Although I've had many trips that hold a special place in my heart, one in particular stands out among the rest.
One very magical journey.
Sheer joy running through fields of poppies
There are moments in a mother's life when you want to freeze a point in time. Years can fly by, yet you can recall, in your mind's eye, an instance when your child did something that left an indelible mark on your heart.
Hey, Pa, I want to play!
At three years old, our son's youthful exuberance was pure, joyous, and infectious. On a trip to Provence, we saw the beauty of the French region through his eyes.
It was my Utopia.
In the days of SLR cameras with wide-angle and zoom lenses, I schlepped my equipment around France to record our son on film. When he gleefully ran through fields of bright red poppies, I was beside him, snapping picture after picture.
The year was 1996, and my parents, who were world travelers, decided to rent a house in Joucas, a lovely commune in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France.
It was the summer before our son would begin nursery school, the last time a school calendar couldn't dictate our vacation schedule.
We were thrilled to be able to go.
Our house in Joucas was idyllic, on a hilltop with a captivating view of the beautiful French countryside.
The view from our house in Joucas
My father is a master at planning trips, with great attention spent on every last detail. We relied on his expertise and were never disappointed.
Downtown Gordes
Every morning we'd eagerly anticipate what new adventure was in store. We enjoyed sightseeing in historical towns and exploring picturesque cobblestone roads while fulfilling the fantasy of living like an expatriate in a magnificent area of France.
From Carpentras,
We loved the experience of shopping at their fresh food markets,
and bringing it home to Claudie, our housekeeper/cook extraordinaire. Claudie didn't speak a word of English, and Jordan didn't say a word of French. Yet somehow they managed to communicate, laughing and having fun while she created her delicious country French cuisine.
We always managed to have fun
and found time to shop for berets and the region's beautifully handmade blue and yellow tablecloths.
A few times, we had impromptu picnics because when you're traveling with a 3-year-old, it makes things simpler.
Stopping to picnic with a view of Pont du Gard - an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge
Our last day together finally came. We had to say goodbye to my parents as they continued their trip, and we headed home.
After touring on the last morning, we drove down a wooded road. Out of nowhere, a beautiful chateau appeared, surrounded by olive trees and fields of poppies as far as the eye could see.
To our delight, they were serving lunch on their terrace.
I remember this meal as a perfect way to end our magical journey in Provence. The setting and the food were exquisite.
And when the meal was over, Jordan jumped up from the table to do one last time what he loved to do most of all.
He ran through the fields of poppies.
Au Revoir!
LOVE LOVE LOVE! The photos are gorgeous, and the narrative so beautiful. It makes me want to get on a plane right now!! xo
You have no idea how jealous I am that you had this experience with your family. You are very blessed indeed! Wonderful photos - I can see the joy in all of your faces.
I loved going along on your magical journey. What a beautiful memory to share with the ones you love. Your pictures made this story tangible. AAAaaahhhh, makes me want to to France. Thanks for sharing.
Your living a life most can only dream of. My Mom lived 84 years and dreamed of going to France her entire life. She was fully fluent and a honors student in French studies But it was never in the budget. Be grateful and enjoy every moment, some of us only get to dream. I have zero interest in going overseas but I enjoy a photo trip.
Oh, I loved your trip. You're right it was positively magical. You have such beautiful memories. Just loved it!
Cathy,
Such an incredible trip! Reminds me of one I took myself to Provence a few years back. I can't wait to get back home to put the finishing touches on my travel post...it was our family trip to Europe. I love travel stories!!
Lovely! You did such a wonderful job of taking me along on this wonderful trip you had. It looks like all the generations loved being together. You were very lucky to have shared that special time together. Thanks Cathy, Virginia
Wow, your trip looks so amazing and "local." I'd love to stay in France in that way. I wonder if your son has any memories of that trip.
How nice that your dad is such a travel afecionado. I have never been to France. Lovely pics and descriptions. *Sigh*
Mon dieu! C'est magnifique! Having been to Provence, this post was a trip down a most wonderful memory lane for me. It is truly an amazing place. I would go back in a heart beat, even though there are so many other places I haven't yet visited. How wonderful that you had this special time with your family! Loved your beautiful photos.
Cathy, I'm so glad you have your camera with you and could share all of your fantastic photos with us. What a memorable trip to have with your parents, your husband and son. And Provence....yes, it is absolutely magical. Love this post!
Ooh la la! C'est magnifique!
Okay, I'm out of French now. Looks absolutely stunning, what a marvelous place to experience with your son, and your parents.
The poppies, encroyable!
Cathy, I love this! It does feel like a magical trip. The pictures are wonderful too.
OMG Cathy. That trip sounds absolutely divine. It is so great that your father planned it all. It really does make a difference when things run smoothly. And those views, and gardens, and buildings, and oh the poppies - simply gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!
How wonderful that you were able to not only take such a fabulous trip, but share it with your parents, too! Love the photos; thanks for taking me along on your magical journey.
What an amazing trip to take with your son and your dad. I'm sure you have so many amazing memories.
Your dad is wonderful! What a blessing to have him plan such a terrific trip that you'll never forget.
Cathy -- let's just face it. The French are simply better. I loved looking at these photos. All of the older buildings, the beautiful poppies, the cafes and food. Oh, the glorious food. And here I am trying to drop five pounds. If I could I would be in France tomorrow.
Cathy, I thought I commented yesterday after I read your post, but I came back to double-check. Apparently, I got distracted, what with this menopausal brain. I loved this post. It's weird but I almost feel like I know your family now. The pictures were so beautiful and for a moment I felt a little stirring of jealousy....but the good kind. The kind that says, hey, I wish I could do that too....but I'm so glad she got to have the experience. Europe is on my bucket list. I want to go to Greece and lately I've had a hankering for Ireland. I'm feeling a strange calling.
Beautiful Cathy! It's been so long since I was in Aix En Provence, but I remember loving it! Of course living there like a native and being able to shop and cook what you buy at the exquisite outdoor markets is the ultimate! Someday...
Looks like an idyllic summer for all generations involved. You give me wanderlust!
What a magical trip that had to be! Definitely one to freeze in time. Those top photos of the poppies are beautiful!
Hi Cathy...your photos of Provance brought back many wonderful memories for me. And how GREAT that you were able to both visit with your parents and take your son on such a lovely journey. That was definitely a trip that will stay with you forever...that's one reason why both my husband and I love to take photos on every trip because we can re-live the experience over and over again. Thanks for sharing it! ~Kathy