The modern grouping of Provence, Alps, Cote d’Azure (also known as the French Riviera) into one administrative area of the same name, always pushes against my experience of holidays in France. I have special memories of each area over my 70 odd years & always relish the opportunity to return, to revisit beloved places, & to explore, seeking new places to appreciate, gaze at & absorb. Our base is the village of Saint Paul les Durance, the Durance being a river. An ordinary village, with all normal amenities – a lovely place to sample everyday, authentic, French life. Most importantly it’s home for our pals, Chris & Denyse.

September is a lovely time of year to visit. It is still warm, very warm at times, but no real blazing heat. The harvest is about to be drawn in & the countryside is being prepared for winter. The roads are quiet, most visitors having gone home. Schools have sucked away families & youngsters and all that remains are the highlights of the area where, for us, the real Provence shines through.

An oasis of calm, their home is refuge of peace, even for us folk whose retired lives are given to finding peace on a continuous basis. So for a week we plan to revisit old favourites & find new routes to discover new ones.