MY FOURTH EPISODE OF THE VILLAGE DIARIES. A SEVEN MINUTE DRIVE FROM HOME BUT A WORLD OF COLOURS AWAY.
Leaving home this morning just before eight, I had a feeling that the light in Roussillon was going to be almost perfect for capturing its colours. But, of course, Roussillon is a very short drive from our village. Being so close would suggest that it is similar in most ways. But, as you will see as you peruse the images posted below, it is very different from Bonnieux.
Ocre is found everywhere in the area. Ocre is used for many different purposes, and in this village, it is used in large amounts for building homes, businesses and churches.
This is a tourist town. If you are not here and parked by quarter after eight in the morning, you won’t get parked at all. Roussillon is so vibrant and comforting that it attracts thousands of people every day. Considering its size and small population, it is awe-inspiring how they manage all those who wish to look around and dream of a life here.
Get here early, and you can enjoy it on your own or, in our case, with a multi-generational family that were all wearing khaki zip-off pant-shorts. You know the ones of which I speak. One pair is funny, but seven pairs in one group are hilarious. Couple that with those hats that Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. wore with a hell of a lot more panache and you’ve got yourself a vision of haute couture one should try not to replicate (ever!!).
The streets of Roussillon are so vibrant that even if you came to visit in December in the middle of a mistral from the north, you would still feel nice and toasty inside. The further you get from the village square adjacent to the local Marie, you will discover a lovely and inviting residential feeling. Homes of all sizes, shapes, and colours sit in the shadow of the bell tower. The church is simple but spectacular. Immaculately kept by an old darling that was setting out candles for parishioners as we walked in for a quiet moment.
The artisan's galleries in Roussillon are varied and tasteful. So whether you are in the mood for watercolours or ceramics, you will find something of a fitting keepsake as a memory of your visit.
My only regret on this visit is that when you arrive early to beat the crowds you eliminate any chance of a beautiful glass of red from this gem. As you will note on the sign posted on the vine that it is 175 years old. Please don’t touch it and please don’t remove any grapes. I have put a reminder in my calendar to return in September for lunch after the crowds die down.
The bottom line is straightforward. If you decide to visit Roussillon when you are in the Luberon Valley, you won't be disappointed. You will enjoy the village, the people and the feel. If you decide to rest your weary feet at Cafe Des Couleurs and order a Grand Cafe, you will be treated to a most excellent double espresso. Like an angel peeing on your tongue! I usually reserve that reference for a wee dram of Red Breast Irish Whiskey. So come, wander, and enjoy. We did, and given it took us seven minutes in the car, we can't see a good reason not to do it more often. Of course, sans zip-off pant-shorts and inappropriately chosen headwear.
Please take the time to leave your thoughts in the comments box.
Live well!
Mark
p.s. all photos taken with the Leica M10-R and the Leica Q2
