start the route in Apt - Luberon capital - where we spent the night before and undertake way to the Alpes de Haute Provence . This area is basically rural, small towns and forests of oaks and holm oaks. Possibly the least known Department of Provence and, undoubtedly, the least populated, which does not mean that it lacks attractive because Mother Nature has been very generous with this land. Céreste across some people like, Mane, Volx, Manosque ... architectural features very similar and able to withstand the harsh winters. Villages where access is difficult for many centuries, has remained archaic traditions.
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As we approach Valensole began to see lavender fields is that this small town is considered the center of production.
We are not flowering season which is limited to July, but the rows perfectly adapted to the field aligned with its sinuous waves is very nice to see. I can not imagine how it should be beautiful when these vast areas are covered in purple and the scent of lavender around the room drunk. Nor have I had the opportunity to experience this time, but I hope that the third will be the charm.
In the same fields are announced distillers essence and direct marketing, both lavender perfume or cologne as the honey of this aromatic plant.
Riez We passed the Romane, Roumoules, Vinon sur Verdon ... up to Moustiers Sainte Marie , a village perched on the edge of a cliff, in a stunning natural setting between the high bare walls of the mountain. The city emblem is a star hanging from a string to 200 meters between two headlands. According to some local historians is a votive offering, made by a gentleman on his return of the crusades. But in these cases there is never a single version. It is said that in the thirteenth century was a jockey who hung Blaca in gratitude for his release from prison.
strolled through the quiet, hilly streets, now empty in winter, to the church square. Some traders keep their businesses open waiting for some clueless as we will drop by. They sell crafts of Provence Moustiers pottery, although most d 'ateliers closed. The white glazed pottery, known for faïence , was established in Moustiers in the seventeenth century Madame de Pompadour being one of their more regular customers. But fashions change and the technique of glazing was forgotten until the mid-twenties when he recovered.
strolled through the quiet, hilly streets, now empty in winter, to the church square. Some traders keep their businesses open waiting for some clueless as we will drop by. They sell crafts of Provence Moustiers pottery, although most d 'ateliers closed. The white glazed pottery, known for faïence , was established in Moustiers in the seventeenth century Madame de Pompadour being one of their more regular customers. But fashions change and the technique of glazing was forgotten until the mid-twenties when he recovered.
By the middle of the town passes a stream that forms small waterfalls and the gentle murmur of water, we will accompany.
follow the path and continue along the D952 Castellane to Moustiers, the two main bases for exploring the Grand Canyon of Verdon, the most breathtaking natural phenomenon the route. The Verdon River is born in 2500 meters altitude in the Col d'Allos, turns west through Castellane, ending occurs through narrow gorges 25 km, reaching 700 meters high. The river is held for the first time in the Lake of Ste Croix found a few km from Moustiers.
The turquoise waters and the river itself, contrasting with the color gray of the limestone of the canyon walls, forming a spectacular.
The fact that the river cut right through this huge mass instead of looking for the easy course, is because in the past this was rocky plateau at lower elevations. The narrow road that follows the canyon crosses the limestone plateau with views that thrill.
The fog that we saw in the highest part we will casting over, forcing us to move very slowly and cautiously, but we do not care why the landscape is unique and we like to tomárnoslo calmly. Snow accumulates at first only in a dark corner just covering the entire surface.
D4085 follow the road to Grasse and despite the snow, we have no problem as soon as we came across a car.
The fog that we saw in the highest part we will casting over, forcing us to move very slowly and cautiously, but we do not care why the landscape is unique and we like to tomárnoslo calmly. Snow accumulates at first only in a dark corner just covering the entire surface.
D4085 follow the road to Grasse and despite the snow, we have no problem as soon as we came across a car.
We arrived in Grasse Department of Alpes-Maritimes . This is the perfume capital and home to many of the industries involved in this business.
The people born in the tenth century between the steep rocks, as a crossroads of different roads leading to the Alps at the foot of the mountains. Given that growing up around livestock, Grasse became the Middle Ages, in the middle of the tannery and manufacture of gloves. However, in the seventeenth century fashion for perfumed gloves replaced and the city opted for the development of the necessary raw materials. The perfume was developed into the most important economic sector, exporting, even today, essences worldwide.
One of the most important is the company Fragonard, but not the only big brands like Chanel have a presence here. In Grasse is developed from the novel "Perfume" by Patrick Suskind and some scenes from the movie. The town smells like roses, perfume, to clean, soap ... aromas from the ancient but still functioning Fragonard factory where you can visit the Perfume Museum is located on the premises. It's really interesting and a good introduction to the history of the people and developments related to the perfume. Find complete information on the process of obtaining the perfumes and the family that started the business as well as a very interesting stills and a good collection of perfume bottles and other objects related to that world. You can also see part of the old factory, although most activity takes place in another plant on the outskirts.
Nearby, find the clothes and jewelry museum of Provence from the private collection of Madame Fragonard. We ended up at the store where I can not avoid falling into the temptation to buy the house.
strolled through the historic center of Grasse and it takes little inspire and imagine the dark and secret room described in the novel by Patrick Suskind. Narrow streets, dark, crumbling medieval houses, hanging clothes on their balconies ... a very picturesque neighborhood if somewhat abandoned.
In one of the palaces, there is a plaque on the facade indicates that there lived D 'Artagnan, the musketeer of King Louis XIV. We walked to the top where the town hall, which occupies the old Episcopal Palace and the Cathedral, with an interior that is surprising for its restraint.
continue to Cannes where this afternoon the streets are seething . Here the atmosphere is totally different: glamorous, expensive shops, beautiful girls, ladies elegant, sophisticated Christmas lighting ...
Cannes already know so we spent only a brief walk, and continue until Nice where we intend to spend the night.
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