We awoke Saturday to a sombre mood following the shocking events in Paris of the previous night. Catching up on the aftermath and trying to comprehend what had occurred, we did not venture out until late morning.
In the village of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue people were quietly talking and watching the latest news updates in the cafes and bars. The local paper’s front page was printed in black with just ‘L’HORREUR’ in white text.
At the cafe where we have breakfast the waitress and an elderly gentleman patron can find only few words to describe their feelings but their faces say more than words could. We exchange commiserations.
A quieter day is in order. It is comforting to get out into the local countryside and we decide to stop at a local Marché de Noël in the little village of Bedarrides. There is only a small number of people there, no doubt reflecting the mood in France.
Afterwards we head to Venasque, listed as one of the Plus Beaux Villages of France. Arriving after lunch it is very quiet on the streets save for a handful of visitors walking around.
We park near the old ramparts and take in the view over the countryside from the esplanade. At the foot of Mont Ventoux, Venasque is perched on a rocky peak overlooking vineyards and cherry trees. The local cherries are highly regarded and the village holds special markets in summer to celebrate the crops.
The position for the village was chosen by the Bishop of Carpentras to provide maximum protection from invaders ransacking the Provencal countryside. Stone from the Romans nearby former occupation were used in the foundations of the walls and three towers.
As we walk through the village just about everything is closed and we don’t notice any locals outdoors, just a few sleek looking cats.
It is a pretty place with its steep lanes and creamy stone houses.
We come to the Baptistery, a pretty building once connected to the neighbouring Romanesque cathedral church of Notre Dame via a corridor with a round vaulted ceiling.
The Baptistery was built in the 6th century on the site of a Roman temple and we can see some of the ordinal Roman blocks of stone still there. It is laid out in the shape of a Greek cross and around its central space are four semi-domed apses built into the thick walls. The floor still has traces of the ancient, original baptismal octagonal font. The building underwent renovations in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries, and was restored in the 19th century.
We head back in the direction of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue marvelling at the rocky precipices and nearby Fôret de Venasque and stop at Fontaine de Vaucluse which we had visited the previous Saturday.
Today we have some crepes cooked in front of us and walk up the path by the river Sorgue towards its source. On the way down we are treated to a spectacular sunset where the almost iridescent red sky glows on the cliff tops and chateau.
Later that night at the busy wine bar 17 Place aux Vins life goes on for the young and old couples and groups enjoying themselves.