With sunny weather and no mistral in the air it was time to head for the hills. A favorite spot for sketching and painting is in the mountains near Les Baux, an ancient and huge castle on a clifftop. The mistral winds and dry conditions kept us out of Les Alpilles during our first two weeks here.
There is a wayside atop a neighboring mountain with many trails branching across the ridges. Besides views of Les Baux, the mountains extend north and south, the plains on either side are beautifully covered with vineyards and olive orchards. Of course one of the best views are the rocks of Les Alpilles. Here are some photos.
We also encountered a most unusual wild bee hive. The bees had created a long channel in the crease of an old tree. There were so many bees going in and out that we assume the hive went deep into the tree. The channel was oriented down, presumably this keeps water out. A hole at the bottom provided the only entrance. Pretty cool!
The bee’s front door
Today we are returning to the Camargue. Get out the insect repellent!
Paul
Travels With Picasso 
Reminds me of our long ago picnic at Les Baux – the mistral was definitely blowing that day – had to find a corner to hunker down in. But such a beautiful setting!
Of course, I like the bees and their astuteness. What a fabulous sense of engineering! But of all you beautiful pixes, the best is that of Madame, her foot clearly clamped on the soil as any great conquistadora would do; she came, she saw, she won. Wow!
From south of the Pyrenees with love