender. This is used in cosmetic production, perfume industry and aromatherapy. Its yield of essential oil is about 15kg per hectare (2.5 acres). Lavande Fine or True Lavender grows above 800m in order to obtain the AOP (designate origin label). The colours can vary within the same field from plant to plant as each one is genetically unique. </li>
<li>Lavandin. Used for industrial purposes mainly, soaps, washing powders, interior fragrances etc. One hectare of lavandin produces 100kg of essential oil! Lavandin is a natural hybrid from True lavender and Aspic Lavender. It has a higher level of camphor (8% as opposed to 1% for True Lavender) which makes it unsuitable for using on skin or in aromatherapy.</li>
</ol>
<div>
So now you know what is what when it comes to lavender, here are the photos that I took today. </div>
<div>
Enjoy!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjNzclqwhLH1P_kFNwWqZc2hlecm4AMjWFO9kFAE2bhtfevSdyJdKtMietR5ak1TRNfmxHO5kH8CY-hbalMqVmeHLgdgbKsm14M8a6arhZDfVEdCor-DPaY-_PhD2Rw6kziCVCg9AiqH7/s1600/aurel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjNzclqwhLH1P_kFNwWqZc2hlecm4AMjWFO9kFAE2bhtfevSdyJdKtMietR5ak1TRNfmxHO5kH8CY-hbalMqVmeHLgdgbKsm14M8a6arhZDfVEdCor-DPaY-_PhD2Rw6kziCVCg9AiqH7/s400/aurel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The village of Aurel , near Sault. In another two years when the lavender is big this will be THE photo op... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKT4oAbGQnev7M1CgksUdO88orrXVT1qnF2dSVOo8NCBOuSm0ZdmW-frBi5YvKxByrc1GddLT-hg5FZOkx2kPpPCevhbO9yVVX_0-GCNxPAemNzGFz94OIsE_gnq29lFvOBlfNQh6eySrm/s1600/macro+Lavender+and+bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKT4oAbGQnev7M1CgksUdO88orrXVT1qnF2dSVOo8NCBOuSm0ZdmW-frBi5YvKxByrc1GddLT-hg5FZOkx2kPpPCevhbO9yVVX_0-GCNxPAemNzGFz94OIsE_gnq29lFvOBlfNQh6eySrm/s400/macro+Lavender+and+bee.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up shot of true lavender in bloom complete with the photo bomber bee</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxOU3-JMR4piHUW9Xx_hVTLIuid-2c8dNLp6uip6FaIGnJuiYpZ4hZWn24hXuOlseUbIhOvyTAs1z9OOGrXH-46Zqnbv3Q4UsUxW4kuvlu6MeEnGhxqCEn3n0e9zTKdyi60C9kX6XEzn7/s1600/lavander+lavandin002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxOU3-JMR4piHUW9Xx_hVTLIuid-2c8dNLp6uip6FaIGnJuiYpZ4hZWn24hXuOlseUbIhOvyTAs1z9OOGrXH-46Zqnbv3Q4UsUxW4kuvlu6MeEnGhxqCEn3n0e9zTKdyi60C9kX6XEzn7/s400/lavander+lavandin002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">True lavender in the foreground and Lavandin behind. Note how green the trees and fields are in the background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VXVgPk7pIcArIqStcaCuDMatQ1aIsTzT2u8mPIRpO5L3RRVj0n-aDPBuYcSknyZsRHx7UED88xuBt5BztZiSG57Vz_lpumLKQeF0g5_UY-0j5OpxGJryOqwPgJBJt7u0OIDFDZMCbpOG/s1600/lavandin+albion+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VXVgPk7pIcArIqStcaCuDMatQ1aIsTzT2u8mPIRpO5L3RRVj0n-aDPBuYcSknyZsRHx7UED88xuBt5BztZiSG57Vz_lpumLKQeF0g5_UY-0j5OpxGJryOqwPgJBJt7u0OIDFDZMCbpOG/s400/lavandin+albion+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Field of Lavandin </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcL6Xr1If8aY-ZwFtqiv43aGIuFfjvA0Vm3B-4bNjRAAWskIH5i__RugFIEXOhnhyS_QQEcfXkorcMN1IYMVCI1pWl9hLS0Usm037jQNSC_vtJGwg866hnkD0WGQmmIR0PxflfTXUaIG9/s1600/lavender_Borie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcL6Xr1If8aY-ZwFtqiv43aGIuFfjvA0Vm3B-4bNjRAAWskIH5i__RugFIEXOhnhyS_QQEcfXkorcMN1IYMVCI1pWl9hLS0Usm037jQNSC_vtJGwg866hnkD0WGQmmIR0PxflfTXUaIG9/s400/lavender_Borie.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical dry stone hut (Borie) in a young lavender field</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiks_dXlS6jsjhE3lRKViX1ErEcyNcsvhTVxdPMZL9gd0ZpkkybR0t4GUPXN1SJyXOKc1ECUsoYajyExSi_LED62tOVqmTBvoYku-PWBNJVjbtOvv8u52abqzZBpUSHMqwRiH2uHsxBtG6B/s1600/true+lavender+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiks_dXlS6jsjhE3lRKViX1ErEcyNcsvhTVxdPMZL9gd0ZpkkybR0t4GUPXN1SJyXOKc1ECUsoYajyExSi_LED62tOVqmTBvoYku-PWBNJVjbtOvv8u52abqzZBpUSHMqwRiH2uHsxBtG6B/s400/true+lavender+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A luscious field of True Lavender </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfl99ou43JU0rwBBPSKxkjO67FreRQyucYh1kqdka4QSG2sKHm1x0BQsfx0sGzQlV1hSBRLLA9Xr5s0ojSaj2pKGPNbvh3nMcF5BQUWL7qUN14JlKfsAP5MHKm_NLjOL4DKbxE4wbSYI3/s1600/true+lavender+and+lavandin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfl99ou43JU0rwBBPSKxkjO67FreRQyucYh1kqdka4QSG2sKHm1x0BQsfx0sGzQlV1hSBRLLA9Xr5s0ojSaj2pKGPNbvh3nMcF5BQUWL7qUN14JlKfsAP5MHKm_NLjOL4DKbxE4wbSYI3/s400/true+lavender+and+lavandin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot the difference! Lavandin and True Lavender.</td></tr>
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If you would like to visit the lavender fields of Provence I will personally be guiding private tours this coming month. Contact me using the link on the right.</div>
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Also take a look at my other lavender posts from last year :</div>
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<a href="http://blog.unique-provence.com/2012/07/in-footsteps-of-lavender-pickers.html" target="_blank">In the Footsteps of the Lavender pickers.</a> A bit of history, and how to distil lavender.</div>
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<a href="http://blog.unique-provence.com/2012/06/latest-pics-from-our-flickr-page.html" target="_blank">New Lavender Photos.</a> Also with some information on the threat that lavender is facing. </div>
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...and several photo posts as well. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-35701614140157465062013-07-08T14:21:00.000+02:002013-07-08T14:21:12.818+02:00Summer in Provence 2013 <h3>
A Few Pictures of Summer in Provence...</h3>
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I'm afraid I haven't had an awful lot of time to post new articles. The subject matter is there, but our services for made to measure travel in Provence have become rather sought after. </div>
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But I always have my camera with me when I am on the move so here are a few pictures taken over the last couple of weeks so you can see what I have been up to and which may well explain why Provence is so very popular.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9ji2okRH6OLsvcKQwhnxF3pxzK5VUTY-nZjjEgRLo2yykbkqeZM02HfVou3ciZWw3F7NlxMB9N6IqnbzkP4oFrR4MKe9DeR-cFW1KrNauu105JIn7wP_ppbZZWWtDBsfV2gGtS-1RJVo/s1600/mucem_natre+dame+major.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9ji2okRH6OLsvcKQwhnxF3pxzK5VUTY-nZjjEgRLo2yykbkqeZM02HfVou3ciZWw3F7NlxMB9N6IqnbzkP4oFrR4MKe9DeR-cFW1KrNauu105JIn7wP_ppbZZWWtDBsfV2gGtS-1RJVo/s400/mucem_natre+dame+major.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">14th June, Marseille, the MuCem with Notre Dame de La Major behind, or, When Old meets New</td></tr>
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Marseille is the big subject this year, you can see my post <a href="http://blog.unique-provence.com/2013/02/marseille-2013-getting-ready.html" target="_blank">Marseille 2013 - Getting Ready</a> to see why. As European Capital of the year the city has indeed undergone a transformation and I can recommend a stroll arround the Old Port past the Fort St Jean and to the J 4 the name given to the area where the MuCem (Museum of Civilizations From Europe and the Mediterranean) is to be found. There is a man with a trolley who sells cold drinks and peanuts salted (a lot) by him. Everything is a Euro or at least was when I last saw him! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuvwLeUyByC2ZE7JxX1GPOcTc0oQURgpZW8MmqznpkgmRX8YJCuwte8mNHO_GI83Lhf412USE03GTnm_WX4SKuDuZnTsZgU_kPJvEJustXlBbFj8HeeWc1qSEBWsyIBaS-JEa2kxc80P-/s1600/palais+des+papes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuvwLeUyByC2ZE7JxX1GPOcTc0oQURgpZW8MmqznpkgmRX8YJCuwte8mNHO_GI83Lhf412USE03GTnm_WX4SKuDuZnTsZgU_kPJvEJustXlBbFj8HeeWc1qSEBWsyIBaS-JEa2kxc80P-/s400/palais+des+papes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">21st June, The Papal Palace of Avignon</td></tr>
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When in Provence there are certain monuments and sights that cannot be missed, despite the crowds and the Papal Palace of Avignon is one. It's a bit like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. A very good audioguide is available in most languages so you can visit at you own rhythm. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiC8Pe3luUaAruBeyvHbjeGly2xfB2SRF-SmtjdYpxOOH2pBOGYHDTUnJNMgclkQx4Xos5c8oJh8a4HovvWFQf0DT7UxTr6KJkVqOMWLd0tdM01tvrR2UgCGzVrvvt79eToEhIPVrHqQW/s1600/senanque_27_06_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiC8Pe3luUaAruBeyvHbjeGly2xfB2SRF-SmtjdYpxOOH2pBOGYHDTUnJNMgclkQx4Xos5c8oJh8a4HovvWFQf0DT7UxTr6KJkVqOMWLd0tdM01tvrR2UgCGzVrvvt79eToEhIPVrHqQW/s400/senanque_27_06_13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">27th June The Abbey of Sénanque near Gordes</td></tr>
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Another site difficult to avoid is the 12th Century Abbey of Senanque near Gordes. Here the visits are guided and in French. However many come to see the Abbey from the outside and the lavender fields that grow there. The produce from these fields can be purchased in the Abbey shop.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7nr89zoOQR-k4UEXg1KLJ2frvoknFoIpX-PghvQEzn_Z9NOd9RLxTtX6br2Qby7RjVtEMzcua6rn3115mThzSl4q6xPnqzWYKPPaY0EiKWTPwEzd2HTNvPuqPoq6ZjNhNycUTeL7SxML/s1600/market+lourmarin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7nr89zoOQR-k4UEXg1KLJ2frvoknFoIpX-PghvQEzn_Z9NOd9RLxTtX6br2Qby7RjVtEMzcua6rn3115mThzSl4q6xPnqzWYKPPaY0EiKWTPwEzd2HTNvPuqPoq6ZjNhNycUTeL7SxML/s400/market+lourmarin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">28th June, Market in Lourmarin</td></tr>
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The Provençal market! need I say more. Why markets seem more colourful in Provence than elsewhere in France I don't know. I'm not convinced that they do really... The Lourmarin market is great and is on every Friday.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xR8X6clTcdrwCrJlk4yxesVkRlcn_XZpWsnu5_596HknIm8nJ6BGn_uAZ-dWMbhqyVCSS2MiDkcSud7pxxE5hYUo8lBprBSLA9RxN2OBSbImJrAdi97X4isePWREzszoNzSWQjTwT0x8/s1600/golf+Niozelles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xR8X6clTcdrwCrJlk4yxesVkRlcn_XZpWsnu5_596HknIm8nJ6BGn_uAZ-dWMbhqyVCSS2MiDkcSud7pxxE5hYUo8lBprBSLA9RxN2OBSbImJrAdi97X4isePWREzszoNzSWQjTwT0x8/s400/golf+Niozelles.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">28th June, Opening of the new Pitch and Put at Niozelles</td></tr>
