Not too shabby to move from our Tuscan abode to this gîte (the French word for a holiday apartment in rural France) near Valensole in Provence … two levels and an outdoor terrace. Poppy and wildflower headboard in the upstairs bedroom, geometric wallpaper and cushions in the downstairs lounge, a funky kitchen cutlery chandelier in the dining room, and a wildly photogenic spiral staircase joining the two levels (not too many glasses of wine to negotiate this one). What we didn’t know was that we’d arrived in Valensole in the height of lavender season. Serendipitous. (Many) pictures to follow …
For the first night, an exploration of local village supermarkets (all open to 8 p.m. most days) conjured up a home-style picnic of crusty bread, gourmet cheeses, smoked meats, fresh greens … and … French wine. What else?