Smitten With Gypsy Caravans
When I used to subscribe to all the shelter magazines in France, I would often come across spreads with colorful wooden wagons with fantastic Bohemian interiors. I wasn’t quite sure what they were but I was always drawn to their playfulness.
When I looked into them, I learned they were old gypsy caravans (or roulottes in French). I think of them as being like winnebagos but with a lot more personality; little homes that are always ready to move to the next destination. Since I consider myself a gypsy of sorts, it’s no wonder I was drawn to them!
I even saw a few being drawn by horses when we would take roadtrips in the French countryside.
Upon further investigation, I learned that many of the caravans I was seeing were the work of Jeanne Bayol who, along with her husband, run a business in Provence called Les Verdines which restores and sells old caravans.
She is also the author of two books on the subject, Les Roulottes and Le temps des Roulottes (both available from Amazon France).
I would love to have one of these in the garden, as an art studio or just an outdoor room. Wouldn’t it be great for parties?
I’ve always had a thing for little structures like this. (Remember my shed fixation?) How fun would it be to decorate one of these? There’s something about them that invite you to just let loose and go wild with the decor in a way most of us wouldn’t in our own house.
Yes, I’m middle-aged and I want a playhouse.
(All photos via Les Verdines)
