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.
I THOUGHT I left a comment yesterday about this post, but it must not have registered! What I wanted to say was this must be my all-time favorite village you've blogged about. Love, love these pictures. The stone walls, wisteria, lavender. Lovely beyond comprehension! Thanks for sharing!!
I REALLY love the Wisteria photo – I'm a sucker for that particular shade of violet-blue. Thanks for popping over to my blog today; it was so good to hear from you! I read all your posts but don't always have time to comment…life is on a fast-track right now and I haven't had much time to spend on my blog or to play with my blogging friends. Hopefully, things will gel soon and I can breathe and play!
Hi Heather, For some reason I'm having a hard time commenting. Here's hoping the third time's a charm…Oh good, looks like it's going to work! I'm glad we were able to travel vicariously with you to this pretty village and enjoy without adding to the maddening crows – although I bet escaping from the masses helped you enjoy that moment of peace and authenticity all the more!! XO
Heather your excursions are so very inspiring!! A wonderful little village!
I am featuring Anita Rivera, our Friend, Designer and Paper Artist with Castles Crowns & Cottages, & her Giveaway on my site!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Oooh, it would be far for you Aidan!! And what ever you do: DON'T GO IN HIGH SEASON. :O
Two peas in a pod, Virginia. Two peas in a pod!
Thanks Jenny! I haven't been writing as much professionally lately but do post about it when I have an article out or sometimes I post an excerpt from past articles such as here:
http://lostinarles.blogspot.fr/2011/11/past-adventures-rose-with-greater.html
I don't like to post the whole article for copyright reasons but it is something!
That actually drives me bananas!!! :0
Oh my, I really, really appreciate that compliment coming from you!! And you are so excellent at lifting yourself out of a crowd situation–that insanely beautiful post on the Guadi cathedral is proof of that!!
Yes, I imagine that it is exactly the same! Hence my use of "wee" as in Ye Olde Tourist Shoppe!! I wish you both could have seen that bridge though, you would have loved it.