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Here is a new project that is already gaining in popularity. If the idea of 18 holes on some of the regions most prestigious courses appeals then give me a call! But if you would like to spend an afternoon on a 9 hole Pitch and Put course set in a very pretty valley then come to Niozelles near Forcalquier. Warning! Most of the buildings are still being finished so it looks like a bit of a building site when you arrive but don't let that put you off, the course is fantastic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_X6PnG7YECXRThpvPsl76p6fZlQRiH3HLVcZPDDZnUet2pojACLpVekNm9Yh4CmEpqhT-alR7wIzhD5pbwnOcnpP4wRSS4ywJftuHeaSOOSinlZjEuBNLitASiZfK8qkt-CBVaXQYWws/s1600/bird+lavender+marseille.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_X6PnG7YECXRThpvPsl76p6fZlQRiH3HLVcZPDDZnUet2pojACLpVekNm9Yh4CmEpqhT-alR7wIzhD5pbwnOcnpP4wRSS4ywJftuHeaSOOSinlZjEuBNLitASiZfK8qkt-CBVaXQYWws/s400/bird+lavender+marseille.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3rd July, A Lavender field in Marseille</td></tr>
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Ok, in the photo it could be anywhere, but I couldn't resist this close up of a very happy sparrow finding his lunch in the 4000 lavender plants on the port of Marseille.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib43Tgg5gimkX3zELt0mx76fegX8QCCDkZwYH8js2fNnT8gUXoAGRPYy6Yl83G6ucYGMTlvZAKK_Dk7xoBvsAf_pE5jxfa4lK2fL6uIlyfhtpSYybRqrx-ZWAbl0Gh7Vbu6ZU6caBZcse-/s1600/dali+in+marseille.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib43Tgg5gimkX3zELt0mx76fegX8QCCDkZwYH8js2fNnT8gUXoAGRPYy6Yl83G6ucYGMTlvZAKK_Dk7xoBvsAf_pE5jxfa4lK2fL6uIlyfhtpSYybRqrx-ZWAbl0Gh7Vbu6ZU6caBZcse-/s400/dali+in+marseille.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3rd July, Soggy watches in Marseille...must be Dali</td></tr>
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As I said earlier in this post, Marseille is the place to be this year! At the moment a series of slulptures based on Salvador Dali's work can be found all over the Old Port. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4JbxqOoQrQV8Dvz7yhz4tiexmNgiTQgif8IMRl3V7QHXc4cbUWGaFC3b_NjoJYNYyPKLb9L-Hkm-Yz1ANwr55-MYok_5f6y_0nuOErIoyUd7XcAyjIoJf7Kc44NIqHnXrfvEatfIuSUh/s1600/lavande+luberon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4JbxqOoQrQV8Dvz7yhz4tiexmNgiTQgif8IMRl3V7QHXc4cbUWGaFC3b_NjoJYNYyPKLb9L-Hkm-Yz1ANwr55-MYok_5f6y_0nuOErIoyUd7XcAyjIoJf7Kc44NIqHnXrfvEatfIuSUh/s400/lavande+luberon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5th July, Lavender field at Saint Martin de Castillon </td></tr>
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Driving home I thought I would take a peek at the state of the lavender in the Luberon valley. I particularly liked the view in this photo taken close to the village of St Martin de Castillon on the noth side of the valley. Opposite is the Luberon mountain and the village of Castellet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uZEnyCyiYem_dF8GM3eAovnfTwhgriQbos84q6iwsVRa8HB97TWv1GBUuw2eGBY0MVw1-ASUojPu6SRDtxMgl4snZDQKB6R8LDPlclJDcH4ytIbfPHUBHPYRj8Awk8TbjggyJYENlMx4/s1600/landing+sylvabelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uZEnyCyiYem_dF8GM3eAovnfTwhgriQbos84q6iwsVRa8HB97TWv1GBUuw2eGBY0MVw1-ASUojPu6SRDtxMgl4snZDQKB6R8LDPlclJDcH4ytIbfPHUBHPYRj8Awk8TbjggyJYENlMx4/s400/landing+sylvabelle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ballooning in Provence, at the landing...</td></tr>
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Last Saturday I piloted the small L'Occitane en Provence balloon for a film. I particularly enjoyed the flight, the weather was perfect, and the wind carried us on one of the best routes in the region for balloons. The closer balloon is the one that I talk about in my last post <a href="http://blog.unique-provence.com/2013/05/hot-air-ballooning-in-provence.html" target="_blank">Hot Air Ballooning in Provence</a><div>
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So there you have it my ramblings for the last few weeks, I will try and sit down and get something a bit more topical on paper as soon as possible.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-73893338017533188072013-05-30T15:46:00.000+02:002013-06-08T16:07:41.088+02:00Hot Air Ballooning in Provence<div style="text-align: justify;">
I never thought I would ever write an article on Hot Air Ballooning in Provence! Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't like it, au contraire, I have been flying hot air balloons commercially in France since 1991 and I continue to do so on an occasional basis as it is in my blood!</div>
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However there is one thing that I do not enjoy, or at least I had convinced myself something to that effect, and that is being a passenger. This is why I have only ever been in the passenger seat two or three times in the last 22 years and that is why I could never write an article on the joys of a Hot Air Balloon ride in Provence, because my perspective is that of a pilot. </div>
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Last week all that changed...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/8740355527_46f3bca01c_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hot Air Balloon Ride in Provence" border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/8740355527_46f3bca01c_h.jpg" title="Hot Air Balloon Shadow in Provence" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shadow of our hot air balloon over the thyme and lavender growing wild in the Garrigue near Mane en Provence</td></tr>
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I had booked places for a balloon ride in Provence as I was receiving a journalist and there is no better way to admire the region than on a hot air balloon ride and of course this meant that I would have to fly as well. </div>
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I met the balloon team at 06:15AM and remembered another reason why I had stopped ballooning full time! The balloon we were flying in was the biggest of France Montgolfières balloon fleet and the latest of the L'Occitane en Provence hot air balloons. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/8740488907_d0ee0d6e20_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hot Air Ballooning in Provence" border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/8740488907_d0ee0d6e20_h.jpg" title="L'Occitane en Provence Hot Air Balloon" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the L'Occitane en Provence Hot Air Balloon</td></tr>
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The pilot was Max Duncomb who I have known for a long time (we both worked as ground crew for Buddy Bombard's balloon adventures in 1990) so I knew I was in good hands. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiev8UOJLSpuawQ7v_72O1V9kM5X_Y72eZbvfO7_VtRq-Aba2v0Kb2RStpL3ixFKjUlPcg9eMN3DuiZZC4cf5vT3-oXprSNa5EmEn1rBFmHY9IGCSm3V30GLKuYHiOzaNTPCuzutwTiIVFI/s1600/max_closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hot Air Ballooning in Provence" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiev8UOJLSpuawQ7v_72O1V9kM5X_Y72eZbvfO7_VtRq-Aba2v0Kb2RStpL3ixFKjUlPcg9eMN3DuiZZC4cf5vT3-oXprSNa5EmEn1rBFmHY9IGCSm3V30GLKuYHiOzaNTPCuzutwTiIVFI/s640/max_closeup.jpg" title="Hot Air Balloon Ride in Provence" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our pilot Max concentrating on his task. </td></tr>
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Max has a vast experience and has flown all over the world, but watching him prepare the balloon, inspect it and inflate it as a mere onlooker just seemed a bit strange, but very soon a bizarre transformation occurred and I became a passenger, I listened to the pre flight safety briefing instead of purposely chatting to the crew just to show that I knew it all. I felt strangely excited as the huge balloon left the ground and slowly took the skies, even though I had done so as a pilot well over a thousand times. I marvelled at the Alps, silhouetted in the distance, photographed the Mont Ventoux and the Montagne de Lure for the umpteenth time. I even think I went "wow" as Max demonstrated his skill as he played in the gardens of the Prieuré de Salagon, barely brushing the treetops. I waved to onlookers and I <i>nearly</i> clapped at the perfectly smooth landing (some claim that I did, but that is pushing it a bit!).</div>
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A few photos from my Provence Hot Air Balloon Flight</h3>
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I really enjoyed it, and will do it again, as a passenger but only if I am sure of the experience of the person flying the balloon, which is a no brainer! Luckily France Montgolfières has the strictest rules for pilot selection in the country, every pilot has experience outside of France stretching across the five continents. The in house training is rigorous and the company has been around and has an unblemished record for over 25 years which in itself is almost enough. Of course I have worked for them for many years and so my appreciation could be considered biased by some. It is not. However I do work with other balloon companies in Provence whom I have flown with and can vouch for personally. Their links are at the bottom of this post. </div>
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Hot Air Ballooning in Provence is magical, the weather is more often than not perfect (OK this Spring has been wet windy and generally awful, but it is very green!) and you really can see the Alps and the Mediterranean from the basket on a clear day. Flights are only programmed in the mornings so be ready for a ridiculously early wake up call, but it is worth every minute!</div>
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When I was flying I used to get asked questions on the best times of the year to fly etc. and my answers would be fairly vague as we needed passengers all year round, so I would sell the merits of all the seasons, never putting one ahead of another. But there are a few moments in the year not to be missed, and these are mine in order of preference. </div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>The end of Spring/ beginning of Summer.</b> (end of May and beginning of June... ie. Now) After the spring showers (this year it's downpours) the nature in Provence comes to life like nowhere else. Wild orchids, flowering thyme, the bright green fresh leaves on the local stumpy oaks, little lambs gambolling in the fields (they go great with the wild thyme!), the last snow on the Alps and because the temperatures are not at their maximum there is less haze and the visibility is often very good. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mid-Autumn.</b> Haute Provence, indeed Provence in general, is a very wooded area, and the trees are mostly deciduous. The colours of Autumn are stunning and the other added advantage is that the sun rises later so the morning wake up call is a bit more civilised! To see what I mean about the colours see this post : <a href="http://blog.unique-provence.com/2012/11/autumn-colours-of-luberon.html" target="_blank">Autumn Colours of the Luberon</a></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Lavender season.</b> First of all let me issue a warning. Since Hot Air Balloons cannot be steered, there is no guarantee that you will fly over a Lavender field. But to tell you the truth it doesn't really matter. The pilot will always try to choose a take off spot which will allow you to fly over the fields but as you climb up into the sky you don't look down, you look around you, and there you will see the purple fields making up the patchwork of Provence. Once you have flown and have been able to appreciate the importance of the lavender harvest, then I recommend you get in your car (or book a tour with me!) and discover the lavender close up. Ballooning allows you to see things from a different point of view, and to approach things from a safe distance (like lions in the Masai Mara). But when it comes to a crop like lavender in Provence, or vines in Burgundy you get an overall vision of the beauty of the region before discovering it by yourself on the ground, which is not as easy with the lions in the Masai Mara!</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>The rest of the year!</b> Yes, although the highlights of the season are listed above ballooning in Provence is always a magical moment and is a "must do" when you next visit.</li>
