Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Provence

The Lac de Sainte-Croix is ​​a man made reservoir. The Verdon river flows through the Verdon Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in Europe, before flowing directly into the lake at its western end. The damming was done 1971 -- 1974. The reservoir covers an area of ​​around 21.8 km² and is the second largest reservoir in France. The reservoir, which is mainly used for energy generation and water supply, is a popular tourist destination. Bathing, surfing, sailing and paddling are allowed.

Heading north through the mountains on our way to the Gorge du Verdon. Passing through Castellane, where I could not enter the public bath some years ago, as I had only a bermuda-style bathing trunks. The "superintendent" of the bath did not like my trunks at all.

Heading north through the mountains on our way to the Gorge du Verdon. Passing through Castellane, where I could not enter the public bath some years ago, as I had only a bermuda-style bathing trunks. The "superintendent" of the bath did not like my trunks at all.

Tourrettes is a perched village (or rather a small town) known as Toretta in medieval times. It was ruled by the Villeneuve de Tourrettes family from 1331 on. I could not find out, how the French neurologist George Gilles de la Tourette the namesake of Tourette syndrome is connected to this village. The area, near the Côte da Azur, is perfect for family holidays in summer. The tourists will find many campgrounds and many lush "bungalow-style"-hotels with lawns, large trampolins and larger pools.

Tourette is a perched village (or rather a small town) known as Toretta in medieval times. It was ruled by the Villeneuve de Tourrettes family from 1331 on. I could not find out, how the French neurologist George Gilles de la Tourette the namesake of Tourette syndrome is connected to this village. The area, near the Côte da Azur, is perfect for family holidays in summer. The tourists will find many campgrounds and many lush "bungalow-style"-hotels with lawns, large trampolins and larger pools. In the case of the "Auberge des Pins" there is even a surprisingly good restaurant. Sauté de veau à la moutarde et carottes www.aubergedespins.com/index.php/fr/

Tourette is a perched village (or rather a small town) known as Toretta in medieval times. It was ruled by the Villeneuve de Tourrettes family from 1331 on. I could not find out, how the French neurologist George Gilles de la Tourette the namesake of Tourette syndrome is connected to this village. The area, near the Côte da Azur, is perfect for family holidays in summer. The tourists will find many campgrounds and many lush "bungalow-style"-hotels with lawns, large trampolins and larger pools. In the case of the "Auberge des Pins" there is even a surprisingly good restaurant. Filet de bar au beurre blanc Some artists use canvas, some artists use plates. www.aubergedespins.com/index.php/fr/

Tourette is a perched village (or rather a small town) known as Toretta in medieval times. It was ruled by the Villeneuve de Tourrettes family from 1331 on. I could not find out, how the French neurologist George Gilles de la Tourette the namesake of Tourette syndrome is connected to this village. The area, near the Côte da Azur, is perfect for family holidays in summer. The tourists will find many campgrounds and many lush "bungalow-style"-hotels with lawns, large trampolins and larger pools. In the case of the "Auberge des Pins" there is even a surprisingly good restaurant. Tomate burratina au pesto

Le Luc was known as "lucus" in the 11th century. At the time of the Edict of Nantes, Le Luc was one of only three places in the Provence, where Protestants were allowed to reside. This did help the town to prosper. The hexagonal tower is 27 m high. It was built in the style of an Italian campanile in the early 16th century.

The restaurant "Les Terrasses" was recommended to us by the receptionist. When we arrived I was surprised was the restaurant was large - and the waiters were very busy. But after we were seated, we felt very relaxed and realised, that the recommendation was good. The food may not have had the complexity French cuisine can have, but it was very good, very tasty and very affordable. And the rosé came with ice cubes in a cooler. Gratin de la mer - poulpe, moules, seiche

The restaurant "Les Terrasses" was recommended to us by the receptionist. When we arrived I was surprised was the restaurant was large - and the waiters were very busy. But after we were seated, we felt very relaxed and realised, that the recommendation was good. The food may not have had the complexity French cuisine can have, but it was very good, very tasty and very affordable. And the rosé came with ice cubes in a cooler. Steak de thon frais à la plancha

There are lots and lots of lovely sandy beaches along the Mediterranean coast - and some pretty strange ones. Seen here in the backdrop the power station "Centrale thermique de Martigues".

The "Chapel of the Holy Cross" was the place, where the valuable "True Cross" relic was shown. Only about 300m east of the Abbey, the chapel was as well a center of a graveyard. Still today many carved graves are to be seen. It is built on the layout of a cross with four apses and a narthex. A pretty complex and unusual design - and still the chapel seems very much intact. Unfortunately the gate at the entrance to the ground was locked. So that I could not even could come near to the chapel, not talking about having a look inside the building..

