Thursday 1st October
To be honest I get really confused about the various layers of regions, departments, areas, even cantons in France. None of it seems to make much sense to an Englishman.
Anyway, were still in Provence, but in the Luberon region which is also in the Vacluse department, following ?
We didn't travel far today, probably less than 40 miles but we packed a lot in.
There's lots of appealing little villages but they don't take long to see.
Lourmarin was first off, then Bellieux, both of which were ok for a 30 minute wander.
 |
| Lourmarin Chateau |
 |
| Lourmarin Village |
 |
| Strange fountain ? |
Bonnieux Village
Then we went to Lacoste which was my favourite by far, much more authentic and less touristy than the others with an interesting history.
The village and chateau were owned by the Sade family and legend has it that their shenanigans led to the word sadistic entering the English language.
In 2001 the chateau was bought by Pierre Cardin but I'm not sure of his involvement now, much of it looks to be in ruins but other parts more habitable.
Anyway I really enjoyed a couple of hours here.
 |
| I walked up the hill to the top of the Chateau and found a huge carpark, typical ! Lots of artwork on display |
 |
| The village of Bonnieux where I was earlier today |
 |
| More artwork in the Chateau grounds |
Today has been rather dull and overcast following rain overnight which is a shame as I'm sure the photos would have been better in sunshine.
Next it was on to Pont Julien, just because I love a Roman bridge.
 |
| A dried up river bed today |
Dating from the first century, the stone bridge replaced an earlier timber and stone bridge that was destroyed by flood water from the river Calavon.
There's no danger of that happening today, the riverbed is as dry as can be.
Pont Julien owes it's name to the ancient Roman city of Apta Julia, and was situated on an important route so was quickly rebuilt to a much stronger design after it's destruction.
That Roman bridge has got me thinking about the Pont du Gard, that really is an impressive Roman bridge, and not that far away from my route, so I may have to call in.
I've seen it before but never tire of seeing a good Roman stone bridge
Next stop Roussillion famed for it's Ochre coloured stone which has been quarried and used as a pigment dye with colours ranging from yellow and orange to red.
It's an attractive place but not that much to occupy me for more than an hour or two.
I really hadn't planned to do so much today, I'd even considered doing nothing as the weather forecast was for showers, but they never arrived. So,
I kept thinking, well, I may as well do so and so while the rain holds off, but it never did arrive, it's just been warm and overcast and I ended up doing loads more than I expected 🤣
So we're both tired out now, an easier day tomorrow I think.
Shower and early to bed for me and Louis.
