James Jaulin Photography Exhibition in Gordes

James Jaulin is a world-travelling photographer who has previously been profiled in Perfectly Provence. His newest exhibition will be in the charming hilltop village of Gordes, beginning on April 28th and open every day from 9 am to 7 pm.

The exhibition will take place in the Chapelle des Pénitents, in the centre of town near the tourist office. It will feature nearly 50 of Jaulin’s large-format photographs, taken in more than a dozen countries around the world. Also displayed will be a selection of some of the beautiful objects seen in the photos, such as an Ethiopian wedding necklace and an ornate Cambodian scythe.

Ornamental Scythe (Cambodia)

The exhibition runs through May 11. Jaulin’s next exhibition will be In the Footsteps of Rimbaud, following the life of this famous French poet during the years he lived in Africa.

Coptic Cross (Ethiopia)

While You Are Visiting Gordes

Set eyes on Gordes for the first time, and you will immediately understand why it is considered amongst one of the most beautiful villages in France. Perched on a hillside this village rises above the Luberon Valley. The dry stone walls have been restored, now serving as a privacy screen when centuries back this would have been for defensive purposes. Gordes is highly recommended as a village to visit, but if possible avoid the heat of the day during the summer months.

Have lunch (or better yet stay) at the luxurious La Bastide de Gordes, the view is fabulous.

Go for a hike, from the Abbaye de Senanque to Gordes. Julie the Vaucluse Dreamer walked this trail with their family dog off-season, a great activity when it is not too hot out.

Check-out the Tuesday morning market, it is highly recommended by Ashley of Curious Provence.

Tourism information link for Gordes.

Keith Van Sickle

Keith and Val Van Sickle made their first trip to Provence decades ago, and it was love at first sight. After that, they came back every year until 2008, when they began a part-time life there, splitting their time between Provence and California.

Over the years, they’ve travelled all over Provence, seeing sights both well-known and obscure. Their French friends have introduced them to favourite restaurants and wineries and picnic spots and taught them funny local expressions (not all for polite company).

Keith now shares this local knowledge in his new book, An Insider’s Guide to Provence. Packed with the Van Sickles’ favourite things to see and do, it’s a must-have for anyone travelling to this glorious corner of France.

Keith previously published two books about the couple's experiences in Provence. One Sip at a Time: Learning to Live in Provence, and Are We French Yet?, both are available from Amazon.

You can see all of Keith’s blog posts at Life in Provence.