We all like to have our wonder worlds to dip our toes into now again, more refreshing than any summer slip of a pool. Just as the emptier the belly, the bigger the imagined feast, so it is perfect timing to get lost in a dream.
Utterly hidden in the elbow of a hill is a chapel built one thousand years ago. It is on a true no where land, far from the glamourous corners of Provence, up a track so difficult to trace that each time we visit, we drive past it blindly a few times before saying with a sigh “there.”
We climb up slowly, stepping over spent bullets on this terrain de chasse or hunting grounds. As it is not the season, Ben can bounce ahead doing his bunny best to beat us, with his nose low and sniffing.
So would you like to hear our little bit of wishing? Of the drop a coin in the fountain kind?
We love the idea of reclaiming the chapel and making it into a home. We would clear the blocked out arches and replace the random rocks with steel-framed glass doors or add an extension, une véranda in which the modern conveniences could be housed.
There is plenty of room inside to build a sleeping loft above the nave, to lay out carpets and stack up books.
It would be a wonderful place to be quiet, to be forgotten.
And so we did our best to make it ours, just for an hour or so.
Ever the explorer, Remi can run on the fumes of discovery. I need more substantial fare and happily we had stopped off at a roadside bakery for our improvised picnic.
Backs resting against the solid stone, we let our minds stop doing the talking and walking.
Quiet and happiness amidst the cigales singing.
It is one of those places that puts me at ease. Maybe those prayers of so long, long ago are still hovering, protecting. But I look forward to going back. It is our little secret.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
Quelle surprise! It seems a sacrilege for the chapel sit unused. It would seem better to be honored through use and care and life…
Magic, historic, hallowed, similar to a chapel near Siena part of a compound where a group of us artists painted. What an experience to be standing in such a place of reverence and history. It was thrilling. 'Your secret' chapel has that same aura. Here's praying…
xoxo, Chris
Hello Heather
Now we know your secret place. What a secret and I can see why. What a glorious dream to renovate this church. I agree with you when you speculate on why it is so peaceful.All those prayers of hope and thanksgiving create sacred ground. Do you suppose you might get lonely if you lived here? Ben looks the picture of happiness.
I am watching the Olympic opening ceremonies for the second time. So spectacular.
Helenxx
Que c'est beau ! Tu penses vraiment pouvoir convertir une telle structure en maison ! Quel projet !
What a gorgeous place, and what an incredible mood you've created with the words that accompany these images.
What an incredible chapel! How did you date it at 1000-years-old? I wonder why some of its openings have been filled in, while others have not. There's something wonderful about the chapel just being there, open to the few who find it. On the other hand, if it is to be put to use once again, you, Remi and Ben would be very good at bringing life back to it…and protecting it. If you learn anything more about its history, please let us know. Bravo to the three great explorers! Leslie from Portland
P.S. Your photographs are excellent!
YES!I can see it now…………………The house LOST IN the Hills!Absolutely divine!Careful, I may move in too!
xxx
Amazing little spot Heather! You three are so fortunate to have such a place for exploring and dreaming. One can almost feel the Summer heat and breeze that comes through in these photos. Thank you for sharing!
I have that hat! I even brought it to France with me. Alas, I am home now and can't do anything but sleep it seems.
Thank your for another wonderful post
If the world read your dreams, then I'm sure there'd be more peace in the world, and, more tourism in France.
The chapel…I'd paint all the walls with a mural dream, with flow and symmetry, not a splash of this and that, here and there or even contemporary art. Old style in rich color that makes you understand you are of the pigment. Portable sleep mat, no bed or platform, just a random spot to sleep. All the cooking and other basics…outside in another structure. The television, (if there is one to be), goes outdoors so you have to look out a window to watch it. And, if there isn't a wine cellar, tunnel one nearby…a big tunnel with chairs, tables and plenty of room for friends.
I would love to see it to, Jeanne. We might go to the register's office just to see who it belongs to. The chapel is in the middle of a hunting ground and it doesn't seem to be used for anything else with a dirt road for easy access. There is even a small olive grove on the plateau just above–can you imagine? I'll keep you posted if we get any news. Even if we couldn't buy it, if we could rent it??
Enjoy the ceremonies you too! Let's see…noon your time? Not too early for a glass of wine to cheer on the USA!
Jackie, you always pinpoint the exact thing that is going to make me smile. Thank you so much and the weekend is just ahead of you! Hold on! And with the Olympics, it is going to be an exciting one, non?
xo
h