Tale of two cities...Gordes and Roussillon

As usual, you can click on an image to enlarge for better viewing.

Two unique hilltop villages in Provence are Gordes (1st three images) and Roussillon (last 3 images).  One of my favorite movies is "A Good Year" with Russell Crow.  About an English Stockbroker in London that moves to Provence and finds his two loves....beautiful Provence and his beautiful future French wife.  In the movie, much of it is filmed in the small hilltop village of Gordes.  Believe me, it is one of those villages that is a photographer's dream.  Every where you turn is another opportunity for a once in a lifetime photo.

The other village to die for is Roussillon.  I think of it as the Sedona of France.  It is perched high atop a hilltop of red clay and for centuries, it's pottery of red clay has been sought after worldwide.  The buildings are all painted with the colors of the countryside.  As you see it from a distance, you are standing in the midst of a sea of purple Lavender fields that surround the hilltop at it's base.  This beautiful lavendar is set against a see of reds, and ochres of the village of Roussillon.

One of the best meals I had in France was at a small bistro in Roussillon.  It was a very hot July day in Provence and what a treat it was to settle in for an ice cold serving of Gazpacho made from fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and croutons.  Without a doubt the best Gazpacho I have ever had.

Now with the fresh season here in Indiana, I will be making some Gazpacho this weekend.  Pair it with a chilled Pinot Grigio and I am in heaven.

Sante!

Dan