We went to Provence

Pierre kindly hosted 10 of us at his home in the south of France. In an action-packed week, we climbed in Buoux, Les Calanques & Sainte Victoire. Here's some photos and poem written by Henry.

“Don’t be alarmed but we are on a mountain”

Slipping and sliding on scree

‘A gentle 30 minute approach’ - it said

The guidebook lied it seems

Welcome to Pierre’s climbing school

A pop-up in Provence

Bed included, Trad excluded

With wine from Luberon

Entering Buoux we pass graffiti

Of climbers, icons, from the 80s

Your tour guide hypes up the group

“There’s mega classics and friendly routes”

Now you’re on a climb and think to yourself

Over halfway up this massive wall

That scaring myself to death was a choice

An activity entirely optional

Then legs unfreeze on L'arête du Marseille

And Howard jumps into the air

To cross a gap, that’s 40 metres up

He makes the other side - “Hell Yeahhh!”

Remember on your future trips

The advice from Pierre’s climbing school

A mantra for when you need a boost

“I’m brave, I’m bold, I’m beautiful”

Written by Henry Mitchell