I am a bit of a spoiled traveller. Having had the Taj Mahal to myself at dawn, the Bayon Temple in Angkor the same at sunset, I don’t like to feel as if I am, well, a tourist even if that is exactly what I am these days when out visiting.
So there was a slight tingle, that vaguely uncomfortable nibble at my fingertips while we walked around the village of Grimaud.
Is it charming? Why yes. But it is also teeny to the point of whiffing of “wee” while being packed to the gills with other folks just like myself with their cameras out and at the ready.
True, as I have already written about Oppede-le-Vieux and Vaison-la-Romaine, girlfriend is begging for her closeup at every corner. But something about this lovely lieu made me wonder if I opened a door I would find that it was only a stage set!
But I am being a snot–I warned you I am spoiled! Because really the sight of lavender springing out of an ancient wall, side-swiped by the afternoon light, was worth weeding through the groups lead by bull-horned earnest guides.
The wind picked up, giving us a little “how do?” as we crested the ruins of the chateau. St. Tropez glimmered like the unattainable jewel that she is as the land exhaled into the sea below.
And so we too, descended and found…utter authenticity. At the bottom of a series of cresting waterfalls, we were lead by burbling to the Pont des Fées, or the fairy bridge.
One thousand years old and still standing–although I did hold my breath while I crossed it! Who knows what kind of magic had inspired its name but to be spell-bound by it was exactly the sentiment for which I had been searching. And yes, here, we were alone.
Heather,
That is right up there for the most beautiful village, no question. I love, love, love wisteria and wish I could have it all over my garden. Your photos are so pretty. I'm having serious photographer ability envy these days!
I'll have to add this pretty girl to a day trip list.
aidan xo
Lovely indeed… and charming photos. thanks for posting
Oh, it's in your very bones Heather, to want to seek out that which is different, far from the madding crowd. And thank goodness it is too, for otherwise you wouldn't be able to take us on the same adventures. The lavender growing impossibly out of the wall, the crumbling old bridge – that is the beauty to me. xx
Know what you mean, but I also think that in a way these extra-pretty villages have acquired a new personality over the years – they're meant to be visually enjoyed just as much as lived in.
Lovely photos and I'd love to read more of your work, maybe you can post some links one day?
But don't you love taking a picture and having some other "tourist" stopping to see what you photographed, then snapping a shot of their own? Though I am glad you had the bridge to yourselves…
Beautiful village and really feels like a movie set, isn't it? Though I never travel with the guided groups but quite often and inevitably I found myself in the tourist crowd, helas! And with the camera climbing and crawling.
You are lucky and privileged to be a happy insider and local to revisit these beauties whenever your wish ahead of tourist tides in May-September.
Your images are getting better and better with each new post.
Thank you Heather for sharing so generously.
Love seeing the Wisteria and the lavender growing out of the walls, I love it. You're much braver than I am crossing a 1000 year old bridge I would have never done it. Easier to swim across water then get conked on the head as you and debris fall. Do you know how luck you are to be surrounded by all that history? I'm envious but in a good way.
XX
Debra~
Thank you for sweet words on my blog:) I loved your little ..living in the country story:)
This post you have is great. If you want to see my hometown Gothenburg, you can check out my new post:)
Have a great week.
LOVE Maria at inredningsvis
Thank you for another beautiful post and photos
Eerie I feel looking at the first picture remembering years ago painting a wooden mailbox for a friend as a cottage with wisteria, blue shutters and pale yellow walls.
Hello Heather:
Lovely as Grimaud certainly is, your account makes us shudder slightly as we think of so many 'picturesque' villages the length and breadth of England which drown under the sea of tourists throughout the summer. And yet, as you found, just a short step from these madding crowds, there is often something of real joy and beauty just waiting in peace and calm!