Mathieu Lustrerie Luxury Chandeliers Hidden in the Luberon

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!

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).

A peek inside the workshop at Mathieu Lustrerie

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.
You can visit the factory and museum by rendez-vous. For more information take a look at their website here.
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!

Autumn Colours of the Luberon

Maybe this is one of those things we say every year, like I can’t remember September rain like this or this is the hottest month of July when every year the seasons pass and resemble each other, but this year I have never seen so much autumn colour in Provence! We will see if this is just a memory problem next year as I have taken loads of photos and so comparative documentation will be available…

Here are a few of those photos and I am sure you will agree the colours are astounding. I have not tweaked or enhanced any of the pictures they are as the camera saw them. For the techies out there I am using a Nikon D5100 with an AF-S NIKKOR 55-200mm 1:4-5.6G ED and an 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G both very standard lenses so although the camera is a goodun here is proof that it’s the subject that really counts.

This post follows the one by Ginger and Nutmeg on Fall Colours in Provence and it was seeing theirs that I was inspired to show you mine. (No double entendres intended). However I do apologise to them for my somewhat similar title.

So here we go.

Les Couleurs d’Automne du Luberon

Autumn Colours of the Luberon 

Plane tree in Lourmarin

As you drive out of Lourmarin towards Bonnieux on your left is a beautiful house with this magnificent plane tree next to it. Perfectly proportioned it reminds me of a huge burning torch.

The village of Bonnieux and the Cherry Orchards

I posted a similar picture to this one on Twitter. The Cherry orchards provide a warmth to an otherwise cold atmosphere, I was a veritable danger in my car, slamming on the brakes every time a scene like this one appeared around a corner!

The Village of Lacoste and more Cherry orchards

Lacoste faces Bonnieux and for this shot I had to come back when the light was in the right place. Once again the Cherry Orchards steal the show.

The Yellow Tree

I could imagine this tree being the subject of a painting. The fallen yellow leaves contributed so much light that this tree stood out from all the others with their redder ones.

Vines near Menerbes

Yesterday morning I had a rendez-vous at the Domaine de La Citadelle vineyard for a wine tasting and visit including the extraordinary Museum of the Corkscrew which houses a huge collection of corkscrews from around the world and throughout the ages. As I returned to my car the sun did its thing and provided this rather evocative lighting on the rows of vines.

Oppède le Vieux

I wanted to get a few photos of Oppède le Vieux but it was completely in the shade. This picture however still works because the variety of colours bring it to life. You can see the sun shining in the valley behind!

The village of Lioux

If you drive from Gordes to Apt via the village of Murs you will be faced with this splendid tableau with the village of Lioux and the incredible cliff that towers over it.

Cabanon Pointu

Around the town of Forcalquier and in particular around Mane en Provence you can find these dry stone huts known as Cabanon Pointus (literally pointed huts) in Haute Provence and Bories further South, in particular around Gordes. Having flown over the region many hundreds of times in Hot Air Balloons I have spotted many Cabanons hidden in the woods, and this is one of the many!

And there you have it! A few of my favourite shots showing this years Autumn colours and to follow a few more but without commentary only a caption, just for "le plaisir des yeux" (the pleasure of the eyes).

Vines near Gordes

More Cherry Orchards

The Village of Menerbes

Vineyard near Gargas

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