Parade, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

Like most people, I love a parade. I heard a ruckus this morning and looked out my window to the sight and sound of this parade.  The signs they were carrying named the local elementary schools but I couldn't figure out the reason or subject. Sometimes it's frustrating to me not knowing the local language.

There were multiple musical groups playing over the course of the twenty minute parade.

Parents and kids, some in costume and some not.

All the instruments had bluetooth microphones (or some equivalent technology) that connected them to an amplifier cart rolling behind them so the town was rockin' !

The morning parade must have worn out the townsfolk - as darkness descends there is not a soul at the many riverside restaurants - maybe it's too early still - the dinner hours don't begin until 7pm or later.

(Note: this is one of two posts I published today - keep on scrolling down).

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.

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

For our first field trip from our home base in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, we headed into the hills of the Luberon to the incredibly charming village of Ménerbes. 

A friendly local.

Stone houses, stone streets, and terracotta roof tiles - all constants in Provence.

I think I'd like to have a front door this color. Hmmmmm?

As Amy demonstrates, sitting quietly with eyes closed in a sunny corner on a cool winter's day is the best possible way to spend a few moments.

Looking out on the beautiful agricultural land below the town.

A view northward toward the Plateau de Vaucluse and Mont Ventoux.

Similar view over fields that have been bearing produce, wine, and lavender for many generations.

A typical Provence farm - grape vines, a stone farmhouse, terracotta roof tiles, and colorful wooden shutters.

This interesting tiny house perched on the edge looks like it's been there a while. I bet that's a pretty cool place to call home - assuming the main side not visible is full of window glass.

Wood shutters are the standard design on most houses I've seen here. And they actually are functional, unlike most shutters in the U.S. that are usually attached in place just for the cosmetic look.

These small villages with steep streets mean that you can only bring home the groceries that you can carry yourself in one trip.

Like many properties in these gorgeous towns, this house is for sale.  Prices are high due to strong demand from out-of-towners and foreigners.

This was one of those slam-on-the-brakes sights along the road back home after the day in Ménerbes - a stone field house nestled within an orchard.

Provence is as beautiful as I've always heard - and we're just beginning to explore. I realized while wandering around this picturesque town today that I am very fortunate to be a member in mobile health of the retired person's club.  To celebrate our good fortune, we ordered a 25cl carafe of wine for lunch that was called, "Vin du Moment," which, I guess means literally, "wine of the moment." Great name - really cracked me up laughing!  (The French version of "Two-Buck-Chuck?")

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

We have begun part two of our three part trip with arrival here in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue in the Provence region of southeastern France. Located centrally in the Provence region, we chose this town as the base for our visit to the area.

The Sorgue River flows through, under, and around the town and historically served as both a source of water, food, and industry powering multiple waterwheels. They have a popular Sunday market that originated in the late 1500's (and a smaller Thursday market also - more on that in a future blog post).

Our first evening in town it rained like crazy but made for an interesting view out the window of our apartment onto the glistening street below.

Out and about the next morning, I  saw a pack of wild but well-behaved dogs in the neighborhood who weathered the storm quite well......

...and also a donkey, pink sheep, deer, and even an alligator! 

This dog seemed to be keeping watch on the wheel barrow in case someone tried to carry it off. I think this is going to be a fun place to live for the next few weeks.

Lyon at Night, Lyon, Rhône-Alpes, France

We were only in Lyon for less than 48 hours and in order to see and experience the old part of the city, Le Vieux Lyon, I walked a lot. No, really, a lot. I claim to be a walking man and a walking man walks but, this was a bit much for me - my step counter today said 18,900 steps!

Vieux Lyon, (Old Lyon), is the city's oldest district and became the first location in France protected as a special cultural site. This pedestrian bridge connects the old town area to downtown.

This street bridge is over the Saône river and joins downtown to the old town area. There are lighted promenades both at water level and street level where I am standing.

Looking across the Saône River at the old town area, La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière is on the high ridgeline in the distance. (There is another church in the foreground that confuses the perspective).

Joggers along the Saône River. I like the blurred motion.

In this view, the pedestrian bridge, the Hall of Justice, and on the hill, La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière. The iconic tower at right was built in the early 1890's, greatly resembles the Eiffel Tower in Paris, is the highest point in Lyon, but today serves as a transmission tower.

Walking back to our hotel offered these great nighttime city street scenes.

Time to go to bed and get up tomorrow and drive south to the Provence area! Au revoir.