The weather is still cool, but most days are already very sunny. It’s time to get back in the little rental car to go and see the beautiful things… that’s why we come to Italy, right? And for the taste buds too, it’s true…

So we headed north, and after about fifty kilometres, at the bend in the road, we saw with joy the first valleys of the Val d’Orcia…

…and immediately fall under the spell of this corner of the world.

We discover with pleasure the first villages which dominate the valley…

..and the landscape which is dotted with isolated farms at the top of the valleys.

On the plain with its gentle valleys, we criss-cross the clouds.

Each time the sun’s rays reappear after the passage of a few clouds, the landscape takes on new reliefs…

…and the plain changes colour.

The cascades of rounded valleys, in shades of spring green, soothe the spirit.

Here, amidst the ears of wheat, a few poppies spring up in their beautiful bright red dress.

And then, suddenly, a wave of red floods the horizon.

We leave the plain road to get some height and enjoy the straw bales dancing on the hills.

The olive tree surrounded by lines of freshly mown grass catches our eye.

Here soft reflections bring rest and serenity, so necessary after a year of work.

The green hills in springtime provide a magnificent backdrop for the stone farmhouses with their red-tiled roofs.

A tractor stands ready to go and shape the landscape.

Behind a line of yew trees lining a country lane, some farm machinery rests.

The sun’s reflection on the withered grass highlights a still green meadow.

The landscape, with its alternating hollows and hills, is breathtakingly beautiful. The human soul finds here something to restore itself to health after having worn itself out against the city walls.

Here, for centuries, people have taken care of the landscape and created a setting full of contrast.

The eye can safely wander over the horizon.

The nature worked by the hand of the Tuscan peasant artists offers us scenes worthy of the greatest painters

In the middle of the swathes, even an electricity pylon can find its place in this zebra-like panorama.

The landscapes follow one another and change at every turn.

A pair of yew trees entwined near a farmhouse… how beautiful the countryside is! It is easy to understand why this little corner of Italy has been recognised as a Unesco wonder.

The plump bales of hay are on their way to the barn. As everywhere, care is taken to stock up for the winter.

Even this old gate, rusted by the years, contributes to the bucolic beauty of the place.

In the foreground, the wheat ripples in the light breeze, while the foothills of Mount Amiata can be seen in the distance.

The presence of modern machinery does not detract from the fairytale-like setting, it is the magic of Tuscany and we visitors never tire of it.

A perfect marriage of a temple-like farmhouse with the landscape… even the colour of the stones seems to have been chosen to blend in with the vegetation.

This is a site that leaves you wondering… is beauty simply the fruit of the encounter between nature and a peaceful man, or is there more?

Shortly before San Quirico d’Orcia, a farm. Whether by car, bicycle or on foot, many tourists stop here.

The famous double avenue of yew trees, whose image has already been seen around the world several times, can be found here. It is a meeting place for photography enthusiasts.

Here it is from the crossroads leading to Pienza, the view is sublime… does it remind you of anything? An air of « déjà vu » perhaps…

…with this picture showing the yew trees perfectly following the curve of the valley, no doubt!

One can only fall under the spell of this play of light and shadow.

In the field opposite, haymaking equipment at rest: here the farmers are endlessly reshaping the landscape.

Cycling break to admire the details. It is clear that nothing is left to chance here.

As you climb a little higher, you can enjoy the view of the olive trees, each shadow of which draws a small circle at the foot of the tree.

From ochre to blue to a whole range of greens, the picture is perfect.

As the day progresses, the play of clouds on the plain gives it a new look.

The rows of tiles are harmoniously combined with the lines of yew trees and vines.

Once you’ve tasted it, you can see why Gabriella’s wine is so well known…

Herbal teas, olive oil, fruits of the vine and of the still, each worked with love, make us rediscover the scents of the valleys.

The hamlet of Ripa d’Orcia emerges behind the flowering broom… but what century is this?

And beyond that, new patterns can be glimpsed on the horizon.

The region offers an infinite palette of colours, to the delight of the world’s painters.

And when the sun starts to decline, the curves are redrawn and appear in a new light…

…in an infinite sweetness…

… which allows humanity to find in these places a true haven of peace, a place of regeneration.

The horizon seems endless…

…one feels that here life can flow quietly to the rhythm of the seasons…

…the gaze is lost again in the distance…

…a little further…

…always further…

So much beauty, it’s good for the eyes!

…and that’s not all, as soon as possible we will take you to visit some of the beautiful villages in Tuscany.

Par Jean-Yves et Nathalie

Translated with http://www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)