Doug and his Beautiful Wife (BW), along with an assorted cast of other characters spend two weeks based near La Begude de Mazenc, a small village in Drome Provence - with day trips into the Vercors, the Ardeche, the Luberon - several market visits - a GTG and meals in several restaurants.

As with all of Doug's recent reports, a highlight is getting to experience some of this trip "almost live" as he's included video, enjoy:

A Traveller in the Drome

As always Doug, thanks for the report!

oh, good! I've been curious about this part of Provence and looking forward to this report.

Great trip report, Doug. I love the photo on this page!

Thanks Chris,

It's one of my favourites also. It's something our hosts look at every day without thinking how beautiful it is.

Wow, Doug. That was a great trip report! I felt like I was right there with you. As someone who is skipping France (and Europe) this year, it was most welcome! I loved your comments about the value of those tiny French villages and that way of life. What a wonderful way to live.

Thanks for crediting me with good recommendations - I think we appreciate the same kinds of experiences! I can't remember if I ever invited you to look at my photo album of that lavender route Vinsobres-Valreas. It is indeed a spectacular route! So much to do, so many things to explore.

I'm making note of some of your experiences, as we will no doubt return to our preferred nest in Bedoin or someplace nearby. Maybe the Drome, for all the reasons you mentioned. And I do like the idea of my euros stretching further! I love to find those places that are just a little less discovered and glorified, but have an authentic essence of what you're seeking.

My next European trip is to Croatia - I'm planning it now. But I'll always go back to France. Thanks again, Doug, for some great vicarious travel!
Linda

Hi Linda,

I'm sure it was your recommendation that led to the lavender route drive between Valreas and Vinsorbes. I never would have found it by chance. Thanks again.

That's the beauty of a great community like this message board. There's so much out there to see, and too often people only know about the same old places (great as they might be).

By the way, I also really enjoyed your video taped walk through town. I have started to try to photograph everyday things - nothing outstanding, just something representative of the region, the everyday experience. I should do that kind of walk- not with video, because I'm not good at that - but with photos. I should do that at home, in my own house!

What's your next trip?

Linda

Hi Linda,

We're back in the Luberon next year - June 6-20 in a house in Ansouis. There will be 6 of us - 5 women & their driver. We will be booking our flights next month. The main decision left at this point is how many days do we want to spend in Paris before returning home.

Doug, that sounds great. 5 women, huh?

We rented in Lourmarin once and we enjoyed Ansouis. You're wise to book flights far ahead. I'm eager to book my trip to Croatia, hoping for ff miles, but it's too soon.

Hope you can spend more than a couple of days in Paris!
Linda