There are many paths to choose from in Provence; a spiderweb of trails criss-crossing the hillsides and mountain ranges. And after 6 years and perhaps 600 days out in the field either guiding or scouting, I'm still discovering new paths.
I took my last group of the season along a new trail -- at least new to me -- along the Aiguebrun River in the heart of the Luberon Mountains...
...crossing an old wooden footbridge,
...and taking a swim. The water was around 10°C, and Chelsea was able to brave the waters. (her facial expression lets us know just how cold it was). As any guide should I jumped in as well!
Via the Aiguebrun we reached our place of stay for the next three nights: the Auberge des Seguins. Here Frances is lugging her suitcase among the centuries-old buildings.
Via the Aiguebrun we reached our place of stay for the next three nights: the Auberge des Seguins. Here Frances is lugging her suitcase among the centuries-old buildings.
The following day we began our walk just outside the village of Gordes. The heart of the village is quite touristy, but the outskirts remain souvenir-shop free, a cluster of stone homes and cobbled paths leading down to the Calavon Valley, and here with an old 4L car.
Climbing up towards the heart of the village of Gordes:
Lunchtime in the countryside, and Chelsea having her dose of chocolate:
The autumn colours (the fustet or smoke tree) adorning a path above Sénanque Abbey and back towards Gordes.
On Wednesday, heading out of the Aiguebrun valley and up towards the village of...
...Sivergues, a small town with a permanent population of about 30.
Climbing up towards the heart of the village of Gordes:
Lunchtime in the countryside, and Chelsea having her dose of chocolate:
The autumn colours (the fustet or smoke tree) adorning a path above Sénanque Abbey and back towards Gordes.
On Wednesday, heading out of the Aiguebrun valley and up towards the village of...
...Sivergues, a small town with a permanent population of about 30.
Sivergues comes from six vierges in French, meaning "six virgins". Apparently, at least as the story is told, the village was first settled by six virgins and one monk. Lucky guy.
Above the village of Sivergues we reached the Castellas farm, where Chelsea did her best to communicate with one of the locals.
The end of the walk took us to the remains of the Fort de Buoux, some parts of which are 3000 years old.
On Thursday morning, after climbing out of the Aiguebrun Valley, and looking back towards the fort on the opposite slope:
A short transfer by car took us to the village of Lacoste, where we visited the ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade. Looking out of the old village gate in the picture below, you can contemplate the Roman-tiled roofs of the old homes and Mont Ventoux in the background.
In the village of Séguret at the outset of our last walk:
Above the village of Sivergues we reached the Castellas farm, where Chelsea did her best to communicate with one of the locals.
The end of the walk took us to the remains of the Fort de Buoux, some parts of which are 3000 years old.
On Thursday morning, after climbing out of the Aiguebrun Valley, and looking back towards the fort on the opposite slope:
A short transfer by car took us to the village of Lacoste, where we visited the ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade. Looking out of the old village gate in the picture below, you can contemplate the Roman-tiled roofs of the old homes and Mont Ventoux in the background.
In the village of Séguret at the outset of our last walk:
Walking above the vines on a farming track:
Mont Ventoux seen from our base in Vaison la Romaine. We climbed to the summit on Friday, theoretically a day off for the group, but most were keen on getting to the top. Unfortunately your truly forgot his memory card for the camera the day of the climb, and so no pictures to put on the blog... We saw a group of chamois near the summit; the camera was missed...
Beth getting to work as we prepare for the wine and cheese evening at the hotel.
A tiny square in the village of Séguret, and Chelsea blending into the background?
The cobbled streets in Séguret:
Our last walk through the vines:
Thanks to Sally, Mina, Chelsea, Frances, Beth, and Bob for a wonderful end to my hiking season.
Mont Ventoux seen from our base in Vaison la Romaine. We climbed to the summit on Friday, theoretically a day off for the group, but most were keen on getting to the top. Unfortunately your truly forgot his memory card for the camera the day of the climb, and so no pictures to put on the blog... We saw a group of chamois near the summit; the camera was missed...
In Vaison la Romaine in the old town:
Beth getting to work as we prepare for the wine and cheese evening at the hotel.
A tiny square in the village of Séguret, and Chelsea blending into the background?
The cobbled streets in Séguret:
Our last walk through the vines:
Thanks to Sally, Mina, Chelsea, Frances, Beth, and Bob for a wonderful end to my hiking season.
And now it's back to the office...
