I had a meeting in Aix en Provence on Monday. The second that was over I headed to Cezanne’s backyard, the Ste Victoire. Literally minutes away.

As you leave Aix via small roads, you’re faced with this. The Maison Ste Victoire. I didn’t bother visiting, I was pleased enough with how striking it is from the outside. Besides, this is winter after all and the sun sets quite early. I didn’t want to be late to the mountain.

And soon the mountain itself is in view.

It does look good.

Up close only gets better! It’s truly breathtaking.

Worth noting that I was completely alone all the time. Apparently the off-season is really dead for tourists. Not going to complain.

Only downside winter being winter, it gets dark around 5pm. Ugh.

Weather’s been shitty for the past 10 days, enough of this!

Headed East, where it’s supposed to be sunny! This is my route.

The road’s rough, but fall colors are most pleasant.

No rain, but I’m still under lots of clouds.

Don’t miss a curve, it’s a long way down. Little stream is a freebie.

Sun ahead! Flawless victory!

Leaves and general autumness. Not a lot of traffic here, that slight green color in the middle of the road? It’s moss!

At the end of the mountains. Sun everywhere. Fuck yeah.

Going down towards … Dufort? I think? Doesn’t matter anyways, it’s a tiny tiny village.

Pine trees all over.

After Soreze, this is officially the Black Mountain forest. Pretty nice place.

Small bridges abound.

And they all have a plaque with a specific number. OCD me enjoyed that.

Bokeh!

Ok, normal version.

House lost in the woods.

Yet another photo break. I do that a lot.

Again in pine trees going back south.

And a last break in the middle of nowhere.