It started with Remi suggesting that we go on a picnic. Now, I know a bit of him after twelve years, not all–thankfully–and could sense that there was something not at all random going on. By now, I know well to just let the explorer explore, for he has an infallible instinct. And so, packed up and armed with paté, we drove an hour north until we were at the base of Mount Ventoux.
We lunched, we drank a bit of wine, we took a nap. And then the secret was revealled: Remi wanted to take a looksee at the village above, Crillon le Brave.
Was the charm immediate?
Evidently it was.
As we rounded each corner, giving way to a different bit of lovely more glorious than the last, I sighed.
And waved a little hello at our picnic spot in the valley below (follow the road to the intersection of vines on the left, olive groves on the right, under the big tree).
Surprisingly, for such an utter patch of bijouterie, there were still corners untouched…
…But oh there were secret signs that Crillon le Brave was most definitely appreciated by a certain few.
Remi and I know Provence…quite well, I would say and yet this discovery reminded me of another and knocked me breathless.
Literally! I was snapping like a mad turtle to the point of hyperventilation so there will be more to come…
Until then, yep, follow that good light, the one that makes you happy and have a fantastic weekend.
To listen to:
Charming indeed! I'd say closer to exquisite – as are your beautiful photographs!
Before I came to Paris, this is how I imagined it would look like. Yes, please do laugh. My 12-year-old self couldn't have been more off!
I long for the days when I am not in the urban shuffle and quest for the best here in Paris, but for now, I have your blog. Thank you for these posts. I like going on little trips with you. : )
Oh my gosh, I certainly thank you for the music of your beautiful reply, Edgar!
That was such a fine compliment that I shared it with Remi yesterday and he appreciated it too. Thank you Leslie.
Oooh, well said about time Jackie–and you would know from your own fine adventures!
Suze, I was SO excited! I really was nearly hyper-ventillating. Beauty does that to me, especially of the olde stone kind. 🙂 And you are too kind–initially I made some sort of wise-crack in parenthesis about "well, he chose ME didn't he?" but as it made even me roll my eyes, I deleted it. hehe
How I appreciated this response dear G. You knew that it would make me chuckle. Yes, before I had several names and accounts, having signed up to read blogs as Lost in Provence but then I settled on Lost in Arles for the name of the blog and now I am just plain ol' me due to being on Google+.
And while fall is by far my favorite season, I do like to think that I would have fallen for either of these villages at nearly any time of year…?
xo
h
Oh yes, Mumbai. If there is wine involved, we are there! 😉
I would have liked to have been a part of that conversation, Jeanne. Happiness most certainly seems to come when you aren't looking for it…or have made a bit of effort but aren't necessarily too attached to the result.
😉 Yes.
Whoa! Sister, good call!!! I love seeing things through our shared experiences. And yes, Colerain definitely!!!!! Oh that made me happy just to think about it…
Ann, there is quite a story in that name…
Exactly, G. And yet there isn't that stink of fey cuteness that you see in certain Provençal villages that are trying too hard. It is discreet…the discreet charm of the bourgeousie, perhaps? 😉
We went there many years ago (12?) and it was magical and wonderful… even during a mistral!
That looks like a place where I would be happy. These half-forgotten villages in Italy and France that I am discovering through different blogs just make me want to pack my bags right now and go in search of their faded beauty. That last photo, with the light shining through the arch, is perfect, dear Heather.
Charm?
Far more than that. The beauty is breathtaking.
shadows, angles, from high up, from below,old stone steps, ivies, landscapes, promise of light-sonata in pictures.
Falling in love again is perhaps more than for a place?
Thank you for the music and best wishes.
What a pair you two are…two artists ever exploring and discovering. And you, creating such beautiful gifts for us along the way. I'm going to savor this post and look forward to the rest of the story. Admiring you as always, Leslie in Portland, Oregon
Oh, the light … how glorious (sigh)
That is too cute–snapping like a mad turtle to the point of hyperventilation. That speaks to me a soul most eager for beauty. Also, to say that the person you know best in the world has infallible instinct is a deep, perceiving compliment.
It looks enchanting Heather…I think I've fallen in love a little too 🙂
Thank you for popping by…happy weekend!
xx
So envious of the wealth of experiences that France offers you. . .what a perfect place to explore the past and the present!
Love the light in that last photo. Such a treat to enjoy my morning coffee with your enchanting post. thank you!
I am not sure exactly when you took these photos but it seems it may be almost a year to the day since you fell in love with the other charming village. And then you called yourself "Lost in Provence"??? Does this mean that as Lost in Arles you are a little less lost? Do you think, in fall, we fall in love with places again because nature is urging us to find warmth and shelter for the winter? Or perhaps the season has no bearing on it because some places are simply there for us to love.
There are not enough weekends to explore all the hidden places in the Provence , I guess .
… and I hope you followed the right intersection… to the vine road. Haha.
Gorgeous Heather! I've been thinking about the subject of happiness a lot – happiness vs the pursuit of happiness was lunchtime conversation for Will and I today. I think it would hard not to be happy in such a gorgeous spot. Enjoy your weekend! XO
Lovely, this post is making me crave a trip to the country.
and? the wait is wonderful; so many possibilities.
Ooooo – a mystery! I can't believe you are still discovering villages, and I also can't believe how often Provence reminds me of Colerain! (the facade of that building reminds me of our house there). I am eager to see the 2nd part of this story; in the meantime I will relish these beautiful photos – the final one is sooooo beautiful! I am always trying to follow the light that leads me to happiness, but thanks for the reminder and the sweet adieu!
Perfection!
I'm in love, too! What a wonderful village — and I especially love its name!
That final image, with the warm glow inviting you forward! Down the rabbit hole or into the Narnia cupboard…
Cheers,
Deborah from Melbourne
SPEECHLESS………THAT LAST SHOT!
From this Hollywood eye, it's so beautiful it almost doesn't look real! Like a perfect movie set, and all the more wonderful for being real. Have a beautiful weekend, bises, G
Evocative, as always. So beautifully done!
I loved the Provence when I was there, your fabulous photos bring back all the wonderful memories of our lovely picnics admiring the fantastic views. Your day must have been a happy one. I loved your photo shots.
What beautiful photos!
Oh my, a man of mystery, your Remi. And what an amazing place. Thank you for the Friday afternoon tour!
Opps, we sat THAT view every day!
Beautiful pictures! When I saw the one of Mount Ventoux, I said to myself, "I know what that is!" When we went to France last summer we stayed in Sault, so we saw view every day!
I don't think that it could go any higher, N. You'll see why…
Bisous…
Follow the light! I think you might have just raised house prices in that town bc it looks so picturesque…x