Dominated by the ruins of one of the oldest châteaux of the Comtat (IXème siècle), this medieval village spreads out on the hilltop after which it was named. The village offers panoramic views that will take you breath away, overlooking la plaine de l’Ouvèze, les Dentelles de Montmirail, le Mont Ventoux up to the Baronnies.

This little medieval village hides many treasures… steep passage ways, arched passage ways, beautiful stone paths, and beautiful Renaissance properties, marvellously well restored. It has a beautiful old fountain (1843), wash pool and an old well.

And close to this picturesque village is the DOMAINE DES DENTELLES, which is a medieval priory and one of the finest properties Provence Emotional Escapes has to offer. It has a heated stunning infinity pool, a meticulously and lovingly renovated interior, 45 hectares of vines, tennis court and on-site winery.

Situated in a secluded mountain saddle within 350 acres of private forest in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Transport from Nimes and Marseilles airports or Avignon TGV can be organised and there is an on-site helipad and private road access.

They are organising a wine course, as they have been doing since 2008, it lasts five days and is an experience for wine enthusiasts of all levels, who are keen to improve their wine knowledge and tasting skills.

The group will be formed of international wine lovers and will consist of lectures, workshops, tastings of exceptional wines, wine games and hands-on activities in the winery and vineyard.

these courses are Extreme Wine WSET certified.

The next Extreme Wine WSET Level 2 course is due to take place 20-26 June 2015.

The next Beyond Extreme Wine WSET Level 3 course is due to take place 5-11 September 2015

The Wine and spirit Education Trust offers 3 levels: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. The Intermediate level includes the Basic information but goes beyond, so it is not necessary to have previously earned the Basic certification.

Before the course, you are encouraged to study at least 14 hours from a book you will receive in advance.

All the world’s major wine regions, grape types and styles will be covered. You taste, discuss and analyse many of the world’s finest, most impressive and highly treasured vintages under the guidance of eminent instructors and even the renowned winemakers themselves.

The rates depend on the level of accommodation and sharing arrangements. Please ask us for more information.

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L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue’s antique market

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is acharming Provençal village known worldwide for its Antiques fairs. You will find old furniture, jewelry, clothing, decorations, linens and art in all forms. Amateurs or professionals will enjoy this fair and Provence Emotional Escapes is here to welcome you in one of our luxury holiday rentals.

Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is also known for it’s water wheels and water canals that run through the town. The atmosphere there is unique and one must take time just to walk around, over the little bridges, etc.

The Golf Provence country club is situated just outside the village, which further extends the village’s attractiveness as a base for your future vacations in Provence.

Emotional Escapes promotes a selection of properties in and around L’Isle sur la Sorgues:

Thym et Sens: situated near the Golf Provence country club, is a charming, large and airy house with pretty, secluded garden,ideal for those seeking peace and quiet yet with all the nearby amenities of the delightful market town of L’Isle sur la Sorgue. Only 5 minutes by car and 15 minutes by bike.

La Rosière:  is ideal for an extended family holiday, this vacation rental has been tastefully refurbished and includes a 10x4m salt water treated swimming pool. The location gives you the best of both worlds, offering the peace and tranquillity of country living but within walking distance of village life in Saumane-de-Vaucluse, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and Lagnes.

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Things to do in Provence: Maussane-les-Alpilles

Nestled on the southern hillside of the Alpilles, Maussane is a typical and authentic provençal village in the vallée des Baux. It is well known for its olive production being one of the largest producers of olive oil in France with its 3 mills.

Olive oil production in the Alpilles

A questiion we sometimes get from guests at our luxury vacation rentals is: “How can you be sure you are tasting and buying quality olive oil whilst in Provence?”. As far as the Alpilles are concerned you will often find the AOP logo on the products of the vallée des Baux de Provence, it is earned as the result of conforming to a number of requirements. The first step towards earning the AOP label is proving the products merit to the INAO ( Institut National des Appellation d’ Origine), based on its geographic origins, specificity and production conditions.

