Everyday Life in Aups: A Window into Provence

Street photography is not just about taking pictures; it’s about capturing and documenting the essence of life, the stories of people. For my wife and I, there’s no better backdrop for our street photography adventures than the enchanting region of Provence in southern France. Having spent around 30 summer holidays exploring its charming landscapes, vibrant markets, and quaint villages, we’ve come to consider it our favorite getaway. Our journeys often take us through renowned cities like Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Arles, Roussillon, Gordes, Fontaine de Vaucluse and Aups. Each location offers unique photographic opportunities, making it an endless source of inspiration. Close to Aups is Lac de Sainte-Croix – a beautiful lake at the end of Gorges du Verdon.

A customer advisor in our bank owns a part in a former french Winyard, and we hired an apartment through him.

Aix-en-Provence: The Heartbeat of Provence: Aix-en-Provence, known for its stunning architecture and lively student atmosphere, provides an ideal setting for street photography. The markets are filled with locals and tourists alike. Here, we captured moments of wedding guests celebrating at the City Hall. In France you get married at the City Hall, and if there is a church event too, it’s a blessing.

Avignon: Where History Meets Art: A short drive from Aix leads us to Avignon, famed for its iconic Palais des Papes. Between 1309 and 1378, the pope was resident in Avignon This city is steeped in history, offering countless opportunities for capturing the interplay between the old and the new. 

Roussillon: The Colors of the Earth: Next, we venture to the ochre cliffs of Roussillon. The vibrant hues of the earth make for striking photography against the backdrop of cobalt blue skies. This small village’s distinct palette is not only a treat for the eyes but also a challenge for any photographer looking to capture.

Arles: Known as the European capital of photography. Each summer, a two-month festival transforms the city into a vibrant platform. We attend numerous exhibitions scattered throughout town and enjoy the photographic shows / events held in the ancient Roman arena. The festival’s energy creates a buzz among photographers, and we find ourselves inspired to capture the artistic interactions transpiring around us.

Mont Ventoux: With its stunning vistas, offers a different angle to our photography. Here, we document adventurers cycling along scenic routes. Just imagine cycling up this mountain can leave one breathless. I have a good friend who has done it and from sheer exhaustion he fell over on the descent. In memory of Tom Simpson, a stele has been erected approximately 3 kilometers from the summit. He died during stage 13. of the Tour de France in 1967, allegedly having both amphetamines and alcohol in his blood – a deadly cocktail.

Aups: In all its simplicity, Aups is what I understand about a typical Provencal village. It is the city we have lived in the most times. Pierre owns the local campsite, and if he can remember you – and he has an excellent memory – he makes sure you get a good shady spot among his regular customers. If you ask him, he’ll even call the ticket office in Marseille and buy some tickets for the sensational Pink Floyd concert tomorrow on the football stadium. There are tourists in Aups – they are everywhere, but life goes on quietly for the locals. During the day, they meet in the shade around the square to discuss the world situation. The rest of us participate as best we can in our best school English and photograph diligently. In the evening, boule or petanque is played with many players but also many spectators who eagerly discuss what the opponents’ next move should be.

If you overheat yourself during the day, you can drive up to Lac St. Croix and take a swim. It is a dammed lake right where the Verdon River flows out of the Gorges du Verdon. Driving through the Gorges du Verdon is very beautiful.

Have a look at my gallery South of France 1995-2002