Domaine du Mayne

Why do you dream of Paris? Long for Provence, ache for the Cote D'Azur? I've asked this before, in other Travel in France updates. But now I'm asking you to think about your own motivations. My suspicion is that the ideal is what draws millions of visitors each year. The beautiful language, smartly dressed citizens, exotic beaches, and world-class wines exist amid Roman ruins, fields of lavender, and quaint villages that when brimming with tourists still seem somehow unspoiled. To the American eye, at least, every small village seems to exude as much or more charm than anywhere they've seen "back home." So? Do your snapshots compare to the images you had while you were still home packing? Many would say yes. I would say yes, too. I was as impressed as I expected to be.

But France, or part of it, also surpassed my expectations, by miles. The visionary time capsule known as Domaine du Mayne dances among my memories as both a second home and a foggy dream... Can a place like this really exist in modern times? So ambitious, loving in its aspirations, giving in its abundance, clear in its purpose. It seemed to be the answer to everything. At least for three weeks. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Put away Michelin, because you won't find Mayne on a map. You probably wouldn't find it if you drove right past, either. Take a trip past Isle sur la Sorgue, toward Fountaine de Vaucluse, and veer toward Saumane, and you'll get closest. There's still probably a rough sign announcing itself timidly that takes you down a steep dirt road where you're forbidden, in fact, to drive anyway.

When you arrive, you'll find a primitive but generous house, a garden, a freshwater pool, some wild horses, and a bunch of chickens running around. Did you see that outhouse? It's, uh, functional. On the side of the house, did you see the stove and makeshift sink under a plastic tarp? That's the kitchen. What do you do? It depends on what you've taken with you. If you brought a lot of baggage, try as hard as you can to leave it there. If you've brought nothing but enthusiasm and idealism, you just might find everything. Still ahead of myself. Here's your answer to the gradually alluring question, what is this place?

Domaine du Mayne is a plot of land 130 hectares wide in Provence. The story goes that a woman who owned the land made it known that she would grant rights to the land to the person who could submit the best proposal for its future use or development. Alain Fasquet made that ambitious proposal and was granted use of the land. His vision was to create a place that would shape the land by blending the purposeful artistry of landscaping with the natural beauty of the Mediterranean flora and fauna. Then, he added social consciousness to his goals, choosing to open the project to worldwide participation. This component is manifest through work with international volunteer groups who come together in an effort to promote cooperation and harmony while realizing Fasquet's vision, which, by the way, he doesn't think will ever be finished. There will always be a reason and a purpose for Mayne, he would say.

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