Provence has so many beautiful villages that it was difficult for us to decide which ones to visit. We were not disappointed with our choices today. Our first stop was Isle-sur-la-Sorgue which is an island village surounded by the Sorgue river. There are canals that run between the narrow ancient streets that are lined with waterside cafés, restaurants and antique shops. Unfortunately, many of the shops were closed because it was Monday. However, it was a beautiful spot and a beautiful day just to wander.
Here we are having "smoko" at Au Chineur overlooking the Sorgue river.
The Sorgue river. The coloured building in the background was a wonderful shop that sold olives, olive oils and other regional specialties.
The following pictures are of the pretty village of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
The countryside is dotted with vineyards, olive trees and fruit orchards. Below is a picture of an almandier or almond tree which is the first fruit tree to bloom at the end of winter. The orchard was as "pretty as a picture".
Peter Mayle originally moved to Ménerbes from England and subsequently wrote several books about his experience living in Provence. As a result, tourists have flocked to the area even though he has since moved to Lourmarin, another beaux village in Luberon. A movie based on his book "A Good Year" was filmed in Ménerbes and Bonnieux. These villages are two of France's prized perched villages or "villages-perchés". The first pictures are of Ménerbes, a walled village on a hilltop in the Luberon mountains which are the foothills of the French Alps. I loved the sign on the wall of this building as we walked into the village.
I also thought this chalkboard describing the weather or météo in Ménerbes was very clever.
A long distance view of Ménerbes taken from the top of Bonnieux.
One of the many lovely walls and gates in Ménerbes.
The old walled village of Ménerbes.
The picture below is of Bonnieux taken from Ménerbes.
When we arrived in Bonnieux, it was time for "le déjeuner". We found a lovely terrace overlooking the countryside and this old church. After doing a little investigating, I found out that this is the new church in the village, l' Eglise Neuve built in 1870.
As with all of these hilltop villages, you must climb to the top. It is a good thing too considering the wonderful food and wine we have been consuming.
Brian walking up one of the narrow passages to the top.
This is the old 12th century Roman/Gothic church, La Vielle Eglise, that is no longer in use. It rests at the top of the hillside and you have fabulous panoramic views of the countryside and other nearby villages.
The new church taken from above.
Another narrow passageway leading back to the valley.
The walls around Bonnieux.
At the end of the day, we stopped to buy a few provisions for our dinner of duck confit, potatoes, salad and green beans. It was accompanied by a variety of wine choices. Here is Greg cooking the potatoes in the small convection oven in one of the gîtes.
Preparing dinner - a joint effort and fun had by all!
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