Lavender and Sunflowers

If you plan your trip to the south of France in late June to early August, one of the serendipities will be 

the lavender you will find growing amongst the hills.

Looking from atop the hillside villages of the Luberon valley, we could see fields of lavender growing in the distance,

so off we'd go trying to find them.

My husband was most accommodating at pulling off the roads and waiting patiently in the car while

I would forge through the fields, climbing over ditches, keeping a watch for any anxious farmers,

and avoiding the swarming bees to try and capture a few photos so we could have some visual record of the beauty that we found.

It was one of the most rewarding "treasure hunts" I've ever been on.  

Here we found another beautiful field, as it was just starting to bloom, in front of the Abbaye de Sénanque, a medieval Cistercian abbey. The only challenge here was avoiding all the other tourists,  since this is one of the most photographed and well known places to find lavender.

Almost as much fun was walking through the fields to capture a photo of sunflowers

and sometimes finding when we got there, that their path towards the sun took them away from us. The French word for sunflower is tournesol which means turn with the sun.

Did you know that a sunflower is not one flower but a cluster of 2000 tiny flowers growing together? I find them fascinating.

Sunflower, how I long to be like you!

Glorifying God in all I do.

Following the Son and his path of light

To worship Him in His glory shining bright.

Katherine Love, 1995

Rolling Along Through Provence

Part of the joy that comes from a stay in Provence, is in exploring the romantic hillside towns of the area. We started in Bonnieux, climbing up the Rue des Pénitents to the 12th century church at the top of the town,

where we had fabulous views of the village sprawling below us with its 19th century church, charming alleyways, and the fields of lavender in the distance.

We moved on to the picturesque town of Roussillon, full of buildings that range in color from russet red to golden yellow, thanks to

the ochre found in the nearby hills. Seventeen shades of ochre in all, the powder has been an invaluable resource since Roman times until the advent of synthetic dyes,

and it was the handiest material around through time to use in the building of the village.

Today the town boasts

beautiful walkways,

artists sketching a rainbow of colors,

and cute shops attracting the thousands of tourists who visit each year.

Later that day, we dropped by the small village of Cucuron, best known for its beautiful pond of water in the main square, surrounded by 200 year old plane trees. A delightful place for a spot of refreshment.

As the day drew to a close, we headed back towards Lourmarin, stopping in the village of Ansouis with its chateau and 16th century bell tower.

A quiet little village, that

begged to be explored on foot

in a slow casual way, so as not to miss the small charming details the town had to offer.

The next morning found us en route to the town of Gordes, with houses perched down the hillside commanding incredible views.

This is a village worth climbing its steep pathways,

because at every turn is a view you want to remember always.

Looking up as you climb reveals

unexpected delights.

Strolling along, you catch glimpses of the 15th century chateau which today holds art exhibitions.

It was getting close to lunchtime--which restaurant to choose became the question of the hour. But snuggled in the shadow of the chateau, we found this little bakery,

with a case of delicious pastries and hot croque monsieur sandwiches,

which became our feast as we sat on a rock wall and marveled at this view below. The "best table" in the town!

It's Market Day in Lourmarin

If it's Friday morning, it's market day in Lourmarin, and the streets are full of vendors and abuzz with shoppers,

elbow to elbow seeking out the freshest and most unusual products of the day.

Of course, your first purchase must be your French market bag if you don't yet have one,

or you might prefer a more colorful one. Now be ready, it's time to fill your bag.

What will you take home for the day?

Will it be beautiful,  fresh tomatoes,

fruits of every color,

flowers for your home,

sachets of lavender,

 or maybe some local pottery?

You don't want to forget the cheese on your list,

or the sweet melons of Cavaillon,

smocked dresses for your favorite mademoiselle,

olives,

beans,

and some fragrant figs.

In great demand are the "draps de hamman," or Turkish sheet towels

in every color to be used to drape your lounge chair, or as a beach wrap.

Also unique are the bags made from the pull tabs of cans--something for everyone, I guess.

A great gift to take home would be some Savon de Marseille, a traditional pure soap made from olive oil

or you might fall in love with these hand-made "coeurs de lavande" like I did. Full of lavender and decorated with ribbons, these are a special keepsake from Provence. More about these here.

Do you have your bread for dinner,

or all the spices you need,

the onions,

a roasted chicken,

some garlic,

or a flavored vinegar, almost too pretty to use?

Your trip might not be complete without a painting that will always recall the lovely town of Lourmarin.

And if you really want to end the day like the locals do, stop for a coffee back at the village square to people-watch before making your way back home.

As for me, as our shopping wound down, I was grateful for a husband to help cart back all our purchases and a market bag that would "almost" hold it all.

One more glance over our shoulders at the church as we head back along the footpath, eager to enjoy our purchases of the day.

So tell me, how would you fill your basket on market day?