South of France

saint jean de pied de port

The South of France in Summer is such a pleasant place to travel. The countryside villages in Pays Basque, South of France are filled with more culture than I could have beleived.  We spent a few weeks living in a beautiful old barn that has been converted into a house with our French family, in a small town called Etcharry. We awoke each day to the scent of fresh air and the most incredible views of the rolling hills, mountainside villages and the Pyrenees of Spain.

The Pyrenees - by aaron.

We spent our days exploring the nearby hidden villages. We hiked a mountain in a small countryside town on the borders of Spain and got to sight one of the largest underground grottos on planet earth. Trekking underground beneath waterfalls and the great blue sky above. Walking in such quiet peace became our new past time. We had many guests come to stay at the house, the house was always echoing with the laughter of children and adults alike. Many card games were had and many days were spent entirely in the pool beneath the warmth of the sun. We enjoyed new local wines, cheeses and pastries each day, becoming very fond of such new flavours.

It is beautiful to be apart of a french family and to live their way of life. To fall more in love with the children each day. Living with such a language barrier makes life very interesting and allows you to realise just how easy it is to warm to another soul without even using talking as a means of communication.

After spending half a day on the train travelling through the countryside of France we are now back in Paris caring for their house while they are away. All alone in Paris with such a wanderlust.

Mother and daughter (by aaron)

warmth

the warmth of the day

Sauveterre - de - Bearn

Light Painting with the children

Swimming in the evening

Light painting

Late in the evening - by aaron

Hot Air Ballooning over the House.

Gallipette

Abandoned Farmhouse

Photographing the children in the pool.