Day Trip in Provence to Gorges du Verdon

On one of our days in Provence, we decided to drive from Avignon to Castellan.  My husband wanted to flyfish in the Verdon River before we left.  The drive proved to be a quite delightful 4 hour trip.

 Through the area where lots of lavender grows- not quite blooming yet, but the poppies were magnificent!

rows of lavender getting ready to bloom in the next 3 or 4 weeks!

 

 The rose bushes in every little town were big and lush.

 

 Valensole in Provence

 

Stopped for breakfast in this quaint town and saw this unbelievable chateau-------

 The grounds were impeccably manicured.

 

 

                                            On my bucket list to stay there sometime!

 Driving by St. Croix du Verdon

Finally we reach the Gorges du Verdon and it was truly one of the prettiest places on earth.

As we round the corner of this narrow windy road, we see sheep in the middle of the road.
Next a black sheep dog runs into the middle of the road, barks continuously and goes in circles, until he is sure all the traffic has come to a complete stop.  Then he turns his head and looks up the hill and gives 3 more barks and all of a sudden, a large herd of sheep start down the mountain , cross the road and go down the other side of the hill.

That was one really large herd of sheep! 

Loved watching them - I don't see that very often in the states!

 

We continue along this river and enjoy it's rustic beauty, stopping at several places.

 

We finally arrive at Castellane, where my husband can finally find a shop to purchase a French fishing license.

He is really itching to get in this gorgeous river.

This area is also known for rock climbing.

 Another field of sheep grazing on the way to our fishing spot.

 Finally, Jay is in the water, trying to catch the perfect fish.  While he fishes,  I am sitting in the car reading French home magazines ( I should preface  that by saying, I am looking at the pictures , can't read a lick of French), when I look out the windshield and see another-

 yes another--

 huge herd of sheep coming towards the car. So of course, I grab my camera!

By this time , they have surrounded the big fat BMW, and I am in heaven with my camera!

 Finally the end of the herd, followed by 2 sheep dogs and the shepherd himself! 

 

 Isn't this picture great?????

 

 

They head across the old wooden bridge and up the hill.

 How wonderful was that??????

With just a little time in Provence- simple things seem so special.

Heading back to Avignon, passing through all the tree lined streets heading in and out of the villages.