We hadn't planned what to do with these 3 weeks until we got to Paris apart from my wish of hoping to see lavender fields. We looked at alternatives of moving around by car, staying a week in 3 places or in one place where we could visit others. Bob remembered he had been on an email list since meeting some people at a French festival in Melbourne a couple of years ago. We investigated and found their property was free and looked good - and it is.
We are staying in the village of Isle Sur La Sorgue which is in the region of Provence-Alps-Cote d' Azur. It is 30 minutes west of Avignon and in easy reach of many hilltop villages, Aix en Provence, Mont Ventoux and the Carmague etc etc.
I had not heard of Isle Sur La Sorgue and wonder how many of you have. It has about 20.000 inhabitants, and is built on islands of the Sorgue River so the town has river surrounding it and lots of small canals and bridges within. It's also called Venice of Provence. Inhabitants previously lived from crayfishing and the silk and paper industry used the river water for manufacturing. Large wheels were built on the canal for this purpose. There were originally 62 with 4 surviving. There is still a factory here making high quality woollen products - Brun de Vian Tiran.
The town is just gorgeous. We feel very lucky to be here. The first 3 days were very hot and humid and although it's easier to cope with than in a big city still a little challenging. Now it is in the mid to high 20s most days and perfect.
We are staying in an apartment in the town.
http://www.frenchdesire.com.au/about_us/
We enter our apartment by going over the bridge into town and turning left just past the shops and cafe below. As soon as the shop closes in the evening and take their wares inside the cafe move their tables into the area in a very slick operation.
Down this lane way around the corner and "Voila" - our front door.
Up the stairs with an
interesting angle or non landing at the top and into our lovely space.
The cafe down below has not so good food but often has soirees with singers - some of whom we've really enjoyed. We can hear them well from the apartment - like our own private concert.
As stated the town is just beautiful with water always nearby.
The old water wheels covered in moss - 2 of which continue to turn slowly.
A variation on the washing hanging out - this is a painting.
There are cafes and restaurants everywhere - no need to starve. Some very good ones too.
Maybe an international issue. Sign asking not to let your dog urinate on the doorsteps. One did on our doorstep one day so I can understand the sentiments.
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