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Here are a few photos of ballooning in Provence that I have taken over the years and at the end some useful links for your next hot air balloon ride in Provence. Click on the photos to enlarge them.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJTUDlXW_iPpIFj5hSrWmfXk6W7RSrI3jYD_B_W4Ctz8W9bCq9wRdTeM__2wMzEYQpgxFS1J3t1zG-n_9CeYoa_IPxgvY2GtbxSMOwLj3uoiXrEbiH63eir88a2EmbEKKi9tSmgWizvRA/s1600/Balloon+and+Pigeons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJTUDlXW_iPpIFj5hSrWmfXk6W7RSrI3jYD_B_W4Ctz8W9bCq9wRdTeM__2wMzEYQpgxFS1J3t1zG-n_9CeYoa_IPxgvY2GtbxSMOwLj3uoiXrEbiH63eir88a2EmbEKKi9tSmgWizvRA/s400/Balloon+and+Pigeons.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Forcalquier Balloon alarming the pigeons as it flies past the citadelle of the town.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeUaDYBCmkgjanwYQJXR79iZ9C1K6DT3eBS4vb09UR9eznEBhB0wMOldLTc0hdb9y_9Cl0vyTsfvHOXmXe-2arpFUF9SzmqAt0clPGPtG5ZSwNLE-1NgKexSjuZ1ukAQ6kef5BztsJCsN/s1600/banon01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hot Air Ballooning Provence" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeUaDYBCmkgjanwYQJXR79iZ9C1K6DT3eBS4vb09UR9eznEBhB0wMOldLTc0hdb9y_9Cl0vyTsfvHOXmXe-2arpFUF9SzmqAt0clPGPtG5ZSwNLE-1NgKexSjuZ1ukAQ6kef5BztsJCsN/s400/banon01.jpg" title="Hot Air Balloon Ride Provence over Laver fields at Banon" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Banon in summer with the Lavender in Flower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0G02hN7n2qqZg-m60z9VYCWD6FX_HDzYzimkm1gLkCbbArOcVm6G9CX8I9Wwrj2kRd2dzfBP9C2GigGX4lrLUWY6Bn4xIt2NQhJBqcl011dKcFpAHeCLWQGd1nyMvu1zVg3nC5gQW34TQ/s1600/lavande.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hot Air Ballooning Provence" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0G02hN7n2qqZg-m60z9VYCWD6FX_HDzYzimkm1gLkCbbArOcVm6G9CX8I9Wwrj2kRd2dzfBP9C2GigGX4lrLUWY6Bn4xIt2NQhJBqcl011dKcFpAHeCLWQGd1nyMvu1zVg3nC5gQW34TQ/s400/lavande.jpg" title="Hot Air Ballooning Provence Lavender fields near Banon" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ballooning over lavender fields at La Rochegiron near Banon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_bqCEL1q3Ssvy8tz9zVZwWZJH1yXaPJ7ajLEJaKBb9Nc6H7A6AKOQERoQf6w55d3mkUSG1fIR1vaa8u3ZSm0SqUu5PS7QCGnoopRle-ZnbePHcZxH1MNs4YgXmE3-EgzdM8XZaOU2fDj/s1600/lavende.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hot Air Ballooning Provence" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_bqCEL1q3Ssvy8tz9zVZwWZJH1yXaPJ7ajLEJaKBb9Nc6H7A6AKOQERoQf6w55d3mkUSG1fIR1vaa8u3ZSm0SqUu5PS7QCGnoopRle-ZnbePHcZxH1MNs4YgXmE3-EgzdM8XZaOU2fDj/s400/lavende.jpg" title="Hot Air Balloon Ride in Provence" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fields of Lavender and also Clary sage (the light pink ones)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balloon with Banon and the Mont Ventoux</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LdhN3fQF7CJrzmqGlgA4r1PvwtMDTH6m6B-9gprw9EwrLMQzc150jBE5jc8ob9dPVqr0mrK1JsKj1_4SYU5OFISwukWrI7kC5ebQ2H-I0mmbe4zkfy0L1blOhhrVePcNQD6g49BRk24O/s1600/winter_lure_alps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hot Air Ballooning Provence" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LdhN3fQF7CJrzmqGlgA4r1PvwtMDTH6m6B-9gprw9EwrLMQzc150jBE5jc8ob9dPVqr0mrK1JsKj1_4SYU5OFISwukWrI7kC5ebQ2H-I0mmbe4zkfy0L1blOhhrVePcNQD6g49BRk24O/s400/winter_lure_alps.jpg" title="Hot Air Ballooning in Provence" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flight at the start of the season with the Alps in the background and the Montagne de Lure in the foreground still with their snowy winter coats on. </td></tr>
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Here is a video made for France 3 TV channel in 2007 with me flying during the Lavender season. Also it features a fantastic initiative to use draw horses and carts as chase vehicles. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">A few words for those that are scared.</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">On the 10th July 1987 I was more or less forced into getting into a balloon (I was a ground crew) as they needed some weight. I am scared of heights, terrified in fact so I closed my eyes for the first 10 minutes, then I looked at my feet and finally I looked out. No vertigo, no panicking it was amazing. Since that that day I have been able to convince many "scared" people to fly and they have all been so thankful. The reason you do not, indeed<i> cannot</i> suffer from vertigo in a hot air balloon is that you are not in contact with the ground. Trust me, I can't look down a stairwell without feeling dizzy and yet am perfectly comfortable in a hot air balloon basket (or aeroplane or any flying machine for that matter) Remember we are talking about vertigo here, i.e. the fear of heights. Since I have been flying I have welcomed more than 10 000 passengers into my balloons and have never had to land because someone was too scared. I have had nervous passengers, plenty, if they were none it would be bizarre. So if you love the photos in this post but you hesitate because of your fear of heights, don't. Make sure the pilot knows and he or she will help you, reassure you and you will not regret it, believe me!</span></div>
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Unique Provence can create a personalised balloon experience for you in your own private basket with our ballooning partners, including hotel reservations and transfers. For more information contact us using the link on the right.</div>
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If you want to go for a hot air balloon ride in Provence (and elsewhere in France) then I recommend you contact <a href="http://www.france-balloons.com/?cle_part=1037-148&cle_part=1037-148" target="_blank">France Montgolfières</a> who I have worked for and with over the last 25 years, on busy days you may even get me flying you!. </div>
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Also in Provence you can contact <a href="http://www.montgolfiere-luberon.com/" target="_blank">Vol Terre</a> and <a href="http://www.aero-provence.com/en/ballone.htm" target="_blank">Aeronefs et Aerostats de Provence</a> both run by personal friends and very competent pilots. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-43047217651303692182013-05-16T16:50:00.001+02:002013-05-16T16:50:38.029+02:00Aix en Provence Flower Market<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8741378564/in/set-72157633485455117/" title="Aix en Provence Flower Market 01" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/8741378564_109ceeb599_s.jpg" alt="Aix en Provence Flower Market 01" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8741380644/in/set-72157633485455117/" title="Aix en Provence Flower Market 02" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/8741380644_fae9be72ac_s.jpg" alt="Aix en Provence Flower Market 02" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8740265419/in/set-72157633485455117/" title="Aix en Provence Flower Market 03" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/8740265419_a0b93b21db_s.jpg" alt="Aix en Provence Flower Market 03" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8741385230/in/set-72157633485455117/" title="Aix en Provence Flower Market 04" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/8741385230_47d3ae227a_s.jpg" alt="Aix en Provence Flower Market 04" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8741423778/in/set-72157633485455117/" title="Aix en Provence Flower Market 05" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/8741423778_d86f4cafd1_s.jpg" alt="Aix en Provence Flower Market 05" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8741421784/in/set-72157633485455117/" title="Aix en Provence Flower Market 06" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/8741421784_4bd2732700_s.jpg" alt="Aix en Provence Flower Market 06" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8741425584/in/set-72157633485455117/" title="Aix en Provence Flower Market 07" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/8741425584_823889eda2_s.jpg" alt="Aix en Provence Flower Market 07" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8740309841/in/set-72157633485455117/" title="Aix en Provence Flower Market 08" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/8740309841_b79d080f1e_s.jpg" alt="Aix en Provence Flower Market 08" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8740312607/in/set-72157633485455117/" title="Aix en Provence Flower Market 09" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8740312607_579bd788c1_s.jpg" alt="Aix en Provence Flower Market 09" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8740315437/in/set-72157633485455117/" title="Aix en Provence Flower Market 10" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/8740315437_c751ccf568_s.jpg" alt="Aix en Provence Flower Market 10" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><div style="padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><div style="padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/sets/72157633485455117/">Aix en Provence Flower Market</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div><p>Here are a few new additions to our Flickr set on the flower market in Aix en Provence. Tuesday is a perfect day to visit the town as the markets are all in full swing and the colours, smells and activity are quite simply spectacular! </p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-12739841499102703332013-05-09T12:12:00.000+02:002013-05-09T18:28:44.376+02:00Photo (s) of the Day - Flowering Wild Thyme in Provence<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nKQLliARhIOhVelDdKw4pm_fYLtPPprS0_9uqtwdXSvvm3BpdrLAjAYlQzJQmQAmTm31KEeaFUzkXKnG9ouaY7l0jYkxU-A-jvfQ26HIpmJcynVRp-YNznWjjMc5eiL8cajo5SHAmcYB/s1600/thyme_flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nKQLliARhIOhVelDdKw4pm_fYLtPPprS0_9uqtwdXSvvm3BpdrLAjAYlQzJQmQAmTm31KEeaFUzkXKnG9ouaY7l0jYkxU-A-jvfQ26HIpmJcynVRp-YNznWjjMc5eiL8cajo5SHAmcYB/s640/thyme_flower.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As you are all beginning to realise, I am very partial to the nature that surrounds me and never miss an occasion to get out and photograph what makes Provence so very special.<br />
