PROVENCE.....PART 2

It's hard to do justice to the unique splendour of Roussillon.

You can say that there are 17 shades of ochre daubed across the houses of the village, drawn from the palette of the old ochre quarry next door.

But that doesn't do justice to the flamboyant, technicolor glory of Roussillon, the reds, yellows, oranges and pinks that merge one into the other as you wander around the spiralling streets. Or the stunning contrast of the green of the pine trees or the blue sky against the red cliffs.

Why ochre?

The official story...
The ochre of Roussillon is there because of a complicated story to do with the fact that many millions of years ago the Luberon was at the bottom of the sea, and now it isn't.

The colour is caused by the mineral goethite (named after the German writer Goethe, who was a keen mineralogist), but just why it causes so many different shades is unknown.

Roussillon was our base and we stayed at a lovely hotel.

Bonnieux is one of the most impressive Luberon villages, probably the largest, with plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from, artisan shops, lodging options, and even a bank!

The view from Bonnieux is wonderful, out across the valley floor with its patchwork of orchards and vineyards, towards the equally picturesque perched village of Lacoste across the Vaucluse plateau.

Goult is perhaps the least known and visited of the villages in the Petit Luberon. Perhaps because it isn't really visible from afar, like its more photogenic cousins, but certainly not because it isn't worth visiting. It's a little jewel of a village, with a very pleasant atmosphere, a good café on the main square, and a 'hidden' and beautifully preserved old neighbourhood.

If the Luberon were a country, Gordes would be its capital. This is the Parthenon of Provence, an imposing edifice born of stone that has always attracted its share of attention because it is just so good-looking.
Inevitably, Gordes is officially one of The Most Beautiful Villages in France.

The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is a lovely medieval Cistercian abbey that is one of the best places to see Provence's famed lavender fields. Founded in 1148 and once again populated by Cistercian monks, the peaceful abbey welcomes visitors and provides overnight retreats.