I was just writing out a list of suggestions about where and what to visit for a friend’s upcoming trip to la Belle Provence when I stopped still, fingers paused over the keyboard. Up at the top of the email, I added what is my most important advice: DON’T PLAN TOO MUCH.
That is a little bijou of wisdom that I often offer up to vacationers and yet fear that it is seldom heeded. And I understand, I do. You have saved your pennies and planned for months. It is normal to want to “take it all in” and to “make the most of it” but alas, I am here to say, that is an attitude that is appropriate for discovering Manhattan. But for Provence?
Why I so treasure our time at La Buissonade, our cottage rental in the Luberon, is that it is where we settle into the Good Life. We go there to seek it out. Now, I understand that is a relative concept. Very, very relative. But for me, the essence of living in Provence is to take time and be appreciative. To feel the sun on my upturned face. Have some wine at lunch, take a nap. Listen to the birds and watch the flowers bend and sway. Read. Get Lost in the Looking.
And while all of those moments can be achieved nearly everywhere in the world, there is something about this particuliar environment that just makes it magic to me, that makes my heart sing. Do you remember playing with your hands when you were little: “Here is the church, here is the steeple, open the doors and see all the people”? There is joy in the moments when it all comes together.
I thought of you and your merry band while writing this, Jeanne! I know that you will do the same in Paree…
Plan then let it go I say! 🙂 Glad these photos did your breathing good Lorrie.
Et….voila…
Northern Cali??? What the??? Oooh, I am so jealous. Did you know that I graduated from Harbor High School in Santa Cruz, CA? NoCal is fantabulous. Enjoy!!!!!!!!
Ooh, what a good question! Michel, I make my lists usually with a specific person in mind and try to tailor it to their tastes and also the time of year when they are visiting. As you know so well, there is too much to see here. Even after twelve years, there is much left to discover for me.
But…even with only six days (far too little!), I would still strongly encourage at least two days of being totally local. Taking in the markets, either cooking or dining out with terrace time, walks, naps, music, etc.
As for my must see list? Well that is relative to my tastes but there just might be a blog post in there! Hmmm…
Beautiful photos, fantastic advice. The moments I treasure most from our days in Provence are very much like the ones you describe here. The sun on my face. The sound of cicadas. The taste of pastis as I lazily lounge on the terrace. Stars in the night sky…. Sigh.
Here's to a little bit of the beauty of Provence in every day! XOXO
I could feel myself breathing more deeply just looking at this photos. Composed loveliness. Some of our best vacation memories come from spontaneous, on-the-spot decisions. Planning is good, up to a point.
Et voilà!
Oh my, the colors jump out of these photos. I'm going to be visiting them a few more times. And I am taking your advice to vacationers to heart this week as I sit looking at an amazing Mediterranean vista myself this week. Waving to you from Northern California.
xo Judith
What fabulous pictures. You have such a great eye. Thanks for sharing. You are so right about not over doing but for some visitors, this may be their one and only visit to Provence. I am curious what you suggest for those people in Provence just for six days. What's on your must see list?