Man versus Nature

The weather has a huge affect on the people of the Lubyron valley in Provence. The weather, dominated by the Mistral winds in winter, changes the entire atmosphere of the place. People remain indoors, almost as though they are hibernating, and a quiet settles over the landscape. This terrible, dangerous wind also depresses the local residents, and there are often suicides and deaths during the winter season.

This contrasts to the hustle of the markets on Sundays when the weather is warm, and the speed and stubbornness with which the French drive on the roads. The sunshine, of which Provence is famous for, brings people outdoors to eat, play, and work in the fields.

Then there are the rains, which wash away roads and driveways - including that of the Mayles - and seem equally as dangerous as the Mistral. All these extremes in the weather...