A presidential walking holiday
You may already know about the Van Gogh walk, following in the great man’s footsteps from Arles to Saint Rémy to St Paul de Mausole – the asylum where he spent the last year of his life. But did you know that you can also walk in Obama’s footsteps? That’s right, the ex-president of the United States chose this beautiful part of the world for his 2019 family Provence walking holiday! And quite right too! Not only have the family been blessed with gorgeous Provence weather (sunny, clear blue skies, hot but a with a slight breeze and cool evenings), but they have also taken in some of the best Provence landscapes.
The news broke last week that the Obama family had arrived in Villeneuve les Avignon for their family holiday. On the Sunday his 2 daughters were spotted at the market in Isle sur la Sorgue. Now, if you don’t already know, the market in Isle sur la Sorgue is something of a local institution. Market stalls line the river front and cover most of the town centre selling everything from children’s toys, to clothes, fruit and veg, olives, meat, cheese, souvenirs and antiques…. The café terraces are overflowing, it is the place to be on a Sunday and an absolute must see when passing through on your walking holiday in Provence.
Why, hello Mr President!
A few days later, the entire family were spotted on a walking trail in Lioux, a small commune close to Gordes and the Senanque abbey. They completed the 12km (7.5 miles) hike on the Madelaine cliff top, overlooking the villages below. Now, imagine being on your Provence walking holiday on that day, enjoying your Luberon walks and the stunning views, greeting fellow walkers as your paths cross on the trail. You spot a family coming towards you, you nod and smile, say hello and pass by, then do a double take because they look kind of familiar. But, no way could that be the ex-president you just passed, not in this remote part of Provence? Surely not! And is it inappropriate to run after them and ask for a selfie? I mean, what a great Facebook holiday post, right?
We wonder what they have planned for the rest of their Provence walking trip. Perhaps a Provence lavender tour by the Senanque Abbey, after all, the lavender is in full bloom at this time of year. Perhaps their walking Provence trip will take them to Gordes, Goult and Bonnieux, these beautiful perched villages that Provence is so famous for.
So if you fancy walking in Obama’s footsteps, we can make it happen!
