![]() ![]() It was important to her that people knew about the invasion and knew that Provence had played a role, albeit a small one, in ending the war. She brought out a dusty old box with a veritable treasure trove of period newspapers and photographs for us to see. We had never heard about this “other D-Day” and were riveted. She became very emotional and teary when she talked about the Allied invasion and of her especially warm feelings for the American troops she met. Nonetheless, I was captivated by her unadulterated stories of real bravery and everyday sacrifices she spoke in the most matter-of-fact manner about these things, as if that was simply what was done in the name of humanity and their beloved country. I say “in some manner” because I was only able to decipher some of what this lovely woman was saying and have retained even less as the years have passed - my French language comprehension was not strong at the time and her French was spoken with a very rapid cadence and an especially strong Provençal accent. When we first went to Lourmarin, about ten years ago, a good friend of ours introduced us to her octogenarian mother who had been in the French Resistance and whose husband had been involved in some manner with the invasion. Just enjoy all the exceptional wine, produced in nearby châteaux, and food, including truffles, both chocolate and those harvested by dogs and pigs! Visiting Aix-en-Provence where Cezanne lived and painted.ġ0. Visiting Cassis and putting your toe in the Mediterranean Sea.ĩ. Visiting Arles where van Gogh lived and painted.ħ. Visiting Avignon with its ramparts, Palace of the Popes, and Pont d’Avignon.Ħ. Going to all the outdoor markets, especially the ones in Lourmarin, Aix, and Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where there is also a famous antique market every Sunday.ĥ. Visiting the Luberon National Park itself where the mountains are covered with forests and the plains are filled with vineyards, olive trees, and fields of lavender (which is a tremendous color and fabulous aroma).Ĥ. Visiting the neighboring villages in and around the Luberon: Bonnieux, Lacoste, Buoux, Roussillon, and Gordes.ģ. Peter Mayle has chosen to live there-so read some of his books before going!Ģ. Spending time in the village of Lourmarin where there are many small excellent restaurants and cafés, pastry and bakery shops, a beautiful castle, the tomb of Albert Camus, and lots of art galleries. When I go to Provence and stay in Lourmarin-which is perfectly located for such a visit-my favorite things to do and see are:ġ. It is also easy and fast to get to from Paris, where I usually land when I travel to France from the U.S. I love Provence for many reasons, not the least of which being that it is warm and sunny like the Cote d’Azur but not as crowded. I am French and was born and raised in another lovely region of France. ![]()
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