Images of Mauritius Part 1

Mauritius Beach, Bel Ombre ©Solange Hando

Quiet coves or long stretches of white sands, clear warm waters protected by the coral reef, Mauritius is perfect for beach lovers with superb resorts lapped by the Indian Ocean.

Black River Gorges National Park ©Solange Hando

Down in the south west, a scenic drive from some of the most popular resorts, the park offers 50 km of trails where the more adventurous can watch exotic birds, including pink pigeons and waterfalls.

Chamarel Coloured Earth ©Solange Hando

This is a top attraction in Mauritius created by lava rocks which cooled at different temperatures. It does not not erode and should you mix the colours, they will separate again within a day.  

The North Coast, Cap Malheureux ©Solange Hando

Beyond the bustling Grand Baie resort, this is the most northerly tip of the island, a quiet place with some lovely coves looking out to the islands.

The National Flower ©Solange Hando

Growing on a bush endemic to the island, it is commonly known as the 'earring', just one of many exotic flowers adding myriad colours to Mauritius.

Sunset on the Indian Ocean, Mauritius ©Solange Hando

Images of Provence Luberon

Gordes in Luberon, Provence ©Solange Hando

At the heart of Provence, Luberon is a scenic land of fertile valleys and hill top villages framed by mountains and tumbling streams.

Several villages, including Gordes, are listed among the most beautiful in France, in a region made famous by expat Peter Mayle, author of 'A year in Provence' and its sequels. 

Shepherd's Hut, Luberon ©Solange Hando

Known as 'bories', these traditional dry stone huts are still found on mountain slopes. Once used by shepherds, now they can offer a welcome shade to walkers on a hot day.

Not far from Gordes in the Apt region, the restored Bories Village is a historic monument, an inspiring place where the local architecture is sprinkled among the holm oak trees.

Fontaine de Vaucluse in Provence ©Solange Hando

Fontaine de Vaucluse is one of the most popular spots, a must see for its spectacular scenery and the river Sorgue, emerald green, lined with tempting restaurants on stilts and a working paper mill.

You can canoe on the Sorgue  and if you follow the path up the cliff, for 15 minutes or so, you reach the source of the river. There, you might witness the largest resurgence in Europe, most impressive after the rain.

Luberon Vineyards©Solange Hando

Driving across Luberon takes you past lush vineyards where one can often visit the cellars, taste and buy from the producer.

Red, rosé and white are all available, the perfect accompaniment to the tasty food of Provence, especially rich in tomatoes, olives and melons in Cavaillon.

L'Isle sur la Sorgue ©Solange Hando

Often called 'the little Venice', l'Isle sur la Sorgue is a delightful place laced by canals and tightly hugged by the river. There are lovely buildings and attractive lanes, flower-draped bridges and old waterwheels covered in moss. 

The town is known for its art studios, galleries and most of all its antique shops for which it comes second only to Paris in the whole of France.

View from Menerbes Hilltop Village in Provence, Luberon ©Solange Hando