The  recognized varieties of AOP olive oil in the Vallée des Baux, are the Grossane, Salonenque, Bouches du Rhône Verdale, Aglando olives, and Picholine to a maximum of 10%. The fruity green or fruity black oil varieties are obtained with the same olives. The difference is due to the time of maturation of the olives between harvesting and pressing.

Below is a link to one of the major olive producers in Maussane, you can visit their mill and production site whilst in the region:

Mas des Barres: www.masdesbarres.com

While  staying in a luxury vacation rental in Maussane, you should not miss visiting the market square with its fountain of the 4 seasons, as well as the adjoining streets cooled by small laundries and fountains, the Roman military terminals that line the road (Via Aurelia), the oratory dedicated to Saints honoured in Provence.

A visit to early 1900s Provence.

On the 23rd August 2015, like every year Maussane turns back the course of the time. Travel back to years of  Marcel Pagnol and  Jean Giono, discover artists and craft markets, children’s games, folklore….

For one day each summer the whole village returns to the early 1900s. If you happen to go through Maussane on this sunday, you will be welcomed by local inhabitants as well as professional comedians in traditional costumes bringing to life scenes from Provence’s heritage!

This day is dedicated to recreating an old fashioned atmosphere and to show what life was all about in those days. Lots of free activities and events  are sure to entertain the whole family.

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Avignon Gourmet Tours, a taste of Provence

Emotional Escapes prides itself on its local knowledge and experience, part of building this knowledge is working closely with local service providers who offers a unique experience to the visitors.

Emotional Escapes Provence has recently discovered one such local expert offering a unique tour to one of the region’s main cities that is Avignon. They have invited Aurélie who launched Avignon Gourmet Tours last year to present her project and services in this column.

How the concept of gourmet tours in Provence came to be.

An exclusive gourmet tour of Avignon.

Emotional Escapes Provence recommends Avignon Gourmet Tours  to visitors to Provence looking to sample the famed local produce of this rich region.

If you would like to keep informed of activities and quality artisans and restaurants in Provence, we also recommend visiting partner blogs Belle Provence Travels and The Provence Post.

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Artistic workshops to discover in Provence.

Provence has much to offer in terms of activities and places to explore, from wine-tasting to guided tours of the region’s major landmarks (the Luberon, Pont du Gard, Avignon….),  travellers visiting the region go home with fond memories and souvenirs from their experience. But rather than taking home photos and gifts why not also bring back a new set of skills? Every year we recommend one of our owners’ classes in watercolour painting, but there is a wide selection of artisans offering to share their knowledge with visitors for a day or more. This month we have chosen to present two of these passionate workshops which have set up shop in Provence.

Ateliers de Couleurs

Liz Wyatt and Monique Lecoq welcome visitors to their workshop, opened last September in the perched village of Ménerbes in the heart of Luberon. There Liz presents her restored hand-painted furniture, also working on commissioned furniture-painting  services for clients looking to add  a personal touch to their residence in Provence. She also gives classes where you will learn painting techniques in bespoke groups of up to six students.

Ateliers de Couleurs is exclusive stockist of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint(c) in Provence.

The courses range from half-day initiations to full-day training on  furniture, lent for the occasion. Refreshments are included in the price and classes are given in English and French.

You can visit their site at Atelier de Couleurs.

Mosaic Academy

Marie-Agnès Jacquet, a master mosaïst trained in Ravenna and Rome, will welcome you in a provencal « mas » tucked among vineyards and olive groves in the perched village of Crillon-le-Brave  ideally located near Avignon and the famed Luberon district. There you will learn the techniques of the traditional art of mosaic in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere amidst her creations

Marie-Agnés offers classes for all levels ranging from a half-day initiation course to five-day master classes.

you can visit her site at Mosaic Academy.

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Preparing Christmas in Provence

Many people know Provence as a region in France that is considered a top vacation destination, not just for the French, but for tourists from all over the world. Boasting incomparable beauty and a charming culture, as well as numerous specific attractions and sights, Provence is certainly deserving of being high on pretty much everybody’s vacation list. And to be sure, during the holiday season the charm and allure of Provence is emphasized even further!

