Gordes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

You may think this is just another repetitive blog post about how beautiful and majestic is the village of Gordes. You would be mistaken.

Panorama - click on image to view full width.

Below the town is the studio of a man who specializes in "L'Art Posterieur." When we left town after taking the preceding images from the high overlook, I encountered one of those slam-on-the-brakes views of an art sculpture.  We stopped and visited and chatted with the very personable artist, Arson, who took us into his studio and showed us his works.  (www.arson-sculptures.com)

The red arrow points to his studio below the hilltown.

Yep, this is the view that brought me to a screeching halt as I drove by. It's not something one sees everyday.

The artist was adding some sealer to keep the work weatherproof.

Vive la France! 

Gordes, Joucas, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

On the way back home today, the light was magical so a quick stop in Gordes found its way onto our spontaneous itinerary. I don't think I could ever get tired of seeing this view. 

This pretty scene was looking out from the village of Joucas on the way to Gordes.

Wonderful stone work on this Joucas road/walkway/gutter/drain.

Here's the panorama of the Gordes view. (Click on image to view full width).

Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, (Sénanque Abbey), Gordes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

The abbey was founded in 1148 and is still in operation today. The monks depend on growing lavender, raising bees, and tourism for income sources.

All the grays of this cloudy winter's day blend together: the stones of the abbey, the rocky hillside, and even the foreground lavender plants.

In July, the bloom of lavender brings folks from far and wide. I was very disappointed not to see it in March in full color so...................

.........I made it bloom myself - I am the great and powerful Wizard of Oz - (and I have some ability with Photoshop Elements software). 

Gordes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

This viewpoint of the village of Gordes on the north side of the Luberon valley must be one of the most beautiful spots on the planet.  I thought yesterday's view from Ménerbes was spectacular but this is even more so. The storm clouds with a slice of sunshine lighting the town sure helped the drama. But as usual, a photo does not do it justice.

Panorama - click on image to view in full width.

Stone walls/fences hide prying eyes -"sauf riverains" means no entry except residents.

I like how the stone just sort of blends into the doorway frame structure.

A typical steep cobblestone lane in town. I bet the people in this town have strong leg muscles from a lifetime up walking up and down these streets.

A southward looking view from the town, the Luberon mountains on the horizon.

Spring appearing on the cherry trees nicely frames a local farm.

The calendar still shows it is winter on my visiting day but, it looks more like spring to me.

Cactus and palms are reminders that this climate is more like my former home in California than my current one in Massachusetts. 

A local walking home. The only thing missing is he's not carrying a fresh baguette from the local boulangerie.

Door number one or number two? This is actually a street/pathway in town.

Lunch today was at the restaurant L'Encas where we each enjoyed one of the best vegan meals of the entire trip - Salade Luberon - many grilled veggies over a bed of lettuce. Bon appétit! And a touch of "Vin du Moment" to wash it all down. A bit of wine at lunch - these French people are on to something good........and I was pretty much a teetotaler before this trip.