France Hidden Gems

France: Discovering Hidden Gems

Exploring a Friend’s Homeland

Traveling with a close friend to their home country can turn an average vacation into an epic adventure. With a local friend, you get the insider scoop on everything. Forget tourist traps; your buddy knows the best cafes, secret beaches, and local hangouts. It’s like having a private tour guide who genuinely wants you to have a blast! This was exactly our experience traveling in France with our friends Elaine and Bernard, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Language barriers? Not a problem! Your friend becomes your walking, talking translator, making communication effortless. They’ll help you order the best food, ensuring you try authentic dishes you might otherwise miss. Understanding quirky customs and local etiquette becomes second nature with their guidance, helping you blend in seamlessly.

Comfort and convenience are huge perks, too. Staying with your friend or their family is more comfortable and much cheaper than hotels. Plus, they’ll navigate public transport for you, so you won’t end up lost or on the wrong bus (again). Safety? Check. Your local buddy knows where to go and where not to go, keeping the “adventure” part fun and not frightening.

The best part? The personal connections and authentic experiences. You’ll meet their family and friends, and maybe even learn to cook a traditional dish (or at least eat one). This was not just a trip; it was an immersion into another culture, making memories and deepening our friendship. Our time with Bernard’s family in Marseille was particularly special, giving us a true taste of local life.

Morgiou: Where Time Stands Still

Arriving at Morgiou, nestled along the rugged coastline of southern France near Marseille, is akin to stepping into a tranquil oasis untouched by time. As a visitor, the charm of this small fishing village, perched between steep cliffs and the azure Mediterranean Sea, immediately captivates the senses.

Morgiou’s main attraction is its natural harbor, where weathered fishing boats bob gently on the clear waters. The harbor, surrounded by weather-beaten cliffs that shelter the village from coastal winds, serves as both a livelihood for local fishermen and a scenic backdrop for visitors seeking solace in nature’s embrace.

In Morgiou, time seems to slow down, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the simple pleasures of coastal life while basking in the natural beauty that defines this idyllic corner of France.

The Calanques National Park: Nature’s Majestic Playground

The Calanques National Park, nestled between Marseille and Cassis in southern France, is a stunning coastal area celebrated for its rugged cliffs, turquoise waters, and breathtaking landscapes. Morgiou serves as an ideal entry point to many of the park’s trails. We hiked a couple of them and were treated to spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the dramatic limestone cliffs.

Le Corbusier’s Masterpiece: Exploring the Unité d’Habitation in Marseille

Standing beneath the towering façade of the Unité d’Habitation in Marseille, one cannot help but be struck by the enduring influence of Le Corbusier’s visionary architecture. Walking through the building’s complex corridors and elevated levels, I noticed how its design creates a unique sense of space. The open, flexible interior layout, with its long horizontal windows, lets in plenty of natural light and blends indoor and outdoor environments. The rooftop gardens offer a peaceful escape from the city below.

The building exemplifies Le Corbusier’s “Machine for Living In,” a revolutionary approach to creating functional, efficient living spaces. The Unité d’Habitation embodies this concept as a vertical community, integrating various aspects of daily life into one structure.

This concept of vertical living, where residential, recreational, and commercial spaces coexist within the same building, has become a hallmark of modern architecture. While the Unité d’Habitation was a pioneering example, the idea has since evolved and been adopted in various forms around the world. Today, similar high-rise communities can be found globally, embodying the same principle of creating cohesive and self-contained living environments. These buildings continue to reflect Le Corbusier’s vision of enhancing quality of life through thoughtful and innovative design.

What struck me most about the building was its striking visual connection to Piet Mondrian’s geometric minimalist paintings and Yaacov Agam’s multidimensional art.

On one hand, the building’s design clearly reflects the influence of Mondrian, whose abstract, geometric compositions preceded the construction of the Unité d’Habitation. Mondrian’s use of primary colors and strict grid patterns can be seen mirrored in the building’s façade and overall layout, embodying a similar sense of order and abstraction.

On the other hand, the building’s colorful façade also evokes the dynamic, shifting patterns characteristic of Agam’s work, which emerged after the Unité d’Habitation was built. Agam’s multidimensional art, known for its optical effects and vibrant color interplay, resonates with the building’s façade, where the colors and forms seem to shift and change from different perspectives. This interplay between Mondrian’s earlier influence and Agam’s later contributions creates a fascinating dialogue between different artistic styles and eras, adding depth and complexity to the building’s architectural expression.

One of Le Corbusier’s notable quotes is, “Space, light, and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep.”

Ousmane Sow’s “Little Bighorn” in an Alpine Fortress

On our drive through the French Alps, a detour to Mont-Dauphin unveiled a surprising spectacle: Ousmane Sow’s “Little Bighorn.” This monumental series, featuring life-sized warriors and horses, recreates the iconic 1876 battle with raw intensity. Sow’s unique technique, blending concrete, straw, and jute, lends his figures a powerful presence. Yet, the juxtaposition of this American epic in a French military barracks is jarring.

Sow, a Senegalese sculptor based in France, had a profound understanding of the human form. His work, often depicting men in action, transcends cultural boundaries. While “Little Bighorn” is a striking piece, its placement raises questions about context and artistic intent.

La Salle-les-Alpes: A Year-Round Alpine Paradise

La Salle-les-Alpes is a picturesque commune in the French Alps, set in a scenic valley with breathtaking mountain views. Known for its exceptional winter sports, the area is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. During the summer, it becomes a paradise for hiking, mountain biking, and various outdoor adventures. Steeped in history, the village preserves its traditional Alpine architecture and cultural heritage. Surrounded by alpine meadows, dense forests, and rugged peaks, La Salle-les-Alpes provides a tranquil retreat for nature lovers.

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church

The village church, named after Saint-Jean-Baptiste and dating back several centuries, is characterized by its robust construction designed to withstand the region’s harsh weather. It serves as a spiritual and social hub for the local community, hosting a variety of religious ceremonies, community events, and festivals that are central to the village’s cultural life. Inside, the church is adorned with traditional Alpine religious art, including altars, frescoes, and statues of local saints, which reflect its historical and artistic significance.

Only after I took the photos inside the church and looked at them did I notice the beautiful light purple ceiling color.

Serre Chevalier: From Rural Villages to Ski Resort Powerhouse

Serre Chevalier has evolved from a cluster of small, rural mountain villages into one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in the French Alps. Initially focused on agriculture and local trade, the local villages began to showcase their potential for winter sports in the early 20th century.

The transformation of Serre Chevalier accelerated after World War II, particularly during the late 1940s and early 1950s, driven by the post-war boom in winter sports across Europe. The area’s natural geography made it an ideal candidate for ski tourism.

Major investments in the 1960s and 1970s, including ski lifts and modern facilities, marked the shift from individual villages to an integrated ski resort. The 1980s and 1990s saw further expansion and modernization, with a comprehensive network of lifts and slopes connecting the villages. Snowmaking technology ensured consistent winter conditions and developed additional accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.

Today, Serre Chevalier boasts over 250 kilometers of ski slopes catering to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. It is renowned for its extensive ski terrain, vibrant après-ski scene, thermal baths, and year-round outdoor activities. The resort blends modern amenities with the charm of traditional alpine villages, making it a unique destination in the French Alps.

Botanical Marvels at Col du Lautaret’s Alpine Garden

The Col du Lautaret, located at an altitude of 2,058 meters (6,752 feet) in the French Alps, is a high mountain pass with a rich history and unique characteristics. Serving as a crucial link between the northern and southern Alps, it has been a vital route since Roman times, facilitating trade and travel. The pass is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, making it a popular destination for cyclists and motorcyclists, especially as part of the Tour de France route. The Col du Lautaret is also home to the Lautaret Alpine Garden, one of the highest botanical gardens in Europe, which features a diverse collection of alpine plants. Additionally, the pass is known for its harsh weather conditions, with snow often present even in summer, adding to its allure and challenge for adventurers.

Briançon: France’s Highest City with a Storied Military Past

Perched among the rugged peaks of the French Alps near the Italian border, Briançon stands as a testament to centuries of strategic importance and architectural fortitude. Originally established by the Romans as “Brigantium” around the 1st century BC, this mountain town evolved into a pivotal trading and military outpost along the Route des Escartons, linking France and Italy during the medieval era.

The town’s historical significance reached its zenith in the 17th century when Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, a renowned military engineer under King Louis XIV, fortified Briançon with a series of formidable defenses. These Vauban fortifications, recognized today as a UNESCO World Heritage site, encapsulate the town’s military heritage and architectural splendor.

During the War of the Austrian Succession and the Napoleonic Wars, Briançon played a crucial role as a defensive stronghold. Its fortifications were tested but proved resilient, providing a strategic advantage to French forces. In the 18th century, additional fortifications were added to adapt to the evolving nature of warfare.

Despite its ancient origins, Briançon remains a vibrant hub of activity, drawing visitors with its alpine charm and winter sports opportunities. Nestled at an altitude exceeding 1,300 meters (4,300 feet), it boasts the title of France’s highest city, attracting skiers, snowboarders, and cultural enthusiasts alike to its historic streets and mountain vistas.

Living Close to Nature: Our Experience in the French Alps

Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Nebache is a charming village that offers stunning natural landscapes and picturesque mountain views. I often wonder how living in such a picturesque place impacts the quality of life. Is it as tranquil as it appears? It certainly seems like a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking trails winding through lush forests and alpine meadows. Mountain biking trails range from beginner-friendly paths to challenging routes, and ski resorts are nearby, all offering breathtaking scenery and fresh mountain air.

Living in Nebache must offer total immersion in natural beauty, with endless opportunities for wildlife spotting and nature photography. Every day brings new discoveries, from fields of wildflowers to sightings of deer and birds.

I imagine that these villages have a strong sense of community, where local traditions and events foster a close-knit spirit, making everyone feel welcome and at home. Living in these areas likely provides an ideal retreat for those seeking a quieter lifestyle away from urban centers. The serene environment allows for finding peace and contentment in simple pleasures like morning walks and stargazing.

Our time in the French Alps highlighted the profound benefits of living close to nature. But does it lead to greater happiness and fulfillment? The poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Wherever you go, there you are.” This phrase conveys that you can’t escape your nature or personal issues simply by changing your location.

July 2024