One of the key moments in spring is the flowering of the wild thyme. The pink flowers give off a subtle perfume, and serve as a delicious flavouring as well as a decorative garnish on many a plate during this period. It is also picked to make Farigoule, a thyme liqueur which is a very effective digestive after a big meal. I will be picking thyme flowers this weekend to make my annual supply of home made Farigoule but you can buy it from the Distilleries et Domaines de Provence; you can visit their website here.<br />
<a href="http://www.distilleries-provence.com/" target="_blank">www.distilleries-provence.com </a><br />
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Here are a couple of photos taken this morning showing some interesting creatures I found in amongst the wild Thyme.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwB6OOm2IwqHpbsZxNWTP0PpRXBEmFuHRF2HF9GVT8dcVelcI8sXp0l8QySzH9oQkEpq6YUUiYNyopURTVMcsZeiepV3yfb2jDWI7LhcBFbbyzxXBI-hFYfCRGiGbD6FL4bz2H7i5hn5P/s1600/thyme_bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwB6OOm2IwqHpbsZxNWTP0PpRXBEmFuHRF2HF9GVT8dcVelcI8sXp0l8QySzH9oQkEpq6YUUiYNyopURTVMcsZeiepV3yfb2jDWI7LhcBFbbyzxXBI-hFYfCRGiGbD6FL4bz2H7i5hn5P/s640/thyme_bee.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The honey made from the thyme flowers is particularly sought after and the bees are hard at work!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItKX0GG4iMYBCPuEyf8PeWI8rZRDGchD_u25RtoH6MyWveKBi9y1GFMTAOdgz2qGJQR1X_jED-6IIypPDWeMcite0ZjvggWk1pAtXMoYq9HxEqkxo2M-MYyv2pVOODcel2q6nv3TOQA6U/s1600/mantis_thyme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItKX0GG4iMYBCPuEyf8PeWI8rZRDGchD_u25RtoH6MyWveKBi9y1GFMTAOdgz2qGJQR1X_jED-6IIypPDWeMcite0ZjvggWk1pAtXMoYq9HxEqkxo2M-MYyv2pVOODcel2q6nv3TOQA6U/s640/mantis_thyme.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close encounter of the third kind!? A very weird looking Praying Mantis, having a pray...</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-59662793393202570602013-04-30T15:38:00.001+02:002013-04-30T15:38:22.353+02:00Aix en Provence Photo Set<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8683546252/in/set-72157633341008159/" title="Statue Paul Cezanne" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8391/8683546252_8be5f0fc84_s.jpg" alt="Statue Paul Cezanne" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682435295/in/set-72157633341008159/" title="La Rotonde" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8386/8682435295_1dc52e98af_s.jpg" alt="La Rotonde" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682436923/in/set-72157633341008159/" title="Detail Rotonde001" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8682436923_b54e18331e_s.jpg" alt="Detail Rotonde001" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8683551304/in/set-72157633341008159/" title="Detail Rotonde002" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8542/8683551304_4b5f37caf4_s.jpg" alt="Detail Rotonde002" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8683553056/in/set-72157633341008159/" title="Fontaine Albertas" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8253/8683553056_61c69cd5ca_s.jpg" alt="Fontaine Albertas" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682442273/in/set-72157633341008159/" title="Strawberries for sale!" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8391/8682442273_95c038d1cf_s.jpg" alt="Strawberries for sale!" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682443929/in/set-72157633341008159/" title="Shutters - Quartier Mazarin" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8403/8682443929_054d304ce8_s.jpg" alt="Shutters - Quartier Mazarin" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682445721/in/set-72157633341008159/" title="Musée Granet Aix en Provence" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8682445721_615534fb62_s.jpg" alt="Musée Granet Aix en Provence" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8683560542/in/set-72157633341008159/" title="Quartier Mazarin" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8397/8683560542_9066f38548_s.jpg" alt="Quartier Mazarin" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8683562292/in/set-72157633341008159/" title="Fontaine Moussue Aix en Provence" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8683562292_2049dca69f_s.jpg" alt="Fontaine Moussue Aix en Provence" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682451419/in/set-72157633341008159/" title="La Rotonde 002" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8682451419_f2070d552e_s.jpg" alt="La Rotonde 002" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><div style="padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/sets/72157633341008159/">Aix en Provence</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div><p>A few more photos added to our Aix en Provence photo set...</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-13062632543097357032013-04-29T10:21:00.000+02:002013-04-29T10:21:05.404+02:00France Frolic 2013 - Jennie's Blog on her recent trip with Unique Provence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://francefrolic2013.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/arrival-in-nice/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://francefrolic2013.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/france-frolic-header.jpg" width="400" /></a><span id="goog_714432977"></span><span id="goog_714432978"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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It's always nice to get feedback from clients and agents after they have used our services, but the Blog has transformed a quick email to say thanks to a complete blow by blow account of what they experienced.<br />
In that category is Jennie's France Frolic 2013 on a recent tour to Provence followed by a Rhone river cruise and some time in Paris. I was asked to put together the Provence part of the trip and Jennie tells all in her blog along with the photos.<br />
It's a fun way to share you holiday with friends and family and also to inspire others. Setting up a blog is easy, even I managed it, so I hope that Jennie's blog (or Blogs as there are more than one!) will inspire other travellers to share their experiences on the internet.<br />
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To find Jennie's Blog follow the following links : <a href="http://francefrolic2013.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/arrival-in-nice/" target="_blank">France Frolic 2013</a> and also <a href="http://gotmyreservations.com/" target="_blank">Got My Reservations</a> and <a href="http://thedishroom.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Seasoned Dish</a><br />
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And thanks again Jennie!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-34661959895545626872013-04-26T12:37:00.001+02:002013-04-26T12:37:13.368+02:00Latest Photo set of Marseille<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8683251352/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Marché des Poissons Marseille 04" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8381/8683251352_d06e9d55e9_s.jpg" alt="Marché des Poissons Marseille 04" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682136657/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Marché des Poissons Marseille 03" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8682136657_f45d5accb0_s.jpg" alt="Marché des Poissons Marseille 03" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8683244272/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Marché des Poissons Marseille 02" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8683244272_616dbd15c0_s.jpg" alt="Marché des Poissons Marseille 02" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682129481/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Marché des Poissons Marseille" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8256/8682129481_2a71afc8c8_s.jpg" alt="Marché des Poissons Marseille" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8683248720/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Palais Longchamp, Marseille 02" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8394/8683248720_6da28ff75e_s.jpg" alt="Palais Longchamp, Marseille 02" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8683246728/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Palais Longchamp, Marseille 01" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8683246728_c916e4125a_s.jpg" alt="Palais Longchamp, Marseille 01" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682132009/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Notre Dame de La Major, Marseille" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8387/8682132009_03789bcd48_s.jpg" alt="Notre Dame de La Major, Marseille" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682163789/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Iles Frioul et Chateau d'If" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8391/8682163789_928f90b5ba_s.jpg" alt="Iles Frioul et Chateau d'If" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8683282718/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Inside_Notre_Dame_de_la_Garde001" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8117/8683282718_12f9925a20_s.jpg" alt="Inside_Notre_Dame_de_la_Garde001" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682168595/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Inside_Notre_Dame_de_la_Garde002" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8260/8682168595_43f2660ddb_s.jpg" alt="Inside_Notre_Dame_de_la_Garde002" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8683281318/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Inside_Notre_Dame_de_la_Garde003" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8540/8683281318_cc3535f477_s.jpg" alt="Inside_Notre_Dame_de_la_Garde003" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682166965/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Inside_Notre_Dame_de_la_Garde004" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8381/8682166965_5340db3aa4_s.jpg" alt="Inside_Notre_Dame_de_la_Garde004" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8683279662/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Notre_Dame_de_la_Garde_detail001" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8538/8683279662_aa5e6dc1aa_s.jpg" alt="Notre_Dame_de_la_Garde_detail001" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8683279190/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Notre_Dame_de_la_Garde_detail002" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8387/8683279190_877d33ceb1_s.jpg" alt="Notre_Dame_de_la_Garde_detail002" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8683278538/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Port