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!
Poet, I loved this comment in too many ways! But with our guest here it took me so long to respond that perhaps you will think me an ingrate. I am not and am so grateful not only that you respond but also for your ideas en plus…
this improvised picnic, the singing of the cigales and the hat… it is so provençal! I miss it so much! But this year, we will stop at Languedoc department, pas mal, non?
kisses from Barcelona!
lovely post — thanks for letting us explore with you.
I am fascinated by these abandoned places all over Provence. What is the history of this chapel, who built it, why, when was it abandoned, who owns the property now? Thanks for sharing your secret place. I hope your dream can become a reality.
You did a wonderful job painting your dreams into my mind…..I could see it all. Very peaceful spot…Thanks, Janey
Oh, that would make a lovely house. The London Financial Times ran a fascinating article, a few years ago, on ancient-to-merely-very-old English chapels/churches that have been transformed into homes.
—david terry
Lovely poetic building, almost as poetic and beautiful as your furry companion :).
A dream-worthy spot, and I love that you made it yours for an afternoon, complete with pique-nique provisions and your pup. Dogs make everything cozier, don't you think? 🙂
Loved the pictures.
What a treasure. I understand, having seen it, why you dream of transforming it into a home. Ben would be happy there, but I have a feeling Ben would be happy almost anywhere.
Best,
Victoria