Provence Tour: Wednesday

WEDNESDAY (Mercredi)

Arles & Les-Baux-de-Provence

Today we'll go directly to Les-Baux-de-Provence and travel through olive groves and vine covered hills, charming roads lined with plane trees, the lively towns of Cavaillon and Saint-Rémy, and the heart of the Alpilles region..

Standing high on a rocky spur, the spectacular natural fortress of Les Baux-de-Provence and the ruins of its castle dominate the Alpilles valley. The breathtaking view from the dungeon extends to the Camargue. It is from this castle and village that in the 12th-13th century the Court of Love originated and where troubadours composed passionate verses for ladies of the court. In this beautiful village, you'll enjoy the narrow streets lined with 16th-17th century houses, galleries, and boutiques with a great variety of Provençal arts, crafts and fabrics. You might want to visit the Eglise St. Vincent, partly carved from living rock, the Santons Museum (17th-18th century traditional clay figurines), or take a short hike to the top of the castle. Walking through this village is a unique experience and gives a sense of life when noble dames were courted by poets, cruel acts were perpetuated, and lords and knights fought some of the bloodiest wars in the history of Provence.

LUNCH: Take a break from your visit and shopping spree, join us for a glass of Côtes des Baux-de-Provence wine, and lunch in a charming restaurant.

After lunch we