The "Abbaye de Montmajour" was a really important abbey in medieval times. Founded around 1000 on an island like hill surrounded by swamps and marshes just outside of Arles. Already since 1030 pilgrims walked to Montmajour to see a part of the "True Cross" and so obtaining the "Pardon de Montmajour". The abbey was secularized already in 1786 (by Louis XVI), after the revolution it was sold to different owners. Today it is a massive ruin, used as a quarry over decades in the 19th century. Many stones were used to build the channels in Arles. Over long periods the abbey was an empty complex of crumbling buildings. So traces of vandalism are widely spread. But maybe the many graffitis are not pure vandalism. There are about 70 different ships carved into the western wall of the cloister. "Fragile" galleys, shown with sails and rudders. This type of ships was used from antique times to the 17th century. They may have carved into the walls, when during the Hundred Years’ War or Religious Wars there were times, when no monks lived here. I found sources dating them back into the 13th century. It is believed, that these graffitis were carved in by sailors here, to ensure a special blessing for the ships. By the way, a graffiti of a more modern (steam!) ship is to be seen on the nearby Alyscamps in Arles: www.flickr.com/photos/martin-m-miles/4995573939/

The "Abbaye de Montmajour" was a really important abbey in medieval times. Founded around 1000 on an island like hill surrounded by swamps and marshes just outside of Arles. Already since 1030 pilgrims walked to Montmajour to see a part of the "True Cross" and so obtaining the "Pardon de Montmajour". The abbey was secularized already in 1786 (by Louis XVI), after the revolution it was sold to different owners. Today it is a massive ruin, used as a quarry over decades in the 19th century. Many stones were used to build the channels in Arles. Over long periods the abbey was an empty complex of crumbling buildings. So traces of vandalism are widely spread. But maybe the many graffitis are not pure vandalism. There are about 70 different ships carved into the western wall of the cloister. "Fragile" galleys, shown with sails and rudders. This type of ships was used from antique times to the 17th century. They may have carved into the walls, when during the Hundred Years’ War or Religious Wars there were times, when no monks lived here.I found sources dating them back even into the 13th century. It is believed, that these graffitis were carved in by sailors here, to ensure a special blessing for the ships. By the way, a graffiti of a way more modern steam ship is to be seen on the nearby Alyscamps in Arles: www.flickr.com/photos/martin-m-miles/4995573939/

The "Abbaye de Montmajour" was a really important abbey in medieval times. Founded around 1000 on an island like hill surrounded by swamps and marshes just outside of Arles. Already since 1030 pilgrims walked to Montmajour to see a part of the "True Cross" and so obtaining the "Pardon de Montmajour". The abbey was secularized already in 1786 (by Louis XVI), after the revolution it was sold to different owners. Today it is a massive ruin, used as a quarry over decades in the 19th century. Many stones were used to build the channels in Arles. Over long periods the abbey was an empty complex of crumbling buildings. So traces of vandalism are widely spread. Here a carved capital from a corner of the cloister, showing two dromedaries. The arabian camels have both lost a leg and the heads over the centuries.

The "Abbaye de Montmajour" was a really important abbey during medieval times. Founded around 1000 on an island like hill surrounded by swamps and marshes just outside of Arles. Already since 1030 pilgrims walked to Montmajour to see a part of the "True Cross" and so obtaining the "Pardon de Montmajour". The abbey was secularized already in 1786 (by Louis XVI), after the revolution it was sold to different owners. Today it is a massive ruin, used as a quarry over decades in the 19th century. Many stones were used to build the channels in Arles. Over long periods the abbey was an empty complex of crumbling buildings. So traces of vandalism are widely spread. Here a carved capital from the cloister. A man running very fast (see the legs!) through a jungle-like forest. For me he looks like an athletic runner in a relay-race. In the hand left to the head there is the baton. Yes, that is an "overinterpretation".

Sitting in front of the entrance to the book shop at Senanque Abbey. Founded 1148, consecrated 1178 (The abbey! Not the bookstore!). The abbey is a brilliant example of the sober architecture, Bernhard of Clairvaux wanted, for the monasteries of the Cistercians. Though raided and looted during the Wars of Religion, nationalized and sold after the French Revolution, the whole complex seems still very intact. It is probably the most photographed abbey in the Provence. After having seen all the many postcards and photosbooks in the store behind, I had the impression, that all photos in and around the abbey were taken and published already. Dozend times. Then I noticed the nice reddish colour of the tiles, the entrances to the restrooms, the vending machine (coffee - 50 cents!) and the bins. And a poster of the "Fondation des Monastères", you want to know more? Here you go: www.fondationdesmonasteres.org/

The "Abbaye de Montmajour" was a really important abbey in medieval times. Founded around 1000 on an island like hill surrounded by swamps and marshes just outside of Arles. Already since 1030 pilgrims walked to Montmajour to see a part of the "True Cross" and so obtaining the "Pardon de Montmajour". The abbey was secularized already in 1786 (by Louis XVI), after the revolution it was sold to different owners. Today it is a massive ruin, used as a quarry over decades in the 19th century. Many stones were used to build the channels in Arles. Below the church of the abbey lies the very large and high crypt.