The plan today was to drive along the south side of The Verdon Gorges, lunch at Castellane, and return to camp by the north side road, the D952. I had ridden these roads , and visited Castellane, on my motorcycle three times in the past and the area never fails to amaze me and I was sure Kim would be impressed. The added dimension of the autumnal colours would also add to the experience.
The Verdon Gorges
The plan was working well until we came across a ‘Route Barrée’ sign on the south side road, the D71. Big disappointment, as I think the views are better from south. The road is closed until mid December. I took this picture before retracing our steps to take the north side road.
Village View
Progress toward Castellane was slow as it seemed after every corner Kim was asking to stop for a picture opportunity. This was exactly how I felt when my son Paul & I visited on our motorcycles in 2008. I’ll try to let the pictures explain the magic.
Gorge Views
Gorge Views
Gorge Views
Verdon Gorges Autumnal Colours
Verdon Gorges Views
Verdon Gorges Rock Arch
Gorge – View Down
This is a place where the pictures often do not do the view justice.
We finally approached Castellane, with it’s landmark church, The Notre-Dame du Roc towering overhead.
Castellane
We had a rather late lunch, then wandered about the town square before seeking out the La Poste to send our cards.
Castellane Post Office & Hilltop Church
We drove back to camp along the north side road as the sun was going down.
Post contains a graphic image that may revolt you!
After publishing my Marseille visit post, Kim reminded me that I had forgotten something, so correcting that here in this addendum.
While researching what to see and do in Marseille we came across, on TripAdvisor, reports of an artisan glacier that created black vanilla ice-cream. We located the place via Google Maps and made our way to Glacier Vanilla Noire.
Glacier Vanilla Noire
We both had a cone of the black ice-cream, and very tasty it was too!
We were reliably informed by the owners daughter, who spoke impeccable English, that there would be a local festival in the town today, celebrating ‘squashes’. Hooray I hear you say.
Le Courge en Fete Esparron-de-Verdon
When we approached the town yesterday, we were aware of a number of pumpkin decorations throughout the town. We had wrongly thought that these probably related to Halloween.
When in Esparron-de-Verdon………. what else could we do but give it our attention. The fête was on for most of the day, so we saddled up and rode into town around lunch time.
The weather was delightfully sunny, but incredibly windy, which didn’t make it easy to cycle.
Front of the Chateau we pass on our way into the village.
View of the Chateau from the village.
Our impressions of Esparron were already good and the journey through yesterday had confirmed one of our thoughts of what an ideal provincial town in France would be like.
Esparron-de-Verdon
Picturesque houses, a cháteau, some bars and restaurants, all situated on the edge of a lake, with turquoise coloured water. What not to like!
There are a wealth of water sports in Esparron
The fête was just like most English village fetes but with added sun and that je ne sais quoi!
There was a variety of stalls in the main part of the village. Tables were laid out with all manner of produce squash related. You could buy fresh squashes, jams, chutneys or hand made decorations which depicted squashes.
An array of squashes
The rest of the tarte was delightful! Only had one slice really.
There was even a monsieur who spent the entire time carving squashes with very intricate patterns and decoration. He had a lot more patience than I would have done!
Squash Carving
But the highlight of the day, for us, was when the band arrived and began to entertain the crowds, who were now beginning to swell. (Well just a bit).
Welcome Fanfare Pêna Sunrise!
They were fantastic, full of energy and certainly did not disappoint.
We lingered for some considerable time to listen to several renditions.
All the right notes but not necessarily in the right order but played with enthusiasm and gusto! Bravo!
After a pause for ‘beer o’clock’ , clutching our handmade pumpkin ceramic, we headed back through the village and up the hill home.
A fantastic start to our time in Esparron-de-Verdon.
A Diary Of Our Caravan Tour Around Europe
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