ACTIVITIES - fall in Provence

This time of year the weather tends to be a bit of a mixed bag, usually sunny days with some rain, cool in the evening and overall a bit less cheerful than the rest of the year. But this year we have been enjoying the most gorgeous fall weather, with temperatures around 20 degrees every day, no wind, lots of sunshine and an overall feel of calm
Provence - land of eternal sunshine

Provence - a beautiful part of the world where every season has its charme

Provence - land of space and vastness, of natural beauty

the beautiful gorge of Quinson

lunch at the lake

breathing space... space to breathe...

YOGA - World Yoga Day '15

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 Every year in late winter World Yoga Day, now in its 7th year, takes place allover the world. This year on 22nd February, on a Sunday morning, between 11h and 13h, yogis everywhere came together to celebrate this special moment, united spiritually and connected through yoga.


 A donation-based project every year a different cause benefits from the contributions of each yogi, be it monetary or idealistic. This year it is the TARA project which provides funding to a deprived part of Africa, enabling children to attend school and better the lives of themselves and their families. Originating in Austria World Yoga Day has spread throughout the world, as you can see on this list of participating yoga studios, from Argentina to Malaysia and Venezuela. 
 Last year I was on Corsica through helpx.net, a fantastic opportunity to stay with locals and exchange ideas, services, thoughts, and spent the actual World Yoga Day time at the most amazing beach, Santa Giulia, 

ACTIVITIES - bike riding

winter scenery - lavender fields

The great thing about winter in Provence is the beautiful blue sky, the crisp clear air. And the empty roads...

From around November until March Provence falls into its winter slumber which is what we love about this area. And what we have come to appreciate for riding our bikes. Granted, "we" would be Claudia and her friend Edith from nearby Saint Laurent du Verdon; Jim prefers to stay close to the warming hearth... along with Mimie and Mia, out cats

Being out-of-doors, bundles up against the chilly Northern winds, sometimes the Mistral, there is nothing more refreshing and energizing like a bike ride. Our favorite round - the long route - takes us from La Vudèle via Saint Laurent and Artignosc along some beautiful scenery up onto the hill tops towards Baudinard, a quaint village with a sort of traffic light, meant for the busy season and cars only (we think...)

Down again towards the river Verdon, left on a dirt road past the public swimming pool of Artignosc beautifully situated right on the banks of the slightly cool river even in summer, and then back up to Saint Laurent: the last stretch, all the way up to the plateau towards La Vudèle, is the real 'heart breaker' and makes me think of 'Heartbreak Hill' of the Boston Marathon, the last, very long stretch through Newton which seems to be never-ending even driving it, up to Boston College.

Once up on the plateau the view onto the nearby mountain range of Mont Denier, snow-capped and magnificent against the blue sky, my heart opens up and I take in the vast expanse of this place. 

Alternatively there are shorter routes from La Vudèle to Esparron, Albiosc and back, about 45 minutes.

winter scenery - vines

This is also the route for the summer for guests if they want to ride their bikes to the lake of Esparron. This takes no more than half an hour, to be at the beach; going back up after a refreshing swim is no problem...

Another favorite is the loop La Vudèle - Saint Laurent - towards Quinson - then back up the D11 (a smaller 'Heartbreak Hill') and back to La Vudèle. This also takes about 45 minutes and allows to take in the scenery ranging from lavender and vine fields through Mediterranean forest and olive groves.

Guests in our chambre d'hôtes can rent bicycles at Edith's hotel for € 8/day, either mountain bikes to explore the many trails, for example the TransVerdon which runs right behind La Vudèle, or leisure/all-terrain bikes.

Life in Provence in the winter:

la vie est belle!

YOGA - weekend workshop September '14

another wonderful yoga weekend

Just like last September, this weekend - running from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening - saw us practicing yoga in the outdoors around La Vudèle. Under the blue sky of Provence...

The June date with focus on meditation and pranayamas, the September date with an introduction to the 7 chakras. For the September date we welcomed a return visitor from last year, Conny! Weekends of yoga outdoors, blue skies, sun, fresh air and warmth. 

For 2015 there will be 3 dates to enjoy Yoga & Nature, yoga practice outdoors, surrounded by the sound of birds, the rustle of leaves in the wind, the feel of the warming sun on the skin, the eyes feasting on the blue of the Provencal sky...

yoga weekend 15. - 17. May &11. - 13. September (Friday afternoon - Sunday evening)

yoga retreat 21. - 26. June (Sunday afternoon - Friday morning) - 4 spaces left

Namasté!

ACTIVITIES - a unique walk in the lower gorge of Quinson

following the ancient canal of Provence

Since June of 2014 and after extensive renovations the foot path -  unique in the gorge du Verdon - is open to the public again, and a "must-do" when visiting Quinson! 

An easy walk for everybody this path  takes you along the river Verdon, and into the actual gorge: spectacular, beautiful, calming! Dotted with several view points and rest stops to take a break and enjoy the view - like three huge tree stumps serving as seats - this path takes you along the ancient canal of Provence, a previously very important waterway in this arid region: canal to the left, river on the right, and you in the middle - simply awesome! 

The short route is an easy 30 minutes to the restored canal guard's hut and very flat. From here one can return via the same way or continue through a short tunnel to walk a 3-hour circuit, either via the chapel Sainte Maxime or the wide tranquil path, to the top of the plateau, with splendid views across the landscape all the way to the mountains standing at almost 2000m and the "big" gorge near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

walking IN the gorge

What makes this walk even more special is the fact that it can be reached leaving directly from La Vudèle: a leisurely 45-minute descent to Quinson, a stroll through the village and along its 8 fountains et voilà, the trail head for the gorge! 

Of course there is always the alternative of exploring the river by boat, be it canoe, kayak, pedal boat or electric boat. 

Happy walking in Quinson!

ACTIVITIES - walking and boating in the gorge du Verdon

photos of the Verdon river in Quinson
taken by our guest Solli

The river Verdon, spanning over almost 170 km, is an impressive waterway and very important to this semi-arid part of Provence. The basse gorge in Quinson is the only part accessible on foot.

A recently renovated path follows the river and the ancient canal de Provence, hence making it easy to explore this beautiful part of Provence. Follow the river in the shade of trees and overhanging rocks for about 1 hour at a leisurely pace, stopping along the way to take in the breathtaking views or taking a break at one of several rest spots, sometimes a collection of rocks, other times a cave with tree stumps. One can return via the same way or continue, through a magical forest, to the chapel Sainte Maxime or in a loop back to the start. A serene way to explore this tranquil part of Provence...

with friends on a lazy summer day

For the more ambitious types there are canoes, kayaks and pedal boats for rent; for the more leisurely visitors electric boats glide through the water effortlessly. Either mode of transport offers access to this unique river and its impressive rock formations, all under the blue sky of Provence...