(Porte d'Avignon)
Along the D942 about 20 km northeast of Avignon in Provence
and 5 km from Carpentras,
lies the medieval Old Village of Monteux.
One enters through this ancient doorway,
the old Avignon Porte along fortified ramparts
which was the original entry to the village.
Next to the porte sits this sweet 'dolphin' fountain.
On my way back to Blauvac in Provence from Mary Magdalene's cave this summer,
but not quite yet ready for my adventure to end,
I stopped in this little town to explore
and found the most exquisite village
of painted canvas on old buildings.
I parked near the porte,
walked through
and got lost in this surprise maze of medieval streets.
And here are just a few of what greeted me!
Basket weaver.
Everyone wanted to get in on the charming paintings and flowers.
Barrel maker and repairer.
Tailor.
A very Provencal scene.
Cabinet maker.
Bibliotheque.
What a delightful surprise this little medieval village turned out to be!
Something niggled at me each time I drove past the exit sign for Monteux
on my way to Avignon or Aix-en-Provence,
telling me to take a look.
I finally had the time, being on my own
and not on a schedule
(usually of sightseeing with a group
or picking someone up at the Avignon train station)
and I listened to that little nudge.
Sometimes beauty and magic happen when we listen and respond.
*********
I was away at my writing retreat on the northern Oregon Coast this past week
working on my novel
and for those who are interested,
I've also been working on the post about my trip to MM's cave.
But for now, enjoy these photos from Provence.
And thanks for coming on this little side-trip to Monteux with me!
(All Photos copyright: Kirsten Steen)
