A Sunday Drive in Vaucluse: Navigating Lavender Fields, Cat Naps, and Google Maps.
There’s something inherently idyllic about a Sunday drive through the French countryside. Perhaps it’s the slow pace, the intoxicating aromas of blooming fields, or the mischievous allure of small villages where time seems to have stopped in its tracks. Or, in our case, it might be the utter foolishness of trusting Google Maps with our lives. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
On this particular Sunday, we decided to explore the Vaucluse area of Southern France, a region renowned for its stunning landscapes, medieval architecture, and enough lavender fields to give even the most ardent aromatherapist a serious case of olfactory overload. Our itinerary was delightfully simple: Auribeau, Oppedette, and the UNESCO-protected gorge just outside Oppedette. Easy peasy, right?
Auribeau is a village from a postcard. We began our journey in Auribeau, a village so picturesque that it almost seemed rude. Narrow cobblestone streets wound their way past charming stone houses adorned with blooming flowers. The morning sun had already started to flex its muscles, promising a day of heat that would make even the most robust cicada sweat. As we ambled through the village, the air was heavy with the scent of lavender and wildflowers, a heady perfume that made the senses swoon.
Auribeau is the kind of place where cats outnumber people. These feline aristocrats lounged in every sunbeam, their bodies draped languidly over ancient stone walls and warm patches of ground. They barely twitched an ear as we passed by, clearly experts in the art of ignoring tourists. Their nonchalance was both enviable and contagious, setting the perfect pace for our day.
The lavender fields of Vaucluse. As we left Auribeau behind, we found ourselves winding through the high grounds where lavender fields stretched to the horizon, not yet harvested and swaying gently in the breeze. The fields were a symphony of purple, the rich hue contrasting beautifully with the vibrant greens of the countryside. It was the kind of scene that makes you wonder if the entire world could benefit from a bit more lavender—perhaps politicians might make better decisions if they had a field or two to gaze upon. The road twisted and turned, each bend offering a new perspective on the lush, rolling landscape. The colors seemed impossibly vivid, as if someone had turned up the saturation in real life. We rolled down the windows to let the fragrant air flood the car, feeling a little intoxicated by the sheer beauty of it all.
Oppedette, where Google Maps takes the wheel. Next up was Oppedette, a destination we approached with the blissful ignorance of those who believe technology is infallible. Google Maps, that modern oracle, had decided that the best route from Auribeau to Oppedette was an off-road adventure on a one-lane track that seemed to have been last maintained around the time of the Roman Empire. Our trusty steed for this journey was a front-wheel-drive Dacia Duster, a vehicle with the aerodynamic finesse of a brick and all the off-road capabilities of a toaster.
The track was a washed-out mess, with more craters than the moon and just enough room for one car. Turning around was not an option, so we pressed on, the Duster’s tires gripping for dear life. As the track narrowed and the bumps grew more bone-rattling, we began to wonder if we’d be spending our golden years as residents of this forgotten path.
But, miraculously, the Duster handled it with ease, proving itself to be the automotive equivalent of a mountain goat. Every jolt and lurch was met with surprising stability, and we emerged at the other end of the track with a newfound respect for our little car. Google Maps might be a sadist, but the Dacia Duster was our hero.
Opidette is a hidden gem. Oppedette greeted us with the same sleepy charm as Auribeau but with a twist. This village is perched on the edge of a stunning gorge, a UNESCO World Geopark site that looks like something out of a fantasy novel. The gorge was a breathtaking expanse of rugged cliffs and verdant vegetation, the perfect backdrop for a village that seemed content to remain hidden from the world. Wandering through Oppedette, the heat of the day became our constant companion. The sun beat down mercilessly, and we sought refuge in the shade of ancient stone buildings. The air was filled with the sweet scent of lavender from nearby fields, mingling with the earthy aroma of sun-baked stone. It was a sensory feast, a reminder that sometimes the simplest experiences are the most profound.
Much like Auribeau, Oppedette was home to an impressive population of cats. These furry sun-worshippers reclined on windowsills and doorsteps, their eyes half-closed in blissful indifference. They embodied the perfect stillness of the village, a stillness that was both relaxing and rejuvenating. There was a kind of magic in the silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant chirp of a bird.
A colourful drive back. As we reluctantly left Oppedette behind, the drive back offered yet more stunning vistas. The countryside was a kaleidoscope of colors, from the deep purples of the lavender fields to the bright yellows and oranges of wildflowers. The landscape seemed to glow in the late afternoon light, each hue more vibrant than the last. We drove in comfortable silence, the windows down and the warm breeze tousling our hair. There was something profoundly peaceful about this place, a kind of tranquility that seeped into your soul and made you feel at one with the world. It was the kind of drive that made you forget the chaos of everyday life, if only for a little while.
The inevitable return to not such a bad reality in Bonnieux. Eventually, our Sunday drive came to an end, as all good things must. We returned to our starting point, our hearts a little lighter and our spirits buoyed by the beauty we had experienced. The Vaucluse region has cast its spell on us, and we knew we would carry a piece of it with us long after we left. In the end, it wasn’t just the stunning landscapes or the charming villages that made our Sunday drive so memorable. It was the sense of adventure, the unexpected twists and turns, and the simple joy of exploring a place that felt both timeless and utterly unique. And, of course, the knowledge that even in the most remote corners of the world, Google Maps will always find a way to keep you on your toes.
As we parked the Duster and gathered our belongings and labrador, Hamish, we couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. Who knew a humble Sunday drive could become such an epic tale? But then again, that’s the magic of travel—you never know what’s around the next bend, and sometimes, the best stories are the ones you never expected to tell.
I trust your Sunday brings you the same joy we experienced today. Thank you to all who subscribe. All the images in this post were captured with the Leica SL3, with a 24-90mm and a 100-400mm to help tell the tale. I always recommend viewing the blog on the largest screen you can.
As always, if you have a moment, please leave a comment or your thoughts in the box below the last image.
Live well!
M.
