 |
| The amazing blue of Lac de St Croix |
The weather continues hot and
dry, and are enjoying eating our meals outside. Destination today was Lac de
Saint-Croix which had been recommended. A bit longer drive than expected as
dear Jilly took us on a bit of a round a bout way but eventually arrived at the
top of the hill looking down at a lake with the most amazing turquoise blue
colour, surrounded by rocky hills with little villages. We headed to an Aire in
the village of St Croix, just below the town overlooking the lake, but it was
overflowing with wall to wall campers, so we drove around the top of the lake
looking for a campground where we could walk for a swim. It was a great drive
with amazing views and we passed campgrounds but they were quite some distance
from the lake and in little hot valleys. Eventually got to the town of Bauduan,
with a harbour and marina and wonderful stone buildings, but once again just
nowhere to stop. The carpark that allowed campervans was completely full and
other carparks had barriers of 1.8 metres to only allow cars. Very frustrating
as we just wanted to have a walk around. So we gave up, drove back to a bridge
over the lake and had our lunch. It is becoming very obvious that these holiday
places beside the water are so busy and very hard to get parking – hard to
imagine what it is like during July and August.
 |
| Overnight camp in the lavender |
 |
| Such a shame we couldn't find a place to stay at this lake. |
Stopped in the pretty little town
of Riaz which had a huge parking area right beside the shopping area. We wanted
to get some Panadol and you cannot buy it in supermarkets, although you can buy
hard liquor. Go figure!! It was ¼ to 2 and the street was lined with cafes and
people eating outside, we wandered around until two oclock knowing that most
shops shut for at least 2 hours, but when the pharmacy didn’t open, checked out
the times on the door – the were shut from 12 until 2.30!!! Nothing else but
sit in the shade and people watch until it opened. The joys of French life.
 |
| Loved the old town of Riaz. |
We decided to put a few km’s on,
and continued heading west, crossing over the Durance River at Manosque then
took the road following the river through Mirabeau. We passed through towns
that had Aires, but they were only paved carparks, very hot in the afternoon.
Checked through the French Passion guide and found a vineyard at La Tour
d’Aigues and decided that would probably be a good option – and it really was.
Arrived at the old stone building with the cellar and was greeted by a very
nice lady who spoke pretty good English. We sampled a few of their wines, and
bought a few along with some olive oil produced on their property. It was
interesting that when we mentioned that we had stayed in Valensol, she said
that in a few weeks when everything is really flowering we would hardly be able
to drive in the area.
We were expecting to stay in the
parking lot, but she directed us along the road a short distance where we
followed a track to a mown area surrounded by vines and olive trees, looking
across to the hills in the distance. There was a lovely breeze blowing and we
were the only ones here. Just blissful, it was so pleasant, cool and so very,
very quiet. French Passion is really proving to be a good scheme, especially
when you can stay in places like this at no charge. A good end to a day.
 |
| Next years wine! |
Comments