Many people prefer to spend Christmas and the surrounding holiday weeks at home. However, for those who like to get out and visit a destination abroad, Provence is an excellent choice. With that said, here are a few helpful tips for visiting this gorgeous region for the holidays.

The village of Crillon-Le-Brave covered in snow.

Consider A Stay At Aix-En-Provence

Marseille may be the most well known destination within the region of Provence, but Aix-en-Provence is an incredible alternative still within driving distance of the coast. And besides the convenience and beauty of the area as a destination, it’s particularly delightful during the holiday season, when its streets are lit extensively in celebration of the season. It’s simply an incredibly charming location.

Be Aware Of The Calendale

This is a term you’ll likely hear when preparing for a trip to Provence. The Calendale is essentially the name given to the Christmas season, which in Provence is extended even longer than in most other parts of the world. In fact, the Calendale lasts for roughly 2 months. It’s nothing official, but a strong indication of the festivity you’ll encounter throughout Provence.

Prepare Shopping In Advance

There are plenty of wonderful local markets throughout Provence (with a particularly lovely one in Avignon each year), and if you prefer, you can do your Christmas shopping there. However, if you’d rather go for a more relaxed method of Christmas shopping while on vacation, M&S online is always an option. The large scale retailer has websites specifically geared toward several countries throughout Europe, with the French specific site offering convenient delivery of a wide range of products. This can be a great way to get your holiday shopping done quickly and on-the-go, but without sacrificing the quality of your products.

Witness The Festivals

Provence has plenty of lovely holiday festivals, all of which can add some extra cheer to your stay. “Droles de Noels” in Arles is one particularly appealing option. It features droves of visual and performing artists who are essentially running a never-ending street festival in the week leading up to Christmas.

Enjoy The Local Feast

Provence’s traditional Christmas meal is a bit different than you might expect, as noted by the Marseille and Provence tourism info page. Generally speaking, the holiday dinner is very structured and tiered with various courses, some of which symbolize Biblical significance—but none of which are served at the expense of a delicious meal!

Article by Cinthya Craig

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Garden Water Colour Course

in Provence 2014

Just Provence maintains a close relationship with the owners of the properties we promote, especially when they are as passionate about Provence as we are.
Therefore we are very happy to present once again  this exclusive training course in the heart of the Luberon National Park which invites visitors to Provence to fine tune their artistic skills twice a year.

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Corinne Détroyat, owner of Le Coquelicot near the hilltop village of Saignon, has been running a painting course for some years now. A qualified landscape gardener, she shares her passion for nature, Provence and painting with her spring and summer students every year. The course takes place in her authentic bastide, surrounded by 30 hectares of oaks, olive trees, lavender, almond and cherry trees so typical of Provence

She will welcome you for four days of drawing from the 3rd to the 8th June and 26th August to the 31st August 2013.
Corinne defines the course as:

A unique course in Provence, it is an opportunity to experiment with watercolour: a sensitive graphic method for sharing a garden’s vision, atmosphere and layout.

The course is organised in partnership with Claude Pasquer who is a landscape architect and sculptor from Versailles. Lessons and advice are given in French and English and has included Russian and American participants, making it open to visitors to Provence from all corners of the world.

The four day course will concentrate on :

• Recalling of drawing perspective rules for an intuitive building of space.

• Recalling of shadow and light theory: the key to harmonious drawing lays in the expression of dynamic circulation.

• Watercolour: technique and working method to render a colourful atmosphere.

• Practical exercises in the estate.

The course takes place both indoors and outdoors and includes visits to the local market town of Apt.

It will reveal and develop your graphic personality, whatever your level. Above all, it is a nice working atmosphere in which to immerse yourself and progress in graphic expression.

