WHAT’S INSIDE NOTE FROM JONNA

90-99

100-121

122-125

More than two decades ago, our young family toured the French countryside. I had enjoyed reading Peter Mayle’s delightful book, A Year In Provence, and yearned to see what all the hype was about. I had a penchant for Provençal textiles (do you remember Pierre Deux?) and longed to see where they originated. In the Luberon, we navigated the narrow winding lanes of ancient hill towns, awed by the beauty of the aged limestone homes and castles. We succumbed to pottery, painted in hues of the landscape, and my husband hauled suitcases FULL of it from France, through Spain and New York, back to our home in Hong Kong. We breathed air scented with lavender and cypress trees.

126-127

128-135

I have returned twice recently, once with my middle daughter, now grown and near-fluent in French, as well as a decadent visit alone. The region is still peaceful and even lovelier than I remembered. There is a sense of timelessness, with most structures having stood for many centuries; yet one is inclined to luxuriate in the present moment. My hope is to paint a picture of this alluring land that you will want to visit and surrender to its seductive charms. J’espère que vous l’apprécierez!

136-143

Clambering up a cobblestone lane to the top of a hilltop village, I feel intoxicated by the delicious scent of climbing jasmine. I am fortunate enough to be here in Provence during the small window in late spring when it is in bloom and the flowers grow profusely. Sunset yellow roses climb an azure blue shutter, joining the jasmine in flaunting their beauty. The village church bells ring and the birds chime in. I browse the weekly village market, tables spilling over with freshly picked strawberries, apricots, sausages, creamy cheese, olives and baguettes. I fill my basket with these edible treasures and head to my car. As I drive along a country road, window down and wind in my hair, I am stopped in my tracks at the sight of a scarlet field of poppies. It is an idyllic place to lay out a picnic and savor the market delicacies under the warmth of the Provençal sun. My senses are full on this perfect day in the Luberon.

Provence, in the south of France, is known and loved by many. Tucked inside this region is the Luberon, a small pocket north of Aix-en-Provence and east of Avignon, from the Vaucluse mountains extending south just below the Petit and Grand Luberon range. This area is known as the Coeur de Provence (heart of Provence). It is also protected as the Luberon Regional Natural Park and part of the UNESCO International Network of Biosphere Reserves.

The landscape, which has inspired artists over the centuries, is an impressionist painting come to life.

Ancient olive groves are punctuated by soaring cypress trees, and vineyards are laden with slowly ripening grapes. Lavender fields, with row upon row of the famed flowers, are gradually turning color, but not quite ready to reveal their full glory. The Luberon is dotted with photogenic ancient hill towns, crowned with chateaus and churches. The key is to slow down, explore and savor the sensory feast.