Tag: Luberon

A Hidden Gem in the Luberon

Published on by Rebecca RonaneLeave a comment

Well, that was fun! On Friday, 16 October, Network Provence took our monthly meeting outdoors to the magnificent Manade Maillet in Roussillon—a piece of La Camargue but in the Luberon. Most of our attendees had never heard of Manade Maillet, but I had learned from another NP member -Lori Howard of Pinch Me Provence– of this wonderful experience, and so we went; what a find in our backyard!

Manade Maillet is a 20-hectare farm that breeds certified Camargue bulls and horses in a slightly more hospitable climate than their usual coastal salt-marsh home. Owner Jean Louis told us there were significantly fewer mosquitoes and much more shade on his land near Roussillon, so it made sense to start a Manade some 20 years ago in the Luberon.
We were driven on a huge tractor-drawn wagon around the farm, right into the pastures where bulls lived their semi-wild lives. The Camargue bulls and cows weren’t too fussed by our interruption, but they gave us a close-up look while our gardian guide, Clément, educated us and answered questions about the lovely beasts.
We also met this year’s foals and broodmares and learned about the Camargue horses and the unique qualities that make the breed particularly suited to French cowboy life.
After our tour, we were given a demonstration of how the gardians and their horses work together to manage the bulls. In particular, gardienne Emma impressed us with her young stallion, Moustique, and their elegant riding skills. It was magical watching them all together.

 

Manade Maillet was one of the most orderly ranches I’ve ever seen. The tour was educational and shone a real light on yet another hidden jewel in Provence. It would be an ideal location for many different kinds of events, and I hope we will visit with Network Provence again one day. Thanks to NP member Marlene Boyer from Experience Provence for her translations and elaboration, which helped everyone understand.

What will be our next adventure? Do you know a good place Network Provence could visit for an enriching excursion? It’s easy to stick to what you know, but with so much Provence goodness on our doorstep, it’s also worth exploring more!

By Maryna Fontenoy for Network Provence

Networking, Golf and Photography in Provence

Published on by Rebecca Ronane

It was a great week with Network Provence, starting with a little out-of-the-ordinary meeting at Golf des Ocres   https://www.hautesgarrigues.com. We were invited to test out the newish golf course and see what was on offer. This golfing centre caters to golfers of all levels, including a women’s league, and offers prices that suit budgets not typically associated with the sport. We met on the large veranda overlooking the driving range and the eco-minded 9-hole course, with its ochre sand traps.

 

  Introductions to three new NP ladies were made, and as always, it was fascinating to hear their stories of how they came to Provence, as well as a catch-up on what everyone has been up to this summer. We sipped big, sunshiny spritzes, and then Mathieu, the golf pro, gave us a quick initiation to using the driving range. We used the club’s Trackman monitors to note how far and fast we hit the balls out on the range, and there was much cheering each time we managed to connect with something other than air or ground. Golf is trickier than it looks! With their affordable prices and happy hour events, @hautegarrigues, Golf des Ochres proves to be a fun time out doing something a little different.  There is also a restaurant and many summer plans to take advantage of -even for non-members. 

 

Rounding out the week, several NP women met up for Raina Stinson’s first solo exhibition of original photography, held at L’ArtBroc Cafe, a delightful cafe bar in Velleron that showcases local artists’ work amidst its brocante shop. They serve drinks and killer Croque monsieurs/mesdames in a charming indoor/outdoor area with a super convivial atmosphere. 

Velleron is not the most well-known little village, but it boasts a nightly marché du producteurs with the freshest, field-to-table produce in the land, making it well worth a visit.

Raina’s photography will be on show for the month.  She is an award-winning photographer who offers iPhone classes and hosts an artist residence here in Velleron.  The photographs she creates are beautiful depictions of this region, as well as more stylised looks at Americana and women’s lifestyles, with a fair bit of cheek on the side. 

The consensus was that we all enjoy getting out and about, so we will look for more discovery events to explore as part of our Network Provence get-together. If you have something that fits the bill, get in touch! 

Until next time! A bientôt! 

Written by Maryna Fontenoy for Network Provence

A Spring Gathering at Network Provence

Published on by Rebecca Ronane

A Spring Gathering at Network Provence by Maryna Fontenoy

Yesterday was Network Provence’s April meeting at Cafe de La Gare in Bonnieux featuring a presentation by Nancy Gilles.

Nancy is a well-being therapist for body and mind who engages her small troop of horses to enable a unique experience.  Nancy gave a charming explanation of her practice, outlining what a therapy session is like with equine assistance.

Unfortunately, no horses were at the meeting, but it was very intriguing to hear how these animals can assist us humans in unblocking barriers in our minds and bodies. This is not something that requires riding skills or even horse knowledge. Still, I get the impression that after working on oneself with horse participation, one might have a great amount of horse appreciation.  You can learn more and connect with Nancy through her website, https://lasantonneprovence.com 

https://instagram.com/la_santonne

 

Network Provence is so lucky to have such a diverse group of women with an excellent array of skill sets! If you would like to present what you do, please reach out. Networking, as we all know, is a great way to build connections and clientele. Our NP get-togethers are comfortably social and relaxed. We are looking forward to some more great times this spring, so do join us and get involved!

By Maryna Fontenoy for Network Provence