Today, I'm sharing with you my amazing day in Provence with Virginie. It's Lonnie writing, and I'm at Virginie's for a total immersion course. We've experienced incredible things: eating delicious food, speaking French all day, and seeing beautiful landscapes. Since this morning, I've been so excited to discover what the day had in store for us. So, I'm taking you along with me to experience this unique day in Provence.
1/ A Magical Day in Provence with Virginie
My day in Provence was wonderful, all thanks to Virginie, an extraordinary teacher. I experienced many beautiful things: I tasted the cuisine of Provence, I spoke French all the time, and I saw magnificent landscapes. At my request, we started speaking French right from the start of the day, at breakfast.
2/ Breakfast and French
By 9:00 AM, we were around a large table speaking French. I really want to speak French well, to be more comfortable. I'm even thinking of coming to live in France with my wife for three months, to practice French even more. In addition to practicing French, I enjoyed the breakfast Virginie prepared for me: pastries, cereals, and homemade juice.
3/ Walk in Provence: Discovering the Luberon among Olive Trees and Mountains
After breakfast, we went to visit the Luberon, with its olive trees, vineyards, and great mountains.
a. What is the Luberon?
The Luberon is often described as a region, but more precisely, it’s a mountain range located in the heart of Provence, in the south of France. It is also at the center of the Luberon Regional Natural Park, which protects a rich natural and cultural heritage. This park covers a vast area that includes many picturesque villages and diverse landscapes.
Thus, the Luberon is both a natural geographical part of Provence and a protected area, serving as an exceptional place for the conservation of biodiversity and regional heritage.
b. What to see in the Luberon?
The Luberon is a charming and picturesque region in the south of France, famous for its hilltop villages, lavender fields as far as the eye can see, and vineyards. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and those looking to escape into a tranquil and authentic setting.
Between its colorful markets, cedar forests, and ancient castles, the Luberon offers a rich experience full of discoveries and moments of serenity. It’s the perfect place to explore the natural beauty of Provence, taste local products, and delve into a lifestyle celebrated around the world.
After our exploration of the Luberon, we joined some of Virginie’s friends for lunch.
4/ Meeting with chocolate manufacturers in Provence
At noon, we met some of Virginie's friends who work in a chocolate shop. We ate at a very nice little restaurant where everything was homemade. The chicken with spices and the apple tart were really good.
Virginie's friends are very kind and offered us a private tour of their chocolate shop. They wanted to show us how chocolate is made. It’s nearly Easter. They have a lot of work at this time. It’s a real privilege to be able to take this tour. I learned a lot and chose my favorite chocolates. They also gifted me some calissons, a specialty of the region.
5/ Discovering a Castle in Provence
After the visit, we took the time to see the Château de la Tour d'Aigues, the village where the chocolate shop is located. The castle is under renovation. Only a few ruins remain. Seeing this castle is like a journey into the past of Provence. A brief moment out of time. To finish this wonderful day, we decided to make a detour to see the Étang de la Bonde.
6/ Relaxing Near the Étang de la Bonde
We then arrived at the edge of a small lake called the Étang de la Bonde.
The Étang de la Bonde is a peaceful and picturesque place. It's an artificial lake covering about 35 hectares, fed by the waters of the Aigue Brun stream. With its fresh and clear water, this pond is an ideal spot for swimming during the summer months.
The pond is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including fields, forests, and the mountains of the Luberon in the background, making it a perfect setting for family picnics or with friends, hiking, or just relaxing and enjoying nature.
It was very quiet, and the view was superb. It was perfect to end this beautiful day.
This day in Provence with Virginie was not just a trip. It was a real immersion into the life, language, and culture of this beautiful region. Everything we did, the places we saw, and the things we tasted made this day unforgettable.
I leave with wonderful memories, a better understanding of Provence, and a great desire to continue learning French. I am very grateful to Virginie for this incredible day.
It was truly a special experience that made my trip to Provence unique.
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