Mérindol and Les Taillades (Vaucluse) 10 March 2011

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Vieux Mérindol village, one of the important strongholds of the ‘Waldensian heresy’ (see HERE) was completely burnt down in 1545, along with a few other localities in Luberon, by Francis I of France’s troops.

Set high up on their hill, the ruins of the former village still overlook the broad Durance valley. The new small town, well sheltered from the region’s powerful wind, the Mistral, lies more comfortably southwards, down in the good farmlands.

Very little remains from the castle, but the view it displays. Northwards stretches the Petit Luberon range.

After a small hike, we visit Les Taillades neighbouring village, which was named after its old stone quarries.

An important square excavation in the locality centre is now used as an open air theatre in summer. Its acoustics must be particular.

About the Waldensians or ‘Vaudois’, some other memories remain in Luberon, like this outside staircase built on an arch at Sivergues, in the style imported from their original land, Italian Piedmont…

… or this small ‘Vaudois bridge’ spanning the stream Aiguebrun in Bonnieux countryside. Notice the strange sun pattern awkwardly integrated into the work after the bridge building.          Huberaime