“Well on my way.” My dear readers, it is done. The Creative Traveler’s Handbook is written and awaiting all final proofreading & editing stages possible. Magic moments in the south of France have brought upon the last bit of inspiration needed to complete this long sought-after, important life dream of mine: The completion of my first-ever book writing process as an aspiring author and long-term travel writer.
Three years in the making, three weeks in the writing. Now, it is all about proofreading & designing the very “baby book”, while I get to literally relax in the pool & hammock … at least for a while.
My recent travel photography on Instagram has caused many a happy comment among my followers: #WritersRetreat #AllTheInspiration #LaBelleFrance. “Good luck for the book, Elena!” – “Can’t wait to get my hands on this book.” – “We wish you all the magic you need for the realization of your dream.”
And wouldn’t you be inspired to write, or express yourself creatively at that, in surroundings like these …?
The land at the foothills of the Pyrenees, in French Languedoc-Roussillon …
… bids me welcome …
… to the cute little town of Vinça, about 30 kilometres inland from Perpignan.
At the conflux of Catalan & French heritage, sweet little Vinça totalling about 5.000 inhabitants exudes a particular charm …
… supported by, and rooted in, its strong regional pride and identity.
NOVASOL Holiday Homes provide me with a real connection to the local people of Vinça: My “Writer’s Retreat” at the house of Christine & Alain is everything I could wish for – and more.
“And this is pool …” Christine mentions, happy to show me around my new home here in the beautiful south of France. I gasp at the view, despite having seen the photos online: “It is even more beautiful now that I am here, chère Christine.!” She smiles, visibly pleased. “We have taken great care to assure the comfort of our guests. My husband is an artist”, Christine tells me with a wink, “and you will see traces of his art around the house. You do like art, don’t you?” I beam at her, happily sharing my life story with her over a first coffee at the house. The creative travel stories. My time in France. The book-writing process.
“I hope that Vinça provides you with all the inspiration you need”, she smiles upon leaving me to peace, pool and an entire holiday home for myself in order to write my book. And what a beautiful home at that …
My home is my castle: “Writer’s Retreat” in Vinça in the very south of France …
… a place to relax and to feel inspired indeed ..!
The POOL … (yes. That beautiful, beautiful pool !!!) …
… as well as all the fresh strawberries in front of the house …
… including that lovely terrace are easily my favourite parts around here!
Though the cool, welcoming living room is a great place to relax (and write, in my case), too ..!
Love the little details around the house: Bonjour in #LaBelleFrance!
And shopping at the local market really is a favourite pastime …!
Check out my Flickr Photo Gallery for even more travel photography around Vinça and my beautiful NOVASOL Holiday Home:
“On Sunday, the neighbouring artist village of Eus hosts a Day of the Open Door across all houses and art residences. Let us take you there, dear Elena. You are going to love it.”
Local host Christine offers to take me under her wing in no time. “Tu es très mignonne, ma petite Elena …” She is such a sweet host. Sharing a meal with her husband at their own house in Eus, I feel part of the family in no time: After all, Christine & Alain have two daughters about my age. “And four grandchildren”, Christine adds proudly. “Come around for lunch anytime you are finished exploring Eus“, she says. And what a beautiful visual art work Eus is!
The village of Eus sits high atop a hill, overlooking the surrounding landscape …
… at the foothills of the Pyrenees, complete with public art on display.
Eus is highly known for its density of residential artists …
… some of who can be seen creating right in front of you, for instance glass jewelry.
I really love my “art walk” around town …
… high up to the church …
… and right into Christine’s cute little house: A genuine feel for the local life in Eus.
Prades, too, at only fifteen minutes drive from Vinça and Eus, is worth your visit.
Every Tuesday & Saturday, the local market boasts an explosion of colours and flavours: A perfect opportunity to get a feel for the sense of place around here.
And you, when will you start heading out to France? 🙂
Disclaimer: I have been invited by NOVASOL Holiday Homes during my creative stay in the south of France. All opinions are my own.