Our very dear friends, Jean and Natalie (who once owned and created the beautiful bed-and-breakfast La Madone in Apt), invited us to join them for a walk near their home. Now, here’s the thing: the word walk can mean many different things in France. Because of that, I was slightly unsure of what kind of walk this would turn out to be. I packed my walking shoes, though, because, well, I had a feeling it might be something a bit more ambitious than a casual stroll. You see, in France, a walk could be anything from a leisurely wander to a serious trek through the hills
Soon after, we arrived, caught up with each other over a drink, and then set off for the walk. I changed into my walking shoes, because they mentioned it would be about a three-hour walk in the mountains. Right then, I had a feeling I was in for something a bit more than a casual stroll. They told us we’d drive and then walk to a spot they wanted to show us. I asked if it was very steep, and they assured me it was mostly flat.
But when they gestured with their hands to show the degree of flatness, I realized I was in for something that really piqued my curiosity.
I am 11 years older than they are—which isn’t a huge gap, but just enough to make me wonder if they might be in better shape for what was to come.
Yann, chimed in, “Corey, walks everyday -“ as if I was his most cherished mountain goat.
In the photo above see how he is grasping/grabbing onto me, as if I’m gonna fall off the cliff. Mountain goats, don’t fall off cliffs.
We hiked for about an hour and a half to a place that felt absolutely magical. Yann and I, would have never found it on our own, even though the path was well-worn. There were numerous offshoots, each one leading to more beautiful spots, sparking our desire to return. We walked along Roman roads, stones laid thousands of years ago.
I didn’t have my camera/nor phone with me, so I relied entirely on the photos my friends took, but I absorbed everything deeply into my mind and heart—the birds singing, waking up spring, the river below, babbling and echoing in the canyon, the scent of thyme, the promise of lavender, and the chill in the air, made warm by the sunbeams lighting the path.
Yann was right: my daily walks paid off. I was never out of breath, wasn’t sore the next day. I was just filled with happiness. Thank you, my friends for the glorious day.
Promenade – A leisurely walk, often in a park or along a path, for enjoyment.
Randonnée – A hike or long walk, often in nature or in the countryside, typically with some level of adventure.
Balade – A casual, relaxed walk, often short and enjoyable, sometimes spontaneous.
Marche – General term for walking, can refer to a walk or a hike.
Excursion – A short trip or journey, often involving walking or a hike, usually for leisure.
Trek – A long, difficult journey or hike, often in challenging terrain.
Flânerie – A slow, aimless walk, often associated with enjoying the surroundings or daydreaming- Used often to describe while walking around —window shopping.
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