The other day, a fabulous little gem waited for us just outside Roussillon, France. We were on our way to the market and got sidetracked. Just so you know, this is one of my favorite ways to travel: set out, get distracted . . . and go with it. We missed the market altogether, but the color museum, or Conservatoire Des Ocres Et De La Couleur, turned out to be a burst of happiness in an already bright day.
First of all, I LOVE color. I’ve sometimes put myself to sleep at night just thinking of colors that work and play well together. Second, watching Miss Zinnia, a kindred Color Enthusiast, go neon with joy, also bumped up the color love.
Roussillon’s red cliffs, famous throughout Provence, provide more than just hue. For decades, locals have mined the ocre to make pigments, and the color museum now lives in the old factory where it happened.
We stayed much longer than we meant to. Truthfully, I didn’t want to leave. Where else was I going to collide with splashes of color riotous enough to put Crayola to shame? If you ever end up in Provence–especially with artistically inclined kids–you’ve got to stop in for a dose of Happy.
It’ll make you want to sing! Honest.
I’m loving reading of your adventuring through Provence! The scenery and colors are just breathtaking. It looks like a wonderful time is being had by {nearly} all. (Those pictures of Goose made me laugh)
Safe traveling!
Karen! Hello back! I’ve thought of you often during our trip, as I know you have a particular affection for this scenery. Thanks for your good wishes, friend. xxx (They give three kisses in France: one cheek, the other cheek, then the first cheek again.)
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