We came to Provence for the wedding of our friends. As a destination wedding ... you could hardly pick a better place in Europe. We've been to Provence several times, and coming back is all about enjoying the French joie de vivre. Time slows down, every morsel of food is enjoyed, driving down the tree-lined small country roads is peaceful and the regions hospitality is renowned.
Coming to Provence means meandering the many country roads leading from one idyllic town to the next. This is a region that is rich in culture, cuisine and history ... and you will never get bored. Best of all ... it's all about relaxing here. No internet, no stress, no rush ... you take it as it comes!
The light is something that is very astounding in this part of the Mediterranean. It's sharp, clear with large blue skies and the afternoon long shadows make every photo that you take into an oil painting. Perhaps it's the characteristic wind in this region, that blows all the air particles away ... to create a wonderous vacuum for light to shine.
Renting a car here is obligatory … and no matter where you drive to, you basically cannot go wrong in this very artistic and cultured part of France.
HOW TO GET THERE:
The entrance to Provence is the Marseille International Airport. Given the touristic importance of this region, you will not have a problem finding flights here, primarily of course, from European cities.
> Car rental: the only way to truly experience Provence is to rent a car. Part of the charm of this region is to get lost driving around the nostalgic small country roads, from one little town to another. Be careful with credit cards. France is known for not taking foreign credit cards at gas stations. So always have cash with you.
> toutes directions: this is a typical French concept ... that I love. In every town you will see this sign on intersections and round-abouts. In most countries you will have specific signs for various cities as you're driving ... but the French continuously lead you to a point that takes you to all the destinations ... all directions. You're always going everywhere. I love that concept. Don't worry though ... eventually there will be a sign for the town you're looking for ... but first you have to go 'everywhere' :-)
WHAT TO DO:
> Eygalieres: a very small town with one main road and several shops and restaurants to pass your evenings. Watch time pass you by ... sit and relax.
> St. Remy de Provence: approx 13 km from Eygalieres, this is a much bigger town. And very typical: lots of little stores selling soaps, herbs, patisseries, boulangerie, outdoor cafes, a cathedral, etc.
> Cathedrale d'Images: this was impressive! In one brochure at our Mas we saw that there was an exhibition of Picasso in this cathedral in St. Remy. Not really reading anything else about it, we left in search of this cathedral. Well, we should have read the brochure!! The cathedral was not in St. Remy, but 10 km out of St. Remy ... and the cathedral was not in a cathedral, but in an old quarry in a gorge just outside Les Baux de Provence. And the exhibition was not of paintings ... but a multi-media presentation projected onto the walls of this empty quarry. A fantastic use of space and very captivating. Inside, in complete darkness and in 16 degree temperature, you experience the story of Picasso through his work and powerful music. Exhibition ends in January 3rd, 2010.
> Les Baux de Provence: and since we came to see the Cathedral d'Images, we also stopped in this gorgeous town built into the side of a hill in this spectacular gorge. As you entered the city there was a sign indicating that this was one of the most beautiful historic towns in France. And it certainly looked like it! Small cobble stoned streets, small shops and restaurants and an old chateau looking out into the valley from the top of the hill. Marvelous!
RESTAURANTS:
One over-reaching statement about Provence, and France in general ... you cannot go wrong with the food!
> Sous les Micocouliers: located in the centre of Eygalieres, this is a typical Provencal restaurant. Sitting is primarily outdoors under massive chestnut trees, a gentle breeze, and the set menu was very refined.
HOTELS:
> Mas du Pastre (located just outside Eygalieres): Mas is an old French farm house, similar to the concept of a hacienda. And Provence is sprinkled with them. This one had 17 beautiful rooms decorated in Provencal style. Not necessarily my taste for it entails a lot of little chackas, flowers and an assortment of antiques, yet the totality of the style within its setting is very dreamy. Breakfast is served under a beautiful large walnut tree and consists of all the little details that encapsulates this region: delicate carafes, home made jams, large coffee cups, fresh croissants and pain de chocolate, ornate napkins ... you get the picture. The rooms are very large and if you want, you can also sleep in old circus caravans located at the back of the property, behind the pool. Staying here is all about peace, great food and a relaxed environment.
> Mas de la Rose (also located outside of Eygalieres): the wedding was held at this Mas and the location is much more grand. Tucked away far from the small country road, behind a small forest, the entrance opens to a land clearing leading to an old farm house, with a beach-type pool built into a cave. What do I mean with that? You walk into the pool as if you were to walk into the sea ... down a gentle slope ... no sand though. This Mas also has 17 rooms and is often used for weddings.
Bojan Tercon
It's not all directions everywhere -- it's straight on to Eygalières and third exit to Eyguières. Simple to spot the difference on a small sign at 90km/h, no?
Posted by: Alex | September 17, 2009 at 17:00