On the way to the Oppède quarry, located in the Luberon, I could already enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Provence. This area is known for its limestone, which has been used to build the palaces and churches in Avignon and the many fountains in the region, among other things.
This limestone is a soft stone that is easy to work and therefore suitable for beginners to learn the techniques of sculpting. But the visit to the quarry was not just a practical matter. It was also a wonderful and impressive experience.
Once I arrived at the quarry of I was overwhelmed by the size of the quarry and the beauty of the limestone quarried here. I was allowed to choose my own stone and it was fascinating to see how the limestone is cut from the mountain and then moved with the help of machines.
As I walked around the quarry, I felt small and void among the huge limestone blocks around me. But at the same time, I also felt inspired and honored to be part of this artisanal process that has been taking place in Provence for centuries.
After choosing my stone and paying the price, I left with a car full of limestone for Menerbes for a delicious lunch with a great view of Provence. I also visited nearby Rousillon, known for its ochre mines. On the way back, I made another stop in Avignon to stroll through this beautiful city and enjoy the square near the Palace of the Popes.
A day to the Oppède quarry was not only a practical matter to buy limestone for my sculpture course, but also a wonderful experience that gave me inspiration and introduced me to the artisanal process of quarrying limestone in Provence.