Marseille de La Garde" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8266/8683278538_6f6350752a_s.jpg" alt="Port Marseille de La Garde" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682163267/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Port Marseille de La Garde_pano" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8682163267_f149c2ed5d_s.jpg" alt="Port Marseille de La Garde_pano" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8683358730/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="savonnerie_licorne" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8683358730_66350dc4b2_s.jpg" alt="savonnerie_licorne" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8683360312/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="reflets_vieux_port" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8264/8683360312_1ed21bba8b_s.jpg" alt="reflets_vieux_port" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682247649/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="pointu_Marseille02" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8682247649_f4eb5e49bd_s.jpg" alt="pointu_Marseille02" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682248409/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="pointu_Marseille01" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8403/8682248409_4f7964ce2f_s.jpg" alt="pointu_Marseille01" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682249223/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Notre_Dame_de_la_Garde_from_vieux_port" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8381/8682249223_896e3707a0_s.jpg" alt="Notre_Dame_de_la_Garde_from_vieux_port" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682249645/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="ferry_boat & notre_dame_de_la_garde" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8545/8682249645_79fd8d5dce_s.jpg" alt="ferry_boat & notre_dame_de_la_garde" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8683359686/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Eglise Saint-Ferréol les Augustins" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8393/8683359686_d548566305_s.jpg" alt="Eglise Saint-Ferréol les Augustins" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8682250351/in/set-72157633355797974/" title="Chateau_d_If" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8391/8682250351_54e6f86766_s.jpg" alt="Chateau_d_If" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/sets/72157633355797974/">Marseille</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div><p>A few photos of Marseille, the fish market on the Vieux Port, Notre Dame de la Garde, Frioul and the Château d'If, the Palais Longchamp and a few other vaguely arty shots... <br />All photos are by me and are free to use but please tell me where and when you are using them. I add to all my Flickr sets on a regular basis so come back and check now and again. Soon Aix en Provence, Cannes, Nice +++</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-63777787274388111712013-04-20T19:25:00.000+02:002013-04-20T19:25:02.503+02:00The Tulip fields of La Haute Provence - Another Provençal Secret - <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirbXWPw6Te7RKLjMArWg3Zx5DDKUhDk48ZWQR52WurJ6_jEVQdYIRPXeRzl7YvFl2BcdXmA9dYJbpicXZOrULCPfJLXNnXKkWOmFgTMqKmz9MFqMnOGY_sb7Wnn045OiaBRY9L1uYTetO/s1600/tulips_top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirbXWPw6Te7RKLjMArWg3Zx5DDKUhDk48ZWQR52WurJ6_jEVQdYIRPXeRzl7YvFl2BcdXmA9dYJbpicXZOrULCPfJLXNnXKkWOmFgTMqKmz9MFqMnOGY_sb7Wnn045OiaBRY9L1uYTetO/s640/tulips_top.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When you look at the photos in this post you would be hard pushed to imagine that it was taken yesterday in Provence and yet every year in mid-April around the villages of Pierrerue and La Brillanne this unbelievable festival of colour appears only to vanish a few days later.<br />
The tulips are not grown for their flowers but for their bulbs which I believe divide thus increasing the amount of bulbs after flowering which are then resold. I have to confess I see them every year and yet I still do not know the whole story about how the harvest works... I'll try to find out.<br />
So if you are in Provence and are close to La Brillanne take the road towards Forcalquier and a few hundred yards along on your left this is what you will see...<br />
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But hurry they don't last very long!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-83916759503219298142013-04-15T10:07:00.000+02:002013-04-15T10:07:59.466+02:00Hidden Secrets of Provence - Dry Stone Barns of La Haute Provence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmkbGss-KELCH_d_gsvO4cFH5LwVUOCki8UuYct86K91JurLzDiyoqT-ktnTdKN3BO51qUwaHgfdDb_1n_Rt0k1YTOWMvGP59mCGE7WyEmfqS1j26gU3zxW7JoJZUD5k0odxpL1JpN564/s1600/Lauze_roof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmkbGss-KELCH_d_gsvO4cFH5LwVUOCki8UuYct86K91JurLzDiyoqT-ktnTdKN3BO51qUwaHgfdDb_1n_Rt0k1YTOWMvGP59mCGE7WyEmfqS1j26gU3zxW7JoJZUD5k0odxpL1JpN564/s640/Lauze_roof.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Now the sun has made its comeback after a long cold and wet winter, it is time for me to get back on the road to bring you some of the hidden secrets and some not so secret but so beautiful that they can't be missed when you come to visit Provence.<br />
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Les Bergeries Sèches de La Haute Provence<br /><i>Dry Stone Barns of La Haute Provence</i></h3>
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Dry stone construction is very commonplace across Europe. When man had to build a wall or a hut without cement, he soon figured out the way to master dry stone construction techniques. </div>
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In Provence dry stone construction is everywhere. In Gordes you can see the impressive walls as you drive up to the village, there is of course the Village des Bories, the word "Borie" being the name for a dry stone hut, usually round but sometimes square. </div>
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In La Haute Provence, especially around the villages of Forcalquier and Mane there are "Bories" (which locally they can Cabanons Pointus) scattered around the woods and hills and are often the surprise encounters of an afternoon walk, but as you approach the higher ground of the Montagne de Lure and its surrounding hills then things become serious! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjE6yQ-uuQlZORSuqbtkQNQfCjwjT5OnknucBdz14JlF0Npeq8OOd9KdDexU2PgZYEDiCIBMOEwyWcPqTCJraO7REu0wUvWwduu9LItZ19aofAOk0JkP4sG9RXQgnSpgC1RtPxeN6cq6A/s1600/cabanon_mane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjE6yQ-uuQlZORSuqbtkQNQfCjwjT5OnknucBdz14JlF0Npeq8OOd9KdDexU2PgZYEDiCIBMOEwyWcPqTCJraO7REu0wUvWwduu9LItZ19aofAOk0JkP4sG9RXQgnSpgC1RtPxeN6cq6A/s640/cabanon_mane.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A "Cabanon Pointu" in the woods just outside the village of Mane en Provence</td></tr>
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The construction of dry stone huts was at its high point in the 19th century. Shepherds would build them to keep their stores, tools and even a sick sheep, the huts would keep them dry and warm in the winter and keep them cool and give them protection from the powerful sun in the Summer. The ones around Forcalquier and Mane didn't need to be too big as they were only really used during the day but as you went further from habitations the huts became barns and marvels of dry stone architecture. </div>
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On the area around the Montagne de Lure around 130 of these constructions were built. The main construction was either of several Cabanons alongside each other with an arch way between each instead of a solid wall. They were big enough to shelter the flock, alongside was a smaller one for the shepherd, which had a fire place to cook and keep warm. A wall was constructed with one or two entrances to keep the flock in at night and the predators out.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOYYAphkkJgOVOJ-TuJYu4ltEWsy601_tqhQYS3cPKKdMCuBVQmm-gmWun648H4UxdIHuUENSwCelt_YqjVGgdhxYGYFvfdauBo7jXsMNUo3kWUBKhkJJnrB_5Plxosq2HN3U-LlFHqUq/s1600/Gardette_Corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOYYAphkkJgOVOJ-TuJYu4ltEWsy601_tqhQYS3cPKKdMCuBVQmm-gmWun648H4UxdIHuUENSwCelt_YqjVGgdhxYGYFvfdauBo7jXsMNUo3kWUBKhkJJnrB_5Plxosq2HN3U-LlFHqUq/s640/Gardette_Corner.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No mechanical aides, just blood, sweat and tears and immense pride when the job is done! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9HcY6B0RF5LDSVi_Q9Aj2Brd1ry7dYkWMPG3oVwJ10JP7ATMVSKEbMapAI0_IDctzqHFoe5yQQD8IhwBArax366LuFYG_io-Q8pc7iQQtsmQhr5V47iA9_8zethewkI5fbKykE9M8WXD/s1600/Bergerie_Gardette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9HcY6B0RF5LDSVi_Q9Aj2Brd1ry7dYkWMPG3oVwJ10JP7ATMVSKEbMapAI0_IDctzqHFoe5yQQD8IhwBArax366LuFYG_io-Q8pc7iQQtsmQhr5V47iA9_8zethewkI5fbKykE9M8WXD/s640/Bergerie_Gardette.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bergerie de la Gardette near Saumane, Alpes de Haute Provence</td></tr>
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The photos shown are of the Bergerie de la Gardette near the village of Saumane, scene of my familly picnic yesterday. In the summer Mr Vinatier, the owner brings his flock of 600 sheep up to graze and the Bergerie relives its past. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVi2UOkIjfuicUov0Gjt1P1vlmFu4-sTiUDyJRelKn4zofLXypxoTZkLmCyDqhkkwJDtsIkS02OZLIy3m7EN6ZF_i2C-2clJr0fuW_Rw_yxCi4C33gcV8gtGmRRQKlKmw8RtSrOz6IwQEL/s1600/Gardette_Cieling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVi2UOkIjfuicUov0Gjt1P1vlmFu4-sTiUDyJRelKn4zofLXypxoTZkLmCyDqhkkwJDtsIkS02OZLIy3m7EN6ZF_i2C-2clJr0fuW_Rw_yxCi4C33gcV8gtGmRRQKlKmw8RtSrOz6IwQEL/s640/Gardette_Cieling.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bergerie de La Gardette is made up of three cabanons joined together. Here is a shot of the incredible skill required for the ceilings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOgTgWV65AsNrfH0Yt6-eZprMJ76x4OIwJWPgZT-VCcknvlAzUoY1EAUjt4mtxAh1zKKwBtM9uIIiy9X_kUVJQnxoG9gLMH2kOnBQ4Oupmx9SEpbHrYB5llmaLfvimQQPjY-7M4Gp9kCS/s1600/gardette_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOgTgWV65AsNrfH0Yt6-eZprMJ76x4OIwJWPgZT-VCcknvlAzUoY1EAUjt4mtxAh1zKKwBtM9uIIiy9X_kUVJQnxoG9gLMH2kOnBQ4Oupmx9SEpbHrYB5llmaLfvimQQPjY-7M4Gp9kCS/s640/gardette_003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To the right the main barn, to the left the shepherds quarters and in the middle the protective wall. </td></tr>
