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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La Provence on an Electric Bicycle

1.Cycling in the summer heat is not everyone’s idea of a great vacation experience. It’s just too much effort, too sweaty and when that all important moment of relaxation in front of a cold glass of white wine comes, all you want to do is go to bed and sleep hoping that the aches and pains will have subsided by the next morning.

2.However it has to be said that despite the above it’s a great way to get around. Not just for the healthy side, but there’s the ecological angle of course. There’s the pleasure of being able to hear and smell and miss nothing of your surroundings as you pass them by. The freedom to stop off and have a drink, buy some fruit from a road side stall, take a photo when YOU want to, and not when the tour bus stops… but when you see that hill in front of you, well return to paragraph N°1!

So if you want the entire 2nd paragraph and none of the 1st (except the bit with the glass of wine) then look no further, for we have found the answer. Electrically assisted bikes. They are not built for speed, nor do they have a sleek “Tour de France” look about them, they are just normal 7 speed bicycles that have a motor that kicks in when you need it. Tried and tested and definitely adopted.

With an autonomy of 40kms (electric motor running) a day’s cycling on one battery is no problem at all, but just in case spare batteries are available in restaurants and hotels who work with the bike company should you require a new one. We tested the bikes from Lauris and cycled to Lourmarin had a spot of lunch, a bit of a visit and then back. Not a huge outing, but enough to appreciate the qualities of these eco-friendly cycles.

The bicycles themselves are new (so is the hire company) and so are in perfect condition and they are plentiful, with a fleet of 200 in the Luberon area alone. After all the adjustments and explanations by the very helpful staff (who didn’t speak English, that’s where we come in!), it’s time to set off.

The bicycles have wide soft comfortable seats, 7 gears and a simple interface for the electric motor control; On/Off and three settings for the power level, on the flat/medium climb/steep climb. Generally the best idea is to leave it on the lowest setting, which will assist you a little, but on the flat it will be your legs doing most of the work. As soon as a small incline is encountered the electric motor kicks in and if the incline is steeper you just adjust the power level with a touch of a button and soon you are overtaking all those who have opted for normal, leg powered bicycles. It’s great!

Another great feature of cycling in Provence is the Vélo Loisir Luberon bicycle routes that are mapped out and well-marked so you can avoid the busy roads, and thus benefit from quiet back roads which you would not otherwise find alone.

So, is this just another Eco friendly gimmick? Well considering that the temperature at 10am was 25°C at the end of May, and I hardly broke a sweat, no, this is not a gimmick, it’s a brilliant way to get a little bit of exercise, but most of all to discover La Belle Provence at the pace it deserves.

If you are interested in renting an electric bike on your next trip to Provence, or would like us to map out an itinerary or even provide you with a guide then contact us, and we will get back to you by return mail.