A Lady In France

The Colors of Ochre

There is a reason the houses in Provence are all sorts of glorious colors and it’s not because they were painted that way, contrary to my first assumption. The secret is in the ochre.

Ochre is a stone that is found naturally here

The Fairies' Chimneys in the Colorado Provençal of Rustrel

and here

 in all sorts of colors, even blue.

This is from the church in Gordes.

We visited Rustrel, which used to be a working quarry, and this is a remaining pipe that used to carry the water necessary to remove the stone.

You can see just how brilliant this ochre is

and how it sullies the pants.

But what’s a little dust between friends when you can be King of the Mountain!

(Here are some gratuitous shots for the grandparents).

Sibling Secrets.

Wet-lipped, cross-eyed cuteness. I’m dyin’ over here.

Okay, back to business.

There are whole cities made of this stone.

Roussillon is right next to another abandoned ochre quarry.

and the city is just inundated with ochre – in its walls

shutters

doors

even lanterns

This lantern, while pretty, is not made of ochre. The wall behind it is.

– with color

color

color

and more color.

Extra points if you know what purpose that curly X on the wall serves. You see it all over France.

My post is getting long, but there is only one more city to cover from our visit to Provence, and since life trips merrily along and posts on other subjects await … I bring you:

Gordes.

Less colorful.

Still listed as one of the most beautiful cities in France (as are Roussillon and Ménerbes).

and is a great place to go for souvenirs – lavender, tablecloths, soap, porcelain – all to your heart’s content, and all for next to nothing.

The 18th century church (rebuilt on a 12th century edifice) remained standing through the massive earthquake of 1909, but sustained a noticeable fissure.

And the streets are narrow, steep, full of stone walls and gorgeous architecture.  This shot below took forever to get with the tourists coming and going, but entices you with its promise of breathtaking views.

You’ll also find a few reminders here and there that you’re in the south of France.

Finally (to cap things off), this is the restaurant that you have to try when you go

 (see trip advisor for reviews)

a meal that was so mouth-watering I wanted to cry like a crocodile with every bite.

Or … maybe it was because I was on a date with the love of my life for the first time in a veeeery long time

in one of the most beautiful cities in France.

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Comments

  4. Julie says

    You have just convinced me to abandon all other plans I may or may not have next year and save every last penny to come visit (and maybe stay?) in France…

  5. OpinionsToGo says

    I think that you should head the Department of Tourism or whatever department there is that promotes France. No one could do a better job than you. You have sold me with your beautiful photos and great touristy tips.

    First thing tomorrow…PASSPORT!!!!

  10. Jennifer says

    Absolutely beautiful. I especially love all the shutters. I have a thing for them, and in particular those little metal guys that hold the shutters open. Do you know what I’m talking about? They’re often (at least here) in the form of little men with hats, and they flip up and down to hold the shutters open or allow them to close. Anyway, I think they’re adorable. France is an amazingly beautiful place.

  11. Michele says

    Wow, your photos just transported me to France for a few minutes. Spectacular shots! Just found your blog by chance a few days back and I love it. The 80’s pics really struck a chord. I have some big hair shots from back in the day, but they won’t see daylight ever again if I have my way!
    Thanks for the awesome trip to Provence this morning! Just what I needed to start the day!

  14. Kimberly says

    It’s kind of like the red sand in Nova Scotia…they dye clothes with it.
    You live in a gorgeous place and I’m very jealous. I’d love to hang out with you there and just walk around.

  15. winnie says

    I can just live vicariously through you Jennie. Thank you sharing such special moments with beautiful narrative and shots too!

  16. Jackie says

    I had no idea ochre was a type of stone in Southern France. I’ve been to the Italian Riviera and they had similar colors there. I’ve always wanted to go to the French Riviera and your photos just seal the deal.

  17. Shanan says

    Would love to write how much I loved visiting provence and how I do love to live in France despite the rain ( bourgogne)! My children are driving me just as insane here as the would in the states so, maybe next time!

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