pigments from Provence

In 1982 my husband and I went on our first trip to Provence together.  My favorite hotel I had ever seen was the
“Hotel  de La Colombe d’Or.”

(I almost fainted!!!)

It is  perched at the top of the most beautiful  mountain  village of St. Paul de Vence.

Here are some pictures we took at that time.

It is such a unique and unusual place;  and it is still, 31 years later, is virtually unchanged.

Actually, it is almost unchanged from the 1920’s.

It exemplifies all of the things we love about Provence.

In two words, simple elegance.

The village is of native stone, built over centuries.

(Adam in the pool on the left!)

 The simple chaises could not be improved upon(in my opinion).  The light wood and canvas covers blend beautifully with the ancient stone walls.

The umbrellas and chairs and tables of the cafe are simple and elegant.

Nothing “sticking out” and calling attention to itself!

This is now an “endangered species” !!

“Understated elegance” An endangered species!

(Horrific plastic outside “wicker” furniture;  orange umbrellas, hideous overdone wrought iron or aluminum furniture!!!)

EEEWWWWW!!

I will stop my rant……and resume pictures of what I LOVE!!

and interesting to me…….I always have!

31 years is a long time!!

The terra cotta pots and olive jars are made from the local soil.

Natural linen cloths and napkins are undyed!  The tablecloth and napkins are natural linen.

We both felt completely relaxed and at one with the environment.

We are not unusual.  That is why, I believe major artists congregated here!  MAJOR ARTISTS!!!

  I actually saw doves flying in and out of the dovecote on the top of the next door building.

These lights are ingenious!   They were made out of olive oil strainers.   (these dark brown wicker ones!)

The oil was poured through these to “filter out” pieces of olives, to fill up the olive jars with the “filtered olive oil”.

 

La Colombe d’Or in Saint Paul De Vence : an iconic hotel in ProvenceRead More