Jean Giono and the mountain of Lure.
The mountain of Lure, jewel of Haute Provence.
The mountain of Lure, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence département, is the third pillar of the Provence trilogy, which begins with Mistral’s Basse Provence, followed by Pagnol’s Provence of the Mediterranean coast, and ends with Giono’s Haute Provence, much more arid and dry, as can be seen in novels set in these parts, such as “Provence Perdue”, “Que ma joie demeure”… Each of these three Provençal regions has its own mysteries and customs, which distinguish and differentiate them profoundly, not to mention the differences between the local dialects. Located close to the Luberon, the Montagne de Lure is an emblematic spot in the Provence region that had a profound influence on the work of writer Jean Giono, and continues to attract lovers of nature and literary anecdotes. This mountain, with its more arid landscapes than the Luberon, was the scene of many encounters and inspirations for the author.
It is distinguished from its two neighbors, the Luberon and Ventoux, by its vast holm oak forests, deep valleys with canyons and majestically rising rocky peaks. Since we’re in the hinterland between the Luberon, which benefits from clouds from the south, and the Ventoux to the west, the rigors of drought induce more arid landscapes with stunted vegetation composed mainly of herbs and shrubs including wild lavender, savory and thyme, which form the basis of the Provençal herbs used in cooking. Early spring used to be characterized by the transhumance of sheep on foot from the Camargue and Alpilles to seek out the still-green grass and fresh air on the peaks of the Montagne de Lure and Mont Ventoux. That’s why the bories were built along the way, to welcome shepherds and sheep at night. These same shepherds took advantage of local trade and bought Banon cheeses made from goat’s cheese, which were wrapped in chestnut leaves from the Banon region to preserve them. This tradition of transhumance is still very much alive today, even if it is virtually no longer carried out on foot.
Jean Giono and his love of the Lure mountains.
It was in this arid environment that Jean Giono found inspiration for some of his most famous works, such as “Regain” and “Que ma joie demeure”. He walked most of the paths, which he marked himself on staff maps preserved intact in his office, and on which we can see the outlines of his walks. The Lure mountain and its small villages, many of which were in ruins, abandoned in the last century, played an essential role in his life and work.
Another significant event in Jean Giono’s life also took place on the slopes of the Montagne de Lure. It was at Redortiers, not far from the village of Contadour, that he went to visit his future wife, Elise, who was a schoolteacher there.
Enamored of the Montagne de Lure and its surroundings, he decided to buy a country house in the Contadour region to spend more time with his friends, notably the painter and writer Lucien Jacques. Giono’s walks in the region greatly influenced his writing. He drew his inspiration from the wild, unspoiled beauty of the Montagne de Lure, using the landscapes and local inhabitants as the backdrop for his stories. His precise, poetic descriptions of places and people reflect his deep attachment to this region and his perceptive observation of nature. Le Redortiers marks the start of the alpine pastures before arriving at the Domaine des Fraches and the changeover to the Jabron valley. It’s an isolated spot close to the abandoned village of Vieux Redortiers, which probably served as the backdrop for the novel “Regain”.
Meeting with Jean and Elise Giono
My encounter with Jean Giono was brief at the time, as I was too young to appreciate the moment. It was more edifying with his wife Elise Giono, with whom I spent some pleasant moments listening to a few anecdotes over a cup of tea between two photos. These privileged moments gave me a better understanding of the importance of the Montagne de Lure in Jean Giono’s life and literary work. Montagne de Lure in Jean Giono ‘s life and literary work.
The Montagne de Lure is much more than just a mountain range in Haute Provence. It’s a place steeped in history, encounters and inspiration for writer Jean Giono, a place full of memories, secrets and fulfillment. Its geographical differences and natural beauty make it a unique place that continues to enchant those who discover it. The Montagne de Lure remains a living testimony to the profound impact a place can have on an artist’s creativity, and continues to attract visitors in search of that same inspiration.
My thoughts and thanks to Aline and Sylvie Giono for their availability throughout the many the many meetings that made this work possible.
Manosque (France) – November 2023
