Priory of Carluc

Dear Family and Friends,

Another week in Provence has passed. Joe gave his first presentation to the scientific and project leaders of the ITER member countries, including those who had come to France as well as those who participated through video conference. While he was satisfied with the presentation itself, Joe was disappointed that one of his proposals was not accepted. Meanwhile, the kids stayed busy with school, music, and visits from friends and Julie attended her French classes and generally kept everyone on track.

Today, we took advantage of the nice weather and took a short twenty-minute drive to investigate the ruins of the Priory of Carluc near the ville of Cereste. The priory was founded in the early 11th century and was abandoned after the religious wars of the 16th century. This passage leads from the main church, the only building still standing, down towards the valley below.



The kids climbed up the rock staircase to explore this room carved out the rocks, which was one of several in which post holes and other evidences of the original buildings are still visible.



The priory was built on the site of even older Roman ruins, which included the walls of this ancient fort.



Both Romans and the monks who lived here no doubt chose this spot because of its fertile valley and water supply. Of course, our kids are attracted to water like moths to a flame and had to spend some time floating sticks down the stream.



On the way home, we stopped to make some new friends. This field was full of newborn baby lambs testing out their legs and the patience of their parents. I guess kids are kids no matter what species!

Bonne Semaine,

Joe, Julie, Nicolas, Elyse, and Nathaniel