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There many other Bergeries in the area, notably on the Contadour. In association with local hotels and hiking guides we have put together a unique programme with a discovery of the buildings followed by a candlelit supper in side one of the larger ones. This can be followed by a star gazing session with Slim Hamdani the astrophysician. </div>
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Don't hesitate to contact us for more information.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-86168718685364923932013-04-03T11:52:00.000+02:002013-04-03T17:04:19.749+02:00Mathieu Lustrerie Luxury Chandeliers Hidden in the Luberon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzNAEN0gUSrVPprY68heIpRbc8NyBIESamWZHnlOyuIo1ykgo1Hlq4dMtsejdNHmMxUaDo-5CpTDuVn9nyps1gZC_hIjlzhBnrv6sfbcHw7-i98ZkA-gNNySa9f1Sa4Eu9_5lLeuYSUEy/s1600/lustrerie03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzNAEN0gUSrVPprY68heIpRbc8NyBIESamWZHnlOyuIo1ykgo1Hlq4dMtsejdNHmMxUaDo-5CpTDuVn9nyps1gZC_hIjlzhBnrv6sfbcHw7-i98ZkA-gNNySa9f1Sa4Eu9_5lLeuYSUEy/s400/lustrerie03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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On my peregrinations yesterday I stopped of to visit a place that I had been told about many times. Mathieu Lustrerie, a Chandelier manufacturer on the outskirts of the village of Gargas in the Luberon region of Provence. I hadn't stopped there before because I either didn't have the time or simply I couldn't imagine that a light fitting factory could be that interesting...BIG mistake!<br />
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The Lustrerie is set in an old Ochre factory in the Hameau des Sauvans near Gargas. There are three main activities in the factory; the creation of new designs, the restoration, with such illustrious clients as the Château de Versailles and the re-edition of classic designs. The activity is overseen by Régis Mathieu the owner and designer who has brought together his expert artisans to create the exceptional Chandeliers, Lamps, Lanterns and Sconces (wall mounted light fixtures).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnnBBZOmCgFUXvDRsg4IEG7BWGVUPxG7pW4r2_BuskmfRpDnwWeg6AxEk5wWhN0D4ptuYj3EHvzUvRArBX7FCBNazY4DrL_n15-e2RLxzkiZeVjlrUxMsNHnA_N4QpyvRnoqkk72bSDiS/s1600/lustrerie01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A peek inside the workshop at Mathieu Lustrerie" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnnBBZOmCgFUXvDRsg4IEG7BWGVUPxG7pW4r2_BuskmfRpDnwWeg6AxEk5wWhN0D4ptuYj3EHvzUvRArBX7FCBNazY4DrL_n15-e2RLxzkiZeVjlrUxMsNHnA_N4QpyvRnoqkk72bSDiS/s400/lustrerie01.jpg" title="A peek inside the workshop at Mathieu Lustrerie" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A peek inside the workshop at Mathieu Lustrerie</td></tr>
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Régis Mathieu's passion has also led him to create a unique collection of over 250 chandeliers and other lights dating back to the 15th century which can be viewed in the museum just across from the factory.<br />
You can visit the factory and museum by rendez-vous. For more information take a look at their website <a href="http://mathieulustrerie.com/accueil.php?lang=en" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
I hope to return soon for a full visit which I didn't have time to do this time and I will tell you more about the fascinating world of Régis Mathieu and his Chandelier factory!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-30117477246715702442013-03-08T16:56:00.001+01:002013-03-08T16:56:27.684+01:00Carrières de Lumières 2013<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8539863324/in/set-72157632945296917/" title="Carrières de Lumières 015" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8105/8539863324_415bcec44e_s.jpg" alt="Carrières de Lumières 015" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8538756959/in/set-72157632945296917/" title="Carrières de Lumières 016" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8538756959_9c0c0ea022_s.jpg" alt="Carrières de Lumières 016" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8538755567/in/set-72157632945296917/" title="Carrières de Lumières 014" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8538755567_01aa202be5_s.jpg" alt="Carrières de Lumières 014" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8538754817/in/set-72157632945296917/" title="Carrières de Lumières 013" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8110/8538754817_7abd8ac2f8_s.jpg" alt="Carrières de Lumières 013" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8538754175/in/set-72157632945296917/" title="Carrières de Lumières 012" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8538754175_e273f69f2b_s.jpg" alt="Carrières de Lumières 012" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8539860190/in/set-72157632945296917/" title="Carrières de Lumières 011" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8539860190_f0730e7c4f_s.jpg" alt="Carrières de Lumières 011" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8538752431/in/set-72157632945296917/" title="Carrières de Lumières 010" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8236/8538752431_8931944e5d_s.jpg" alt="Carrières de Lumières 010" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8539858616/in/set-72157632945296917/" title="Carrières de Lumières 009" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8388/8539858616_a1062170c7_s.jpg" alt="Carrières de Lumières 009" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8538750917/in/set-72157632945296917/" title="Carrières de Lumières 008" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8386/8538750917_bc9033176a_s.jpg" alt="Carrières de Lumières 008" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8539857096/in/set-72157632945296917/" title="Carrières de Lumières 007" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8539857096_7036fc8e74_s.jpg" alt="Carrières de Lumières 007" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8538749331/in/set-72157632945296917/" title="Carrières de Lumières 006" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8538749331_6cc6207228_s.jpg" alt="Carrières de Lumières 006" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8539855902/in/set-72157632945296917/" title="Carrières de Lumières 005" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8539855902_3051457f42_s.jpg" alt="Carrières de Lumières 005" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8538748083/in/set-72157632945296917/" title="Carrières de Lumières 004" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8538748083_cd35a76639_s.jpg" alt="Carrières de Lumières 004" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8538747453/in/set-72157632945296917/" title="Carrières de Lumières 003" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8091/8538747453_0641f45568_s.jpg" alt="Carrières de Lumières 003" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8539853862/in/set-72157632945296917/" title="Carrières de Lumières 002" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8539853862_f3b7b567ea_s.jpg" alt="Carrières de Lumières 002" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/8538746059/in/set-72157632945296917/" title="Carrières de Lumières 001" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8102/8538746059_d51ef564b9_s.jpg" alt="Carrières de Lumières 001" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><div style="padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><div style="padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/gallery-empty-icon.gif" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"></div><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/uniqueprovence/sets/72157632945296917/">Carrières de Lumières</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div><p>Last night I attended the launch of the 2013 show at the Carrières de Lumières at Les Baux de Provence. A spectacular journey through time through the works of the artists who were inspired by the beauty of the Mediterranean. Here are a few pictures taken with my little Canon camera so no great quality, but I hope that they give the urge to come and discover it for yourselves when you come to Provence, it is really worth it. And don't worry about the crowds, the place is big enough for everyone! </p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-66911423730068797892013-03-07T11:02:00.001+01:002013-03-07T11:40:24.883+01:00A Walk in Haute Provence & The First Signs of Spring <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbqlbP1nTVCAT8yr1iS91COtXHjEJx4obra0A9_FfgfscthsubEp0UUUav6VYG-rWowvh7cuuvs6S1SYd6LiwIHAiDDofenxLbsZNr3wfe-APN2Cz-0ArLLwxVucyaTnsXJECg8Y1Lu5f/s1600/first_blossom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wild Almond trees blossom in Provence" border="0" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbqlbP1nTVCAT8yr1iS91COtXHjEJx4obra0A9_FfgfscthsubEp0UUUav6VYG-rWowvh7cuuvs6S1SYd6LiwIHAiDDofenxLbsZNr3wfe-APN2Cz-0ArLLwxVucyaTnsXJECg8Y1Lu5f/s640/first_blossom.jpg" title="Wild Almond trees blossom in Provence" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wild Almond trees are getting ready to blossom with the first flowers making an appearance despite the continued threat of frost.</td></tr>
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For the last few weeks it has been cold, very cold which is normal, it's winter. We've had plenty of snow and temperatures well below freezing and although winter is very pretty, I would be happy if it lasted about a week and then moved into my favourite season Spring. In 1943 the geographer André Siegfried said that Provence "was a cold country with a hot sun" and it is true that even when it is -10° C outside in the morning I turn off the heating in the house knowing that the sun will take over. It's a delight to be outside in the Provençal sunshine lounging like a lizard but add a bit of mistral to all of that (and winter is the season of the mistral wind) and suddenly the cold air slices through your clothes and freezes you from the inside out and the sun's only function is to remind you that it is daytime!<br />
But today (2nd of March) the wind switched to the South and the temperatures went from -5°C in the morning to +16°C. This happens every year, one day it's winter and the next it's spring. (which also means that in the next few days the heavens will open and it will rain and rain).<br />
