Watching the sun set at Labeaume's Hanging Gardens

Description

When we pulled into the parking lot of the Récatadou multi-purpose hall in Labeaume, we didn't really know what to expect. We'd heard about the "hanging gardens" above the river. But we had no idea how crazy the spot was...

The hanging gardens: tiny plots of land, laid out in terraces (or "faïsses" as the locals say) suspended above the Gorges de Labeaume (named after the river that runs through it), some of which are still cultivated, and bordered by low dry stone walls, typical of the area. These gardens were laid out in the 18th century and cultivated until the mid-20th century.

Cultivable land was very scarce at the time, and this gave farmers the idea of building these small gardens in this unusual location. As you can imagine, it wasn't an easy task... First of all, dry stone walls had to be built flush with the ground, to contain the soil and ensure safe cultivation. Then rainwater was collected in a cistern at the other end of the plot.

Most of the crops grown there were tomatoes, peas, strawberries and vines, which benefited greatly from the optimal exposure of the cliffs!

Sunset: We'd been advised to go at the end of the day, and we weren't disappointed. When the sun starts to slowly sink and the light fades, it's a magical sight. Leaning against the low stone walls overlooking the gardens, we silently watched the sun set, as if to imprint every detail of this moment in our memories.

Good to know: How to get there: Labeaume - Récatadou multi-purpose hall car park, 2-minute walk from the car park.