I am back in Arles. Or at least partially. Part of my heart is still in the northern Luberon, beating slowly all while my ears are pricked to the street noise below. It is that same wagging tail as when we had a picnic in the graced shade of Notre Dame des Anges our first full day out. Pulling myself to relax, to listen while my pulse thumped. Back and forth, back and forth. Half in the moment, half out.
Luckily wisdom won. Or something older than wisdom, if that exists. For I did stop thinking, thinking although it took some time. So the past ten days are a bit of a blur for me really. But I was clicking, clicking non-stop. The better to see you with my dear. I am looking forward to sharing it, just as soon as my feet touch earth.
I hope that you will pardon the hiiighly sentimental tone of my voice but it will give you a clear as a cow bell tone for the dreamy world I was in.
And lest you (or I) forget, thank you for being here…
Hi Heather, I just found your lovely blog though your comment on Julie Mautner's most recent post and I've signed up for email updates. I live in Aix and the Mistral is blowing, the sky is crystal clear and I just came back from a walk with our dog. September is my favourite month here and I'm in this melancholic and dreamy mood that this time of year seems to bring on. I see here that I'm not the only one! It's such a good time to visit as well! Still lots going on, gorgeous weather; less tourists. I agree with your advice to Patricia above; don't pack in too much. Give yourself time to take in the atmosphere of the place. And then come back for more . . . Anyway, I look forward to reading your blog posts and perhaps we'll meet one day.
Kind regards,
Sophia Mose-van Woensel
Hello Heather,
It seems as if you had the most magical, relaxing and peaceful time… I am sure that after the heat of our summer and the bustle of Arles, this trip was a welcome retreat…
I am looking forward to your photographs in the coming days… or whenever they are ready… See you soon… xv
Oh to be on holiday and let everything go. I'm glad to hear you had such a lovely and relaxing time. But isn't it nice to be back in your own surroundings?
XX
Debra~
I don't know Suze but felt it was worth the ponder. I tell you those big oak trees had some sort of something huge to impart…
Does something older than wisdom exist?
Oh hooray! Well, any friend of Jane and Lance's is a friend of mine. 🙂 And you are in for quite a treat as our region is gorgeous and you will be visiting at my very favorite time of year. Your itinerary sounds great but you are packing in quite a lot for six days! Please make sure that you take time to just sit back and relax at a café, sipping wine and people-watching. That is what the good life in Provence is all about!
One not to be missed moment in Avignon is to have lunch in the courtyard at the Collection Lambert. If you like antiques, then a stop at Isle sur la Sorgue is a must and if there is any way that you can plan to visit Arles for the Saturday morning market, it is the best in Provence. Personally, I would replace the Camargue with a day wandering in the Alpilles–St Remy, Les Baux and lunch on the square in Maussane.
If you need any other suggestions, just ask. 🙂 And if you are a foodie, the France board on Chowhound is an excellent resource. Happy trails!
They are on their way, dear friends, on their way…I just need to tackle some of the hundreds (!) of photos that I took!!
Merci Greet! Hoping all is well with you all in Belgium. Scratchies to Mango too please!
That is really good advice Amelia and exactly what I needed to hear today. Merci. And yes, we found a special place there, one that spoke loudly to Remi and I both.
Absolutely nothing, my lovely Contessa. Trust me, once you are on the plane…And worst case scenario, you can always take another…to Arles!