So today I went for a nice long walk armed with my camera, and this is what I saw...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiYV9amLUgqWC99SBNZASJty4MDS_ddMNjtExuF1DwiB_MLGSMrhApMunsGMTW9jUzrUE1PmTEg1WKQTMcaMEAXqYlz4e4QUDfsWwcQdnnfV1n9viHLmElZYfDEt26A7gmLPOH_Fny6ZH/s1600/DSC_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiYV9amLUgqWC99SBNZASJty4MDS_ddMNjtExuF1DwiB_MLGSMrhApMunsGMTW9jUzrUE1PmTEg1WKQTMcaMEAXqYlz4e4QUDfsWwcQdnnfV1n9viHLmElZYfDEt26A7gmLPOH_Fny6ZH/s640/DSC_0340.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Last traces of winter (I hope!) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUFFYbL8CphjcSEcwQocyo56j_1_cmxIx05GuxhjOlz6OXz0DRpN_Uz4AsV50anQn-Y65ZcweqOKtdchtcDK1yZ6MSv2t-gva51cRA57AuMMsr6OwvIrdHpPUY4V0inOwkhe_WyPOqgV2/s1600/DSC_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUFFYbL8CphjcSEcwQocyo56j_1_cmxIx05GuxhjOlz6OXz0DRpN_Uz4AsV50anQn-Y65ZcweqOKtdchtcDK1yZ6MSv2t-gva51cRA57AuMMsr6OwvIrdHpPUY4V0inOwkhe_WyPOqgV2/s640/DSC_0337.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wild lavender that grows in and around the old village of Ongles is abundant and even in this winter state still has a strong scent when you rub it in your hand.</td></tr>
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A Walk in the Ruins of Ongles</h3>
My walk took me to the ruined village of Ongles in Haute Provence where the ancient streets and walls remain with the ruined church overlooking from the top of the hill. I have not been able to find any plans of what the original village looked like and it is always an interesting exercise to try and figure out where the houses were in relation to each other. The village was abandoned in the 17th century when being perched on a hill to see the next attack from your neighbouring lord's serfs became an obsolete activity, but the church was used up until the early 20th century albeit in its ruined state. Most of the village was pulled down to rebuild the new one at the bottom of the hill and as such the old village became a stone quarry for the new one. In my kitchen I have stone slabs on the floor which may have originated from the old church, stone sinks that definitely came from up the hill and if you know where to look in the village you can find evidence of stonework that was not originally intended for its present location.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdk_2wop2E4woOyBgr7-NZLQuvhtZ0gJZVNOQGAwog9iz8-eso-6LYDh1m1ryKrjTs8mZsNxrsbulRSgi5TVYlxvp7mEdJvzWpmIDq6qA7l9OnuoWW72PvNhFeqWhJpxJowAgx-F0a2Ag/s1600/mur_ruine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdk_2wop2E4woOyBgr7-NZLQuvhtZ0gJZVNOQGAwog9iz8-eso-6LYDh1m1ryKrjTs8mZsNxrsbulRSgi5TVYlxvp7mEdJvzWpmIDq6qA7l9OnuoWW72PvNhFeqWhJpxJowAgx-F0a2Ag/s640/mur_ruine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the remaining stone walls that despite having been mostly torn down, still stands perfectly straight as a witness to the medieval stone mason's skill.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlqCteRXLEkkTywSIg155-nfvIt0o79K4ABQprOO0ay7D3yWoq_ihAn2b9h9PkJ30kvasJ0RMxE4zcQ6p97K9ViNbxHF9ePJcSBvh2edJB_u6RRId5N_8o1M9tJKQuz9hVdtGS5WJpXT3/s1600/opening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlqCteRXLEkkTywSIg155-nfvIt0o79K4ABQprOO0ay7D3yWoq_ihAn2b9h9PkJ30kvasJ0RMxE4zcQ6p97K9ViNbxHF9ePJcSBvh2edJB_u6RRId5N_8o1M9tJKQuz9hVdtGS5WJpXT3/s640/opening.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alcoves in the wall are great places for games of hide and seek with my children</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXLyIwYy-NwK9pgdERsdWNfbNlpr54v6S1IH_rX6BwkLhxFuBRIb82iLLwGsw8oKyGQ8mcYGFgNHasckqBMcz_5f9fbTBOBlsqkvLYWjhGudqlr0GGUPCzJC_JbD6hyfjCzlPXboCUFVd/s1600/ruelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXLyIwYy-NwK9pgdERsdWNfbNlpr54v6S1IH_rX6BwkLhxFuBRIb82iLLwGsw8oKyGQ8mcYGFgNHasckqBMcz_5f9fbTBOBlsqkvLYWjhGudqlr0GGUPCzJC_JbD6hyfjCzlPXboCUFVd/s640/ruelle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the narrow alleyways that run through the ruins</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfo2A6O5Z7rhe6Fn-SjC__7VaABE3SJHBJf-FYDLwfhjN9gb8qBh0uU7BqUoZhsRnD2Dzn-8-dQib5lTS2gjet7WjEQLn1ywYKYFZ39oS9Kl4petcbUyDaVwEqxxb5Q1PajpsgbvctVi6/s1600/fenetre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfo2A6O5Z7rhe6Fn-SjC__7VaABE3SJHBJf-FYDLwfhjN9gb8qBh0uU7BqUoZhsRnD2Dzn-8-dQib5lTS2gjet7WjEQLn1ywYKYFZ39oS9Kl4petcbUyDaVwEqxxb5Q1PajpsgbvctVi6/s640/fenetre.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A window in the church outside looking out to the blue, blue Provence sky</td></tr>
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<h3>
The Story of Provence Olive Trees</h3>
Apart from the ever present pine forests in Provence which are like tinder in the summer, the other evergreen tree that epitomises the South of France and indeed the entire Mediterranean basin is the olive tree. In amongst the ruins of the village of Ongles the olive trees are still there hundreds of years on. Recently some of them have been pruned back for the production of olives once again for oil. In 1956 after a particularly balmy autumn and a mild start to the winter, during the month of February when the farmers were working in shirtsleeves, the cold arrived with a bang and the temperatures went from +10 to -20 overnight. The olive trees which can withstand the -20 conditions normally didn't this time because the sap in their branches was full due to the warm conditions and with the sudden change they were helpless and froze and a large percentage of the Provence olive trees disappeared overnight.<br />
But olive trees never die.<br />
Many years later from the seemingly dead stumps, new branches emerged and the trees came back to life! Unfortunately in the more rural areas in the Haute Provence olive oil production had been forgotten by many and the trees grew in a semi-wild state, but bit by bit they were cleared and have now been returned to their former glory in many cases producing award winning olive oils. Olivier Baussan, the founder of L'Occitane en Provence has created a museum on olive oil history and a has sourced the best olive oils in Provence which you can buy in his shops around France and soon probably around the world. Come and try them in Provence next time you are here. <a href="http://www.ppp-olive.com/" target="_blank">www.ppp-olive.com</a> and have a delicious <a href="http://blog.unique-provence.com/2012/07/les-petites-tables-perfect-stop-for.html" target="_blank">meal here</a> whilst you're at it!<br />
Olive trees are fascinating and I tend to photograph them from every angle. Here are a few shots taken on my walk of the survivors of the old village of Ongles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnr1GakN5x6rhZHgvSZIrYNQVVsP5UqJ3LNF_u60t9-DoUUb5EE1gu5t6dTVGbZvd7gsJAZSYmRsf7aAnQfTFzkNLgK30mGQtiqtHkZ7qwdURrHG4ajzpsU9Fevkdn3ZTOgglINBN2TaA0/s1600/DSC_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnr1GakN5x6rhZHgvSZIrYNQVVsP5UqJ3LNF_u60t9-DoUUb5EE1gu5t6dTVGbZvd7gsJAZSYmRsf7aAnQfTFzkNLgK30mGQtiqtHkZ7qwdURrHG4ajzpsU9Fevkdn3ZTOgglINBN2TaA0/s640/DSC_0291.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Ongle's old village Olive Trees, note the size of the tree's stump.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGe424N3uuiPsiOhqp7wRz5lmlkoapgFNQVw0aUZhPzuqA5kr0XXb1bzYLGVDibS0mTqIiaJsuB7dBXr8uVIFWOmuU7wtroWlylhR-kQQCkeRGP20KP62VCkU18-AlffBE34XFWR-cGXIg/s1600/DSC_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGe424N3uuiPsiOhqp7wRz5lmlkoapgFNQVw0aUZhPzuqA5kr0XXb1bzYLGVDibS0mTqIiaJsuB7dBXr8uVIFWOmuU7wtroWlylhR-kQQCkeRGP20KP62VCkU18-AlffBE34XFWR-cGXIg/s640/DSC_0275.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some didn't survive, but this one was for its wood, what remains is still a beautiful object.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji00r00P6229Lfbfk_Ul506OjbJ8QwYrR1tBesB-dDnpfFDeFYoIv7QR0oSiAUZO_nJMg638A9ZJ2x24r2y7Bp1GX4uYaiYaYGA20byBctMcOUcoZAKiDRKXQQMPw4KMbhiunTUYLFAqOB/s1600/DSC_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji00r00P6229Lfbfk_Ul506OjbJ8QwYrR1tBesB-dDnpfFDeFYoIv7QR0oSiAUZO_nJMg638A9ZJ2x24r2y7Bp1GX4uYaiYaYGA20byBctMcOUcoZAKiDRKXQQMPw4KMbhiunTUYLFAqOB/s640/DSC_0295.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of the olive grove, the pile of stones was probably a dry stone hut used for storing tools and getting away from the afternoon sun.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7352mp5G6g5dz55OixLe_4cAi02kwcEvzt2QBrkWY9YN7xEyzYpjuZF9MoUMGUsSsuxrdP3sx4_lxiBv0dQw0cs8LNWQwiwxFiKBeo6c3CdI3L4sSIScCYzeP50DC_RJOLGKvCimwYDp/s1600/DSC_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7352mp5G6g5dz55OixLe_4cAi02kwcEvzt2QBrkWY9YN7xEyzYpjuZF9MoUMGUsSsuxrdP3sx4_lxiBv0dQw0cs8LNWQwiwxFiKBeo6c3CdI3L4sSIScCYzeP50DC_RJOLGKvCimwYDp/s640/DSC_0322.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close up of the evergreen leaves of the olive tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih22c3g9BwfdLpQ5lteHn50TyBH5Emj_hRdy8ruq_cs7dqfquScEmBpHWRUp5YW7QaDfEFTRzDqcal4QTtT4-PTaX59y_W-bN5jHvlCiWrET5-t6aybCHIis0tUatnPqzAtYhyphenhyphenw1sNDBJ-/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih22c3g9BwfdLpQ5lteHn50TyBH5Emj_hRdy8ruq_cs7dqfquScEmBpHWRUp5YW7QaDfEFTRzDqcal4QTtT4-PTaX59y_W-bN5jHvlCiWrET5-t6aybCHIis0tUatnPqzAtYhyphenhyphenw1sNDBJ-/s640/DSC_0302.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out from the olive grove you can see more olive trees below and also spot any approaching marauders in the distance. Today there where none. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmd3Uy1tlU-nui6GkS26iEvp1s0poEgvJDma0MnZFFuBlJz8jdWe8TMKX7Vbsc1EFs9tx20lR1XNm9S4Wyqe8Kd-jcVB3_CLKffY8XmpjorFS15fM1llWkXezt0FsCw0ITcSQlI8HFMF7G/s1600/DSC_0365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmd3Uy1tlU-nui6GkS26iEvp1s0poEgvJDma0MnZFFuBlJz8jdWe8TMKX7Vbsc1EFs9tx20lR1XNm9S4Wyqe8Kd-jcVB3_CLKffY8XmpjorFS15fM1llWkXezt0FsCw0ITcSQlI8HFMF7G/s640/DSC_0365.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olive trees are beautiful from a distance as well as close up and their hard wood is prized for the making of salad bowls, spoons etc. </td></tr>
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Soon the warmth of the Provençal sun will turn the brown grass and plants and leafless trees into a riot of colour, but for the moment the rain is pouring down which is a good thing for the coming season. But Provence certainly doesn't lose its unique charm even in the winter because the sun often shines and the smells of the wild thyme and lavender never go away.<br />
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Having said that...bring on Summer!!!<br />
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See our related Blog posts :<br />
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<a href="http://blog.unique-provence.com/2012/10/loccitane-en-provence-fantastic-journeys.html" target="_blank">Discover the ancient village of Ongles and pick wild lavender on the L'Occitane en Provence Lavender and Luberon Tour</a><br />
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<a href="http://blog.unique-provence.com/2012/07/les-petites-tables-perfect-stop-for.html" target="_blank">Lunch at Les Petites Tables and a visit to the Eco Musée de L'Olivier in Volx (entrance is free if you have lunch there)</a><br />
