FRANCE ON FILM ❘ JEAN DE FLORETTE
Clockwise from top: Flaming poppies in the southern Luberon; the fountain at Mirabeau; the charming Chapelle de Saint-Joseph at Vaugines; the sculpture of Manon; inset, the film poster for Jean de Florette
culture (against anglophone erosion) and boost local tourism. It could also be argued that Pagnol’s ‘humanistic’ approach conveys universal truths about human nature yet overlooks the fundamental confl ict between classes, and negatively portrays the (Zolaesque) peasantry. However, as Joseph Campbell, American writer and expert in comparative mythology, observed, most popular stories (Star Wars is a classic example) are mythic rather than political, focusing on the battle between good and evil, and the hero’s journey from suffering to redemption. Certainly, although good (sort of) triumphs in the end, there is much suffering in the fi lm – and nobody suffers more than Jean himself.
For me, the most powerful scene of all is when Jean de Florette rails against God for his Job-like misfortune amid the thunder and lightning that refuses to bring rain, crying: “Je suis bossu. Vous ne savez-pas? Vous croyez que c’est facile? Y a personne là-haut!” (“I’m a hunchback. Don’t you know that? Do you think it’s easy for me? There’s nobody up there!”) Ultimately, I believe that Jean de Florette, and its
sequel, Manon des Sources, transcends the parochial and the Provençal. But of course that, following the original story, was always Berri’s intention. Interesting debates aside, the greatest joy of my trip was in discovering both a tangible sense of connection between the fi lm and its locations, and experiencing the wonderful landscape, steeped in traditional culture, that so inspired Marcel Pagnol. FT
PROVENCE ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE BY PLANE Marseille airport is served by several fl ight operators from the UK including easyJet and Ryanair.
BY TRAIN Paris Gare de Lyon to Marseille takes around 3 hours and costs about €100 return for an advance ticket.
WHERE TO STAY Hotel Aquabella Modern four-star hotel in the heart of historic Aix-en-Provence with
106 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Aug/Sep 2022
wonderful outdoor pool and attractive ‘bistronomique’ restaurant looking on to the grounds. Doubles from around €175 per night. Tel: (+33) 4 42 99 15 00
aquabella.fr
La Dame Jeanne Homely and historical hotel-restaurant in the picture-postcard village of Cucuron. Chef and co-proprietor Thomas Richard is a former MasterChef contestant and it shows in his stylishly authentic food. Doubles from €90 per night.
Tel: (+33) 4 86 78 68 99
la-dame-jeanne.com
WHERE TO EAT Buvette de la Font de Mai Tasty food served cheerfully and effi ciently on a delightful terrace. Tel: (+33) 6 85 19 76 96
tourisme-paysdaubagne.fr
WHAT TO DO Domaine de la Font de Mai The perfect place to get an insight into Pagnol’s love of rural Provence, especially if you hike in the surrounding
hills. Open throughout the year (times vary). Free admission. Tel: (+33) 4 42 03 49 98
tourisme-paysdaubagne.fr
Guided walks/tours: Georges Mérentier (Pays d’Aubagne et de l’Étoile). Tel: (+33) 6 74 65 98 50 Elodie Burgé (Villages du Luberon; Provence) Tel: (+33) 6 82 97 25 11
TOURIST INFORMATION
provence-alpes-cotedazur.com
IMAGES © STEPHEN TURNBULL; SHUTTERSTOCK
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148
