Les Baux Overlook

Photo by Stephen Bohn

A view of the Provencal countryside from the ruins of the 10th century Chateau des Baux.

A Most Beautiful Village

Photo by Stephen Bohn

Rising above the Plateau de Vaucluse, and not far from Avignon, Gordes is one of the better known hilltowns in Provence. It attracts artists, the film crowd and other creatives types, as well as its share of tourists in the summer months.

Fort Saint-Andre

Photo by Stephen Bohn

Rising above the town of Villeneuve-les-Avignon, the well preserved fort of Saint-Andre was built in 1292 and offers beautiful views across the Rhone to Avignon, but with far fewer tourists than the papal city.

Across the Rhone

Photo by Stephen Bohn

Looking down over the Rhone river and the partial remains of the St. Benezet bridge (Pont d'Avignon) from atop the Rocher des Doms above the Palace of the Popes. The town across the river is Villeneuve-les-Avignon, which was once connected to Avignon by the bridge until its collapse in the mid-1600s.

Lacoste Bell Tower

Nearly devoid of tourists on the day I visited, Lacoste's narrow cobbled lanes, tiled roofs and stone structures hint of a town very much at peace with its past. A hilltown with a population of fewer than 500, Lacoste is a wonderful place to wander and enjoy views overlooking the beautiful Vaucluse valley.
Texture by iBrigs.

Windmill in Provence

Travel Partner and I discovered this windmill at the edge of a vineyard while driving the back roads of Provence.

Textures: Ruby Blossom, Playing with Brushes

Medieval Catapult

This catapult is one of several siege machines from the Middle Ages that are on display at Les Baux de Provence. Les Baux is a wonderful place to visit and explore. You can climb atop the ruined fortress and survey the countryside, pretending that you have traveled back hundreds of years.  I've added a texture from Shadowhouse Creations.

Seeing Red in Roussillon

When I arrived in Roussillon, I felt a sort of deja vu. Although I'd never been there before, I've spent a lot of time in Sedona, Arizona, another unique place well known for it red-hued geology. Both towns are extremely popular with tourists and artists alike. But there the similarities end, because Roussillon has a medieval feel and flavor. Wandering down narrow streets and peeking through doorways, I chanced upon this small inner courtyard with its inviting rock stairway.

I've added a texture to enhance the effect of the natural ochre coloring.