You may have been wondering why we've not posted in a while...well that's because we've been "en vacances" since October 19!! The nation-wide year-round school system provides us all with "2-week" vacations approximately every 8 weeks -- so 6 weeks of school then 2 weeks off, etc.
We decided to pack our bags (and French books) and head south to Provence. Shortly after exiting the auto-route, we knew we'd made a great decision:
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| One of many picturesque views on our drive. |
We took a quick "stretch" break at this small roadside waterfall...
and arrived at Entrepierres, a splendid retreat for (hur(h workers.
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| Entrance at Entrepierres |
The name, Entrepierres, means between the rocks...very fitting as this small stone village is situated between to mountainous peaks. This retreat center was founded with the hope to serve as a place of respite and healing -- and they have succeeded!!
The ambiance alone is relaxing -- beautiful cobblestone, winding paths to the various villas and breath-taking vistas -- we are so thankful that we heard about this place AND that we have a car so we could get here!!
Our days have been filled in a variety of ways...some studying (of course), some relaxing, and LOTS of exploring!
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| The citadel |
This ancient city is only 7 km from Entrepierres and in our opinion a must-see! We braved the clouds and intermittent rain in order to explore the well preserved citadel.
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| Gracie with one of the many knights guarding the citadel. |
Within the citadel there is a museum and a video (good French listening practice) and lots of nooks and crannies to explore...
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| View from our "picnic" site inside the citadel. |
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| A glimpse at the town below... |
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| Wow! Stunning views from the top! |
After briefly researching this region of France, we realized there is MUCH to see, and we had to pick a few highlights. Dianna's teacher loaned us a great guide book -- but even better she left some sticky notes with her suggestions of things to see and do. So, after a little planning, we decided to re-pack the car for an overnight trip to explore Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Valcuse parts of this region.
Avignon is another ancient city whose city-center is still surrounded by medieval stonewalls.
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Section of the city's impressive wall...
where's G? |
It is also known as the "City of Popes" since several popes lived here during the Catholic schism during the 14th and early-15th centuries.
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| Courtyard in front of Palace of the Popes |
The Palace of the Popes is an impressive structure. We marveled at its grandeur, its detailed architecture, and its history -- it was built in a rather short span of time.
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| Dean's artistic capture of the entry courtyard |
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| Another view of the entry courtyard |
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| Look at that ceiling! |
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| A view of the surrounding city from the "high kitchen" |
With an English audio-guide and reading some of the French descriptions, we were able to learn about the history of the palace and the course of events following the Popes' departure. We were not, however, too interested in the "modern art" exhibit currently on display in the lower levels of the Palace.
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G making signing her name in the guest book,
a new tradition for her. |
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| Another guestbook signature...way to write G!! |
Another main attraction in Avignon is the famous "le Pont Saint-Bénezet":
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Le Pont Saint-Bénezet
also known as "Pont d'Avignon" |
In its day (the 12th century), this bridge completely crossed the Rhone river; currently, only a portion remains so it appears to be a bridge to no-where. We were able to walk out on the bridge with another audio-guide sharing the history of the bridge.
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Walking along part of the city's wall...
where's Baby K5? |
After a full-day (part driving and part exploring Avignon), we found a quaint little restaurant in a small village,
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and had our FIRST dinner out since arriving in France 2 months ago!!
After our yummy French cuisine -- Dean's guinea fowl and Dianna's "Plat du Provence" (G ate some of both!) -- we found our way to a secluded "auberge ferme" (farm guesthouse) where we had already reserved a room for the night.
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| Auberge Ferme |
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G & the donkey getting acquainted
the morning after our night in the guesthouse |
The next morning we were back on the road with a list of places to see along the way back to Entrepierres.
The picture explains why this is one of the most visited villages in this area. WOW!! The village itself likely has more to offer than just this view -- but we didn't stay long enough to find out.
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| The village of Gordes |
Just a "stone's throw" away from Gordes, we visited this grouping of stone huts depicting how shepherds in this region used to live. The website (linked above) gives a great overview if you are interested to learn more...
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| Exploring one of the dwellings |
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| Another borie |
Roussillon, France is well known for its rich deposits of ochre pigments.
We all 3 enjoyed the 30-minute stroll through the vibrant shades of clay.
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| Galloping down the trail |
But G definitely had the most fun...
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| Making her hands turn "orange" |
And once again, we enjoyed the beautiful landscape:
Before loading back into the car -- but AFTER scrubbing the orange from G's hands -- we stopped in for a roadside treat!
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| G eagerly watching and waiting... |
"Une crêpe" with chestnut butter!
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| "La crêpe" in the making |
This Roman bridge dates back to the year 3 B.C. and was actively used (yes, for car traffic) until 2005!! WOW!! You can see the new bridge (just beyond the stone bridge in picture above) which we used to cross the river, although le pont julien is still open to foot-traffic and cyclists.
A small photo and caption in a guidebook lead us to Bonnieux in search of "La musée de la boulangerie" -- the museum of the bakery.
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| Steep narrow streets leading up to the "top" of the city |
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| Panoramic view from the top of Bonnieux |
And we did, indeed, find the bakery museum...
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| Demonstrating classic breadmaking |
Whew...after all of these wonderful sites, we were glad to make our way back to the quite little haven of Entrepierres!!
In all of this, who does G consider to be her favorite travel companion?
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"Pone"
G captured this pic in Avignon
(with a little help from Daddy) |
Richly blessed AND refreshed!!
DDG & K5