Participants arrive on Tuesday evening, they are welcomed in Corinne’s Provençal bastide with drinks and local products. Each day will then follow the schedule below:

9am: Breakfast
9.30am: Drawing
12.30pm: Lunch with the teacher and the hosts
2pm: Drawing
5.30pm: Free time (swimming, walking, visiting sites, maybe even a siesta)
6.30pm : Learning of the computer graphics with Photoshop
8pm: Dinner

The rates cover different options:

• If you choose to stay at Le Coquelicot it is 750€/person or 1100€ for two people (single/double room, shared bathroom).
  This fee includes the course and full board.
• If you choose to stay at another exclusive vacation rental in the region, it is 480€ per person including course and lunches.

As the course runs from Wednesday morning to Sunday morning  you could plan a family stay for a week in Provence and enjoy your four days of watercolour course whilst the rest of the family pursue their own activities. You also might enjoy visiting nearby interesting sites such as the Salagon ethno-botanic garden, the Rustrel Provence Colorado and Saignon village.

If you would like more details or a leaflet detailing the course, please contact Corinne Detroyat at [email protected].

For more information on the Luberon region and luxury holiday rentals near Saignon contact us at [email protected].

 View rental properties in Saignon

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4 Unmissable Summer

Provençal traditions.

In the  summer, you have the opportunity to do a lot of activities. Why not go deeper in Provence’s culture, living its traditions ?  We offer you our selection of  four unmissable Provençal summer traditions.

 Les Feux de la Saint Jean, a fiery summer festival.

At first a pagan cult, it was from the  5^th century that the Church converted this celebration into a holiday in  the honour  of Saint John the Baptist. The « Saint Jean »  became a popular holiday where everyone met  in both joy and friendship to welcome the « good season ». Nowadays, towns light their fires with the Canigou’s flame at 10pm. Each locality organizing its festivities  with its own programme (traditional animations with the presentation of  Provençal costumes,  blessing of the flame,  Mass, etc.).

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Credit: Blackstones707

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Les Fêtes de la Saint Eloi.

            Saint Eloi is very popular in Provence, patron saint of goldsmiths and of craftspersons working metals (blacksmiths farriers,..). He is also the protector of pack animals. The « cavalcade » is the central point of this big popular “fête”. Indeed, the «charrettes feuillues», floats decorated with young elm branches, are pulled by about 30 work horses as a souvenir of the time when these animals were used for work and transport. These wagons are  accompanied by  inhabitants wearing the typical costumes of Provence and by provençal music. Villages and towns can add their own programme : mass, abrivados…

The « Abrivados ».

It started as a tradition where bulls were guided from the pastures to the arenas, under the scrutiny of their herdsmen. During the crossing of the villages, some young people (the « atrapaïre ») would try to free the bulls for fun. Therefore the herdsmen made their bulls cross  the village in a gallop. It nowadays is a much attended event, and  is organized during summer feasts in many Provencal towns. The streets are blocked to prevent the bulls from escaping. The atrapaïre still attempt to free the bulls as the herdsmen have to show their dexterity in controlling the bulls. Rest assured no animals or injured in this cross village chase.

15th August  – Fête de l’Assomption

            This is not  typically Provencal in essence, but it is too important a holiday not to be noted here. This date is first and foremost a religious feast celebrating  The Virgin Mary’s Assumption, it was for a long time France’s National Day (it is coincidently Napoleon’s birthday) before being replaced by the 14th July. After Mass, parishes organize  colourful traditional processions, whilst  villages and towns run  antique fairs, banquets and firework displays open to all. It is worth enquiring at the nearest Mairie or Office du Tourisme on planned events when staying in Provence in mid-August as this a highly popular holiday and will see very large numbers of attendees.

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Do you have a favourite Provençal summer holiday we have not mentioned here? A quirky festival you would never miss or well kept secret tradition you have attended and would like to share? Do not hesitate to leave a comment under this article, we would be happy to read about your experience.

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Destination Weddings in Provence.

This article was inspired by another article entitled: destination wedding mythbusters which raised the  crucial points that destination weddings were not more expensive, nor complicated to organise and offered the advantage of doubling as honeymoon destinations. In this article we will look into how organising your wedding in Provence can be a variety of experiences beyond but not excluding the restrictive postcard image of lavenders, sunshine and cicadas.

