Nice & Provence
NICE
What a change of scenery from The Cotswolds to the French Riviera. The boys (big and small) loved being able to revel in the sun, sand and surf for a few days. We had rented a small condo near the airport, which was just a short walk to the beach! It was such a treat to unwind and continue our slow, yet adventurous pace. We also got to walking the historic and gorgeous streets of old Nice.
We then drove past (because we had zero energy left - lol) the infamous Promenade des Anglais and it was quite something! So many folks just walking along and marveling at the beauty and allure of Nice. Meanwhile our kiddos were just as pleased to be on our off-the-beaten-path shore, finding joy in taking dips, constructing dams and sketching palm trees. It was a great delight to watch them settle into this temporary groove of exploring new lands and cultures.
-JS
PROVENCE AND OUR NEW RHYTHM
We continued our journey to exquisite Provence, where almost every corner was a thing of beauty. It’s easy to see why artists (many from the Impressionist movement) and makers have flocked to this region to draw their inspiration and create magnificent works. Our home base was in a small village called Lauris and it was yet another restful spot to lay our heads, away from the visiting crowds. We were able to meet some residents in the streets and shops and they graciously let us practice what little French we knew. It was here that we established our routine for the rest of the trip; slow mornings at home with breakfast, family worship and core school subjects and then a packing a lunch for our adventure of the day. On our first full day in Provence was spent exploring Lourmarin, a nearby village and it was a sweet introduction to this area of Lavender, Poppies, Olive groves and so much more - a true feast for the senses.
-JS
ROUSSILLON AND RUSTREL
The following few days in Provence were rainy, so after a sweet morning at the house we donned our rain jackets and headed for Roussillon and Rustrel. Our host suggested this part of the region, so that the kids could explore the ocre cliffs and brightly coloured buildings. The earthy yellow rocks were quite interesting and the villages displayed more vibrant tones than others in Provence. The boys had some cash from a grandparent and they were tasked with picking something special for themselves. They each chose a cute little ceramic chicken and were so thrilled with their selection that they played with it all week. Their child-like joy warmed our hearts. We also enjoyed being able to watch a potter make a singing watering jug. We were watching her outside her shop and she kindly invited us in to escape the rain for a moment. Simon was all too pleased to ask his questions and she kindly obliged.
-JS
CUCURON, ANSOUIS AND ST. REMY DE PROVENCE
Our time in Provence concluded with visits to three more charming places; Cucuron, Ansouis and St. Remy De Provence. We meandered stunning streets, oftentimes hand-in-hand (my favourite way to sightsee), climbed up to see a few churches and simply observed more of Provencal life as it rolled on around us. I was also delighted to see across the street of one of the churches in Ansouis that they were exhibiting a local artist’s work. It seemed fitting as we headed to St. Remy de Provence the very next day, where Vincent Van Gogh spent many years of his life. The boys learned a bit of his story and studied some his works, so it was sweet for us to see the place where he lived and painted. What a gift to have spent many days in the French countryside for it was truly an artful retreat for us.
-JS
