Monday, July 26, 2010

Even more Lavender!

Last June I was contacted by Robert  & Dawn from New Zealand, looking to travel to Provence to capture the Lavender at it's peak.



We mutually agreed the third week of July would not only see it at it's best but at the beginning of the cutting .


And so 13 months later Robert & Dawn came and saw and captured everything they had hoped for.





Staying the week in one of our gites (and I might add wishing they had stayed for two weeks) they were captivated by the beauty of the scenery. Robert kindly allowed me to share some of his wonderful photographs not only showing the lavender in full bloom but also as the traditional cutting was started.



Remember to get the best from youir holiday you should plan in advance!


Take specialist advice from people on the spot.





And book in advance!


Would you like to experience next years Lavender season ? It only last for about four weeks so talk with us for the best dates.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Awesome scenery

The beauty of the scenery that we are confronted with daily never ceases to amaze or disappoint. As we approach the latter part of July it will soon be time to harvest the lavender, and so we decided to take a quick drive towards Sault and then over Mont Ventoux.
 On the road from St Saturnin, after just 20kms as you turn the bend you are confronted with the sight of Mont Ventoux.

This is real lavender, grown for its healing qualities typically above 700 metres it creates a wonderful foreground to this impressive mountain.


 And superb colours for artists and photographers to capture

From a distance Ventoux looks like it is snow covered year round, when in fact it is the granite stone that gives this appearance.

On the route up is the memorial to Tommy Simpson , a British cyclist who died in 1967  at just 29 years of age.
Three kilometres from the summit, in a landscape of stone, where the mountain becomes most arid, the Briton began to wobble. The drama was imminent and it came a kilometre further on. Simpson climbed in slow motion, his face blank, his head tilted towards his right shoulder in his familiar manner. He was at the end of his strength. He fell a first time. Spectators went to him, putting him back in the saddle and pushing him. He went another 300m, helped by unknown arms, then fell again. This time, nobody tried to pull him upright: he had lost consciousness.




And so we plough on to the summit where the views are spectacular...

sorry for the tacky photograph!

At the summit, 1912 mteres high the air and views are simply amazing


Heading down on the north side, the driving is incredible, bring a decent car, preferably open topped!
 And again, simply breath taking views over to the Alps.

This is the slope at Mont Serein where I was skiing in seriously thick snow just 4 months ago.

I think you could say we like it here!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Blooming Lavender!


It's here, in full bloom, mid July, the Lavender is looking fantastic!






Breathtaking scenery on our doorstep

Book for next July now!

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

changes in the garden

A year on, the lavender is blooming, the pool is warm, and the orchard is looking great, the agapanthus are still getting over winter!

Friday, July 02, 2010

Oh to be by the seaside


We love where we live, but occasionally we like to see the sea.One of our favourite places is Bormes Le Mimosas. And we usually stay here, the Grand don't you know. At 65€ though its a bargain and wow what a view..............
From our balcony , fantastic.





And such a pretty village, filled with delightful shops, bars and restaurants. The streets are filled with colourful flowers, Mimosa in spring, Bougainvillia in Summer. Follow the route des  fleurs.


And then a day on the beach at Le Lavandou.




Right on the beach, fish sold by the kilo, so fresh, cooked on the bbq




Just perfect, we shall be back soon, under 3 hours from home.

Thursday, July 01, 2010

So Chic!


St Tropez is a must when visiting the Cote D'Azur!
It is a fact that 90% of all super yachts in the world will visit the Cote D'Azur during there life at sea.


Yachts like this moor overnight  so the guests can promenade and enjoy the nightlife.

This yacht registered in the Isle of Man will set you back a cool £120,000 to hire for the week.

It really is a lovely town, with great shopping, a huge choice of restaurants, bars and ice cream parlours! 
And a serious Boules club which meets every day.
It even has the things that dreams are made of - for Karen that elusive Fiat 500




And for me an MG in matching Lime - I have the T shirt!



The latest Art in St Tropez, large Bronze statues - I am not sure I like it.


Enjoying a beer and glass of wine, our friends Steve & Debbie in St Tropez



We love Ramatuelle, with stunning sea views, the beaches of Pampalona, is this Paradise?

And less than three hours from St Saturnin les Apt!