The Côtes Du Rhône region.

Provence is famous for many produces from olive oil to cicadas printed napkins. But among its noblest of products is the world renowned Côtes du Rhône wines. As mentioned in a previous article, Vaucluse has been once again recognised in 2012 for the quality of its fine wines. Planning a wedding in North Vaucluse  not only means that you’ll be able to welcome friends and family in the heart of  these exclusive vineyards but also that you will have at hand beautiful sites such as Les Dentelles-de-Montmirail, the “Giant of Provence” that is Mont Ventoux or historically rich towns such as Vaison-la-Romaine or Orange.

Weddings are festive  occasions where your loved ones travel to gather and share your joy. By choosing an exclusive holiday rental in the heart of Provence you will ensure that not only will they have a wonderful time during the wedding but will also be able to visit a beautiful region and enjoy its products.

North Vaucluse is very versatile in the themes it can bring to your wedding and honeymoon. You can choose organise a chic wedding reception in a “domaine” near Grignan with  Mme de Sévigné’s romantic 17th century as backdrop or add  wine tasting tours to the occasion with the famous vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Valréas within a short drive. Treat yourself and your guests to not only a trip to Provence but a voyage through the flavours of rich and exquisite wines sought the world over.

North Vaucluse is one of the most historically rich regions of Provence and gives many options to choose from for your wedding photo shoots from the steps of the popes’ palace in Avignon to the Roman ruins of Vaison-la-Romaine. Planning your wedding in Provence will mean that local caterers will supply you with home grown produce from this agriculturally rich part of France, the owners of holiday rentals that can accommodate wedding receptions will direct you towards services and the possibilities the properties offer.

 Luberon

The Luberon offers a wonderful setting for a romantic hide-away honeymoon in the heart of a UNESCO recognised National Park doted with perched villages from which you  can choose to stay or visit. A great choice for a more rural wedding, the splendid views of rolling hills, lavender and poppy fields as you exit  a small Provençal chapel greeted by your loved ones.

Planning your wedding in Luberon means you will be a short drive the  history rich capital that is Avignon or the large market town of Apt whilst being in a quiet and idyllic part of Provence which has proudly retained its Provençal heritage of stone-built houses, winding streets, charming “cabanons” and isolated monasteries dotting the hillsides. What could be better then spending your honeymoon in such a peaceful setting, overlooking the Luberon Valley with only the endless horizon greeting you, every morning.

 Les Alpilles

“Les Alpilles” is  a mountain range  Provence and gives its name  southernmost region of  inland Provence and as inspired world famous artists like Cézanne, Picasso, Gauguin and famously Van Gogh who spent time in Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The famous impressionist was inspired by the colours and beauty of this region. The Mont Sainte Victoire was Cézanne’s favourite subject having painted it 60 times, it most certainly won’t leave you indifferent.

Les Alpilles shares with Vaucluse a strong Roman Heritage and like Luberon has been -and still is- home to many artists. It has a close access to the sea and the regional capital that is the city of Marseille whilst being quietly nestled in a low mountain range.

By planning your wedding in Les Alpilles you could embed the occasion in artistic influence with views from Cézanne’s paintings and colours that inspired Van Gogh enabling you and your guests to literally walk in pictures only seen in the great Art Museums of the world.

Planning your destination

wedding in Provence

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Now the strong points of various destinations in Provence have been laid out you can consider renting a holiday villa in the South of France  to host your wedding and honeymoon. Enjoy the comfort of a home: privacy, exclusive setting and modern comfort whilst being able to plan your stay as you wish. Whether you wish to live like a local,  experience an intensive tour of this beautiful region or simply enjoy the sun by your private pool.

Just Provence has an extensive portfolio of properties from the isolated mas for a romantic honeymoon in the Luberon or a luxurious farmhouse near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence that can welcome up to 20 friends and family to enjoy the week leading to or following  your wedding. We will be more than happy to help you pick the destination for your once-in-a-lifetime emotional escape in Provence.

