Two Villages in Provence

On one day in April we visited two stunning villages in Provence that could not have been less alike. The juxtaposition was startling; one village high on a red, gold and umber hill, dusty and sunny; the other can only be described as a cool drink of water.

Nestled high in the hills near the Luberon, the little village of Rouissillon is the most beloved village in all of Provence. There we are completely immersed in the vivid color (indeed you will come away with the faintest ochre-colored dust on your shoes and clothes) we associate with Provence: ochre, rose, sienna. We wander up and down the hilly streets through canyons of colored buildings; we reach the top and the view is stunning over the flaming hills. We stop for un cafe and we visit the Conservatory of Color; we cannot escape the brilliant, hot colors of Rouissillon. Her pigments are everywhere.

a village street scene in Rouissillon with pigments from

the local hillsides coloring

everything brilliantly pink, rose, and ochre

approaching Rouissillon on a sunny day!

inside the little church at the top of the hill in Rouissillon

features more color than usual for this little altar

to St. Michael the Archangel

a very blue door stands in contrast to the typical

ochres, golds, and siennas usually seen in Rouissillon

and makes this door stand apart from the rest

a sample of very old tile designs found at the

Conservatoire des Ochres in Rouissillon

another village street scene in Rouissillon near the

top of the hill with warm yellows and roses for the

walls, while the green shutters give a lovely contrast

a beautiful rose colored door wall in the village

of Rouissillon... the white trim makes the

color even more vivid

the fiery cliffsides that you can see from the

center of the village

display at Okhra... the Conservatory of Ochre,

where you can take classes in ways

to use the pigments in applied arts

pigments for sale

the store at the Conservatory of Ochre; you

can also order supplies online

coloring tiles at the Conservatory des Ochres

a walk

through the brilliantly-hued cliffs in

Rouissillon

***

After the strong visual stimulation, bright sunshine and heat of Roussillon, the perfect next stop is Fontaine du Vaucluse. This little village is quite off the beaten path, and it is built around the source of the Sorgue River... the same river that runs through l'Isle sur la Sorgue, of course. After crossing under the Aqueduc de Galas beneath the remains of a 14th C. Chateau des Eveques high on the cliffside, we arrive at this watery, refreshing, cool green and blue oasis.

spring roses blooming in the cool of the village

the Sorgue river as it meanders from the source

towards l'Isle sur la Sorgue

the Sorgue river runs through local neighborhoods

approaching Fontaine du Vaucluse we see the

aqueduct de Galas which was built in 1857

a closer view of the enormous aqueduct as

we approach the village at the end of the

closed valley

a cool terrace beside the river near the source

the popular gathering spot in

Fontaine du Vaucluse over the river

the mairie in Fontaine du Vaucluse

brilliant turquoise water at the very

source of the Sorgue river

***

thanks for visiting!... Kit

The Luscious Palettes of Chic Provence

If you love color as much as I do, Provence is your Kismet. Do not tempt fate by fighting this. No, give yourself over to your destiny and immerse yourself in the gloriously sophisticated palettes of Chic Provence.

The subtle neutrals of pearl grey, stone, cream, fawn, white, and taupe provide the perfect foil for punctuating vibrant shades that never fail to make the heart sing.

These neutrals also mix beautifully with each other to stand quietly on their own, providing soulful and soothing retreats where you can exhale and forget the incessant din and chatter outside your doors.

Vibrant Turquoise Console is Stunning Against Pure White

and Would Amaze in an Entryway

Chocolate and Cream Against Pure White Create

Incredibly Inviting Place to Relax

Fuschia and Black with Grey and Creme Walls in the

Ultimate Chic Dining Room

Magenta with Honey Floors and Creme Walls ...

The Painted Poutres and Chandelier Evoke the South of France

Printemps with White Walls and Blue-Grey Soubassements

are Wonderfully Complementary in Spirit

Venetian Red Walls with Taupe and Creme Furniture

Create a Warm and Light-Hearted Haven

Luminous Dove Grey on Wood and Pearl Grey Chalk Walls

Create a Vignette with Great Character in an Attic Room

Rich Creme Walls with Blue-Grey Soubassements to Define the Space

Blue Architectural Details with Soft Ochre Walls...

A Classic Technique in Provence

Deep Creme Walls and Mouse-Grey Soubassements is

a Great Technique for Adding Interest to Plain Walls

Deep Coral on Top Graduating to Fuschia at White Floor..Worth the Effort

Nougatine Walls with Honey Furniture and Floors...

Warm and Inviting Dining

These color palettes will evoke the relaxed and elegant spirit of the South of France for your home. Forget the trends of the day and use these time honored color schemes that have held for centuries. Fresh and modern, traditional and elegant, these colors will sustain and delight you.

After all, it's your design destiny, non?

Incredible photographs of Provence interiors and furniture are 

from the exquisite Roche Bobois Provenciales collection. 

Color ideas are from Massim Publishing, 

Couleurs and 1000 Idees, Couleurs et Ambiances, 

two wonderful color resources I picked up at

Le Comptoir des Ochres in Roussillon in France.

.............................................................

Kit Golson Design

for elegant, sustainable and pragmatic

Chic Provence Interior Design