November in Provence

For the winter I've been recruited by a travel agency in Avignon. They specialize in guided walking and cycling. I'm being paid to more or less scout the walks and take loads of pictures: not a bad way to earn a living over the winter...
I was recently in the town of Gigondas. The grape harvest there took place in mid-October, and below are the vines, a picture taken just last week. The leaves have now taken on a gold colour, a veritable golden blanket stretching over the Rhône Valley.

The walking is beautiful this time of year in Provence: the fiery red hues of the cherry orchards, the crisp late-autumn air, the ripening olives, walking paths virtually devoid of people, and hilltop villages without a single tourist.

Below are three pictures taken yesterday in the village of Séguret. Though listed as "one of the most beautiful villages in France", there wasn't a soul along the narrow cobbled streets... well, I was there...

The tea shop was closed... and I had forgotten my thermos...

though I could fill up my water bottle...

My blog !!!

Hello,
I've decided to create this blog, a way to keep in touch with those of you I've walked/hiked/rambled/tramped with (as to not discriminate your country of origin!...) This blog is a way for me to continue to share my love of Provence, and for you to continue to enjoy some of the countryside we experienced together. I'll be posting pictures and descriptions from my ongoing adventures through Provence, whether by bike or by foot, along its hidden paths and amongst its greatest treasures.

Don't hesitate to contact me and let me know what you think of my posts.
Provençally Yours,
Stuart

My First Group
May 2006...
This trip started off a very emotional week for me; my final "mountain guiding" exam was two days after I finished the trip. We had a great week together, and the experience motivated me to do all I could to pass my test...