If you have any questions or comments do not hesitate to leave a message or contact me at: [email protected].

Dylan

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5 family friendly outings in Roman Provence.

The first things that come to mind when thinking of Provence are olives, wine and lavender. These three key produces of the region have been trademark productions of the area for over 2000 years and all three of them were introduced by the Greeks and the Romans. The name Provence, derives from the Roman name “Provincia Nostra” which means “our province”. Therefore everything essentially Provençal by nature is deeply linked to its antique origins and the Greco-Roman civilization that would shape Mediterranean culture forever.

In the holiday rental industry, the term villa in itself has retained its Roman definition, meaning a luxurious country home. One of the appeals of staying in an exclusive vacation rental is the “live like a local ” experience.  If you are planning on staying in Provence why not go a step further and live like a Roman? This is our attempt at a quick guide to making your visit to Provence a truly exotic, enriching and awe inspiring experience back in time. Maybe like Jean-Jacques Rousseau visiting the Pont du Gard  in 1738 you will also say :

Why was I not born a Roman!

• Pont du Gard

Undoubtedly the most famous Roman built monument of Southern France, the  2000 years old this UNESCO protected aqueduct has inspired generations of visitors through the centuries. It the best preserved and tallest Roman building in Europe, since 2000 it has a visitor centre and museum with activities and information for the whole family. There are amenities on sight and the proximity to Uzés makes this architectural marvel a must-see  visit to Provence.

In the summer the site of the Pont du Gard is host to music festivals and firework displays of excellent quality.

• Orange

Orange boasts a superb 2000 year old Roman theatre, which features a 37m high theatre wall.  The theatre was within a century of the establishment of this Roman colony and survived through the centuries. Nowadays it has been returned to its original use and hosts operas, choir festivals and concerts. Like the Romans themselves you can visit the town centre its market and amenities, and at night enjoy a meal at the troglodyte theatre’s restaurant  before a wonderful spectacle in this architectural gem of Ancient times.

The town has museums and visitor centres the whole family can enjoy and a perfectly preserved Triumphial Arch.

•  Vaison-la-Romaine

Through the progressive romanisation of the local Celtic tribes of Provence, Vasio became one of  the most important towns of Roman Provence. Being a great example of successful Gallo-Roman culture it boasts large villas with rich mosaics, a well preserved theatre and 1st century Ad Roman bridge still used to this day. Remains of a Roman temple can be seen at the cathedral, one of the oldest in France. The museum of  Vaison-la-Romaine  for 2013 has prepared a 3D experience to recreate life in Roman Vasio you can view the trailer (in French) below.

The old town is also charming with its  medieval castle and winding streets.

•  Arles

Arelate as it was named by the Romans was inhabited by Ligurians since 800AD. It has been visited by famous figures of Rome like Julius Caesar or emperor Constantine I. Today much of Roman Arles remains and is in use like the impressive arenas for example. The ancient Mills, Arenas, museums are worth visiting and truly remarkable. The town puts on Roman themed festivals in the summer with gladiator displays, equestrian presentations  and re-enactments. You can even take gladiator classes from September to April.

•  Glanum

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, arguably the most sought after location in Provence, is historically an offspring of a much older settlement known as Glanum. This Gallo-Roman town is rich with exceptional historical monuments such as the Triumphal Arch and the Julii Mausoleum commonly known as “Les Antiques”. To complete your Roman experience in Glanum you can visit the Taberna Roman, a Roman tavern neighbouring the archaeological site offering Roman menus and setting.

This list could include a host of other locations from renowned Nîmes to the less known Laudun with its Caesar camp and ancient ruins, but the locations listed above are the most family friendly and immersive Ancient sites of Provence. Have you visited Gallo-Romans sites in the South of France, any we have forgotten that you think is worthy of our top 5? Do not hesitate to leave a comment.

If you have any questions or comments do not hesitate to leave a message or contact me at: [email protected].

Dylan

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