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<a href="http://blog.unique-provence.com/2012/07/in-footsteps-of-lavender-pickers.html" target="_blank">In the footsteps of the lavender pickers.</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-1567915393944987252013-02-23T17:06:00.001+01:002013-02-23T17:19:06.777+01:00Roteiro sensorial em ProvenceOur Lavender and Luberon tour has been picked up around the world. In Brazil we are working with two major agencies, and the press campaign has just started, so for our Brazilian readers click on the links below to find out more...and in Portuguese!<br />
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<a href="http://www.taste.com.br/destinos/news/item/10316-roteiro-sensorial-em-provence.html#.USjo4MtB26k.blogger">Roteiro sensorial em Provence</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.ppow.com.br/portal/2013/02/18/biarritz-turismo-e-fvo-travel-criam-roteiro-especial/" target="_blank">Biarritz Turismo e FVO Travel criam roteiro especial</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-3533367453993466412013-02-20T11:39:00.001+01:002013-02-20T11:42:10.096+01:00Marseille 2013 - Getting Ready.<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am sure that now you will have heard that Marseille is the European Capital for Culture in 2013, and if you haven't you know now.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ52zi7W03M3K97mqJQCJM7OK07rfNnGnKIUjJb-psjxV0A0JuuJubI8o0xLBVwra1CV6fK6rJg0GOyEsu6PmMF5NeUzbaN6OzCSEQH7fO6C-IACOe1D9ZOTeasXU004tIDxiqmgSn1rw/s1600/Marseille_Vieux+Port.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marseille 2013 Le Vieux Port" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ52zi7W03M3K97mqJQCJM7OK07rfNnGnKIUjJb-psjxV0A0JuuJubI8o0xLBVwra1CV6fK6rJg0GOyEsu6PmMF5NeUzbaN6OzCSEQH7fO6C-IACOe1D9ZOTeasXU004tIDxiqmgSn1rw/s400/Marseille_Vieux+Port.jpg" title="Marseille 2013 Le Vieux Port" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vieux Port (Old Port) of Marseille viewed from the Palais du Pharo.</td></tr>
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As a professional in the tourism business this is an event that I have been waiting for with great impatience. Not only is it an exciting year for all things cultural, with a superb line-up of concerts, some outstanding, not to be missed, art exhibitions, the creation of new museums the star being the MuCem, a Museum of Civilizations From Europe and the Mediterranean who's audacious architecture alongside the Fort St Jean is to be found at the entrance of the Vieux Port and the Commercial ports becoming the first building to be seen by those arriving from the sea, and thus becomes a symbol of Marseille and its profound historical and cultural attachments with the Mediterranean. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTdGhrsBAJiWT9QzChSoLJzgD-0j81yCaOWYpKmhncT18UTD-_-AVq_Gsn28gvMtGzqpzLBNfvQlWB_nBkozSrYRnWgIULVuWbBcgil6W_SkVie9sqn_fQ2lM-i_RJAeShPOSuxZwU8Pn/s1600/Marseille_MuCem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The MuCem, the Fort St Jean and the Cathedrale de Sainte Marie Majeure - Marseille 2013" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTdGhrsBAJiWT9QzChSoLJzgD-0j81yCaOWYpKmhncT18UTD-_-AVq_Gsn28gvMtGzqpzLBNfvQlWB_nBkozSrYRnWgIULVuWbBcgil6W_SkVie9sqn_fQ2lM-i_RJAeShPOSuxZwU8Pn/s400/Marseille_MuCem.jpg" title="The MuCem, the Fort St Jean and the Cathedrale de Sainte Marie Majeure - Marseille 2013" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The MuCem (Museum of Civilizations From Europe and the Mediterranean) with the Fort St Jean to the right and the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Marseille in the background. </td></tr>
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Being the Cultural Capital of the Europe is also an opportunity for Marseille to rid itself, or at least lessen the image it has as a dangerous city, where poverty and crime are sadly the only vision that many people have retained. Well here's is the big revelation. There is poverty and crime in Marseille, but no more than Paris, London, New York, Bangkok etc. etc. So here is tip that will be invaluable on your next visit. Stick to the centre and avoid the dangerous bits. They are easily recognisable as lacking in museums, restaurants and with few smiling people sitting in side walk cafés. If you live in a big city you'll have no problem spotting them! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNJVWLUJupg4ppXCidnE9AT4YFAN8QyHCEATTuSAzaNBDv2ZTfa9WPddiss7mIHEBHv41tUuhyphenhyphentRhe9yzZEzwzy0_1fHswzwPZhUmMG6HxeoRFCiyPZlLYs41R3a6aVe6JQjQTVUTRPBI/s1600/Notre+Dame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Notre Dame de La Garde - Marseille 2013" border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNJVWLUJupg4ppXCidnE9AT4YFAN8QyHCEATTuSAzaNBDv2ZTfa9WPddiss7mIHEBHv41tUuhyphenhyphentRhe9yzZEzwzy0_1fHswzwPZhUmMG6HxeoRFCiyPZlLYs41R3a6aVe6JQjQTVUTRPBI/s400/Notre+Dame.jpg" title="Notre Dame de La Garde - Marseille 2013" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notre Dame de La Garde overlooking the city .</td></tr>
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Marseille has always been a fascinating city to visit, but sadly has been avoided due to the continuous stream of bad press it receives. Now it has a chance to redeem itself, helped by a multi-million Euro facelift. Visitors to the South of France who don't spend at least one day in Marseille will be missing out. I have put up some information on the <a href="http://www.unique-provence.com/events/marseille-provence-2013-european-capital-of-culture" target="_blank">Unique Provence website</a>, and can provide bilingual guides should you require them. </div>
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This is going to be an exciting year for Marseille and all those who come to visit and as the year goes on I will be visiting as many of the exhibitions, concerts and events as possible and I will put up posts for each. </div>
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Don't hesitate to contact me or leave a comment. </div>
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All photos by me...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-16164469900215781122012-12-29T18:26:00.000+01:002012-12-29T18:26:32.398+01:00Photo of the Day - Forcalquier and the Alps...People tend to associate Provence with the Mediterranean, Lavender fields, Hilltop villages and the Luberon Valley but rarely would one associate the Alps. The Northernmost department of Provence is called Les Alpes de Haute Provence. It is probably the most authentic part of Provence in my mind and abounds in hidden secrets which I take enormous pleasure in revealing to my clients. It's also where I live and every day when I drive home from my office I have the privilege of the view of the Alps bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. The Southern Alps are just next door and even though they are not strictly speaking Provence they fall within its administrative jurisdiction. There are several ski resorts which benefit from the sunshine of Provence whilst often boasting an excellent snow coverage especially towards the end of the season.<br />
Here is a photo taken during an afternoon walk, you can see the Citadel of Forcalquier as well as the unmistakable mountain slopes in the background. The cameras zoom makes the mountains seem <i>even </i>closer than they really are and the effect is quite dramatic. There was no high point to get a clear shot so the tree branches became an inherent part of the image as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEsrKlUPlVhPdj1QoMHbrfJZG_D9tdnFcTgxxI0hRQCsiTY6N7hdEqoRoybrZukLgVrXsUb7Ysxlvh1POxK1lDy8TJidsvkU6hNpmUU6RGcDPoeeDB5g0fNws4bQ9bvZJ6BOcP4Ejfob6/s1600/forcalquier_through_the_trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEsrKlUPlVhPdj1QoMHbrfJZG_D9tdnFcTgxxI0hRQCsiTY6N7hdEqoRoybrZukLgVrXsUb7Ysxlvh1POxK1lDy8TJidsvkU6hNpmUU6RGcDPoeeDB5g0fNws4bQ9bvZJ6BOcP4Ejfob6/s640/forcalquier_through_the_trees.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forcalquier and the Alps </td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6521797102555751729.post-22526333648331979102012-12-16T00:29:00.001+01:002012-12-16T00:37:01.354+01:00Your Provence Travel Questions Answered.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYMrI5V5rF-6vWN-s21SQrllKnYkmmHUe_0KvbBpiVe3KHRNyKJzvWtO9ra7bo9C1EmHAVkwnb18ZZR2WUi85sL9FnsHXMNuaFyEJPHqbmvxmF1H9bI0MkbNiOf3PtylFxLoWAMx-QiJg/s1600/top_questions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYMrI5V5rF-6vWN-s21SQrllKnYkmmHUe_0KvbBpiVe3KHRNyKJzvWtO9ra7bo9C1EmHAVkwnb18ZZR2WUi85sL9FnsHXMNuaFyEJPHqbmvxmF1H9bI0MkbNiOf3PtylFxLoWAMx-QiJg/s640/top_questions.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you know where this is? Answer in the comments if you think you have the answer. </td></tr>
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Whilst browsing through my blog's statistics I always take a look at some of the queries used by search engines that people use to find me. These vary from people looking for a Nougat making machine to others searching for breeding stock of Provençal goats or Camargue horses, but today I noticed someone who was looking for the time it would take to drive from Gargas to the Valensole plateau. I don't think that the answer to that question can be found here, but I can answer it (about 1h20). If they are going to Valensole to admire the lavender fields I would tell them to go to the Plateau d'Albion instead which is closer (30-40 minutes) and in my mind, more spectacular.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfg7dOXZqZHblLEsYdq7tR0K5-3s_Rynz8wGAJZ4XaqzTyWWFyrxU4xQaoetTy-KnLel3Aj5hem_1SdYMEtbFiseNEYW4Ld-dPIkouOAGTDYL2IwnvRAJJmd1FN6_ERqrqr2RDu_0LVnR0/s1600/Lavender_Plateau_d'Albion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfg7dOXZqZHblLEsYdq7tR0K5-3s_Rynz8wGAJZ4XaqzTyWWFyrxU4xQaoetTy-KnLel3Aj5hem_1SdYMEtbFiseNEYW4Ld-dPIkouOAGTDYL2IwnvRAJJmd1FN6_ERqrqr2RDu_0LVnR0/s400/Lavender_Plateau_d'Albion.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender field on the plateau d'Albion, complete with weeds which give it an altogether more rustic charm don't you think?</td></tr>
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All this to say to visitors to this blog, if you came here looking for simple answers to your Provençal travel questions and you can't find them, just click on the contact button to the right and ask me directly! Its free and chances are I have the answer you are looking for.<br />
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Unless you are looking for a stud goat...<br />
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...and even then I may be able to help.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714379324763986645noreply@blogger.com2