Through the CEA Aix-en-Provence program, I had the chance to go to the Gorges du Verdon. When I tell you this place was incredibly beautiful, I mean it was INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL! The water was a magnificent turquoise color that glistened in the sunshine. The day was a little bit too cold for me to get in the water (although it did not stop some people from getting in), but I did get in a pedal boat to explore!
This amazing site was caused partly by erosion of the limestone rock and the accumulation of coral that The Gorge is comprised of. This place will leave you in awe of nature- even if you may not be a very “outdoorsy” person. We also went up to the small, nearby town of Moustiers Sainte Marie to see another amazing view of The Gorges.
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| Part of the town, Moustiers Sainte Marie, with a view of the turquoise lake of the Gorges du Verdon. |
Along with this beautiful view of the town and The Gorges, there was a church of Notre Dame de Beauvoir, which I pretty sure translates to “Our Lady of Beautiful Site,” with architectural Roman and Gothic influences. I’m kind of a history nerd, so I love hearing the stories of how things came to be as they are.
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| An sample of the houses in Moustiers Sainte Marie |
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| Adorable alley way in Moustiers Sainte Marie. |
I think one thing I have come to love during my short period in the south of France, is the amazing bodies of water. I’ve probably spent at least one day a week at a beach or gorge and have been in awe of its beauty every time. It’s getting much cooler, but I probably will still go to these sites and at least get a small snack while looking at the water. With the ease of getting everywhere with the CarTreize - which is a bus that stops in several places in the Provence region - I can spend 2 euros and get to a beach in less than an hour! There is so much to see and taking these short day trips are so convenient. I mean, how can I really deny myself from seeing all these amazing sites? Gorges du Verdon isenough for you to make plans to see it for yourself!
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| The limestone rock inside the Gorges du Verdon. |
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| Beautiful clouds and lake by the Gorges du Verdon |
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| Pedaling in the Gorges |
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| Views from the Gorges |
Eberechi O. is the Fall 2016 CEA MOJO in Aix-en-Provence, France. She is currently a senior studying Internaional Studies at University of Michigan.