On my list of places to visit this time was a visit to Rouissillon - a town renowned for the red ochre of its soil and buildings. Located on a ridge (or hill) as most of the beautiful villages of France are, it has spectacular views over the surrounding valleys.
In spite of visiting Peter Mayle's nearby town of Menerbes and Bonnieux for some reason we have not managed on previous trips to make it up the red hill. On Thursday we finally made it.
Most of the buildings and homes in the town are ochre toned - the prettiest softened by age.
The combination of this unique character and location has made it a busy tourist town.
This can initially be a turn off - crowds, tacky souvenir shops, restaurants offering special menu du jour. The midday rush to get a good table. Finding a parking spot if you are a local or a visitor.
As a tourism consultant I know of many towns who would like to have this problem!
Somehow as you walk around this red village its unique character seeps into your consciousness and you realise and appreciate its gently weathered beauty and pride.
A truly elegant and creative woman she shared her stories of visiting Alice Springs and Darwin and her commitment to her life of art.
And of course we enjoyed a simple lunch of pizza, goat cheese salad with lardons and a rose wine to match this rose coloured town.
Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely- it had to be a rose with lunch in a town that colour.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Thanks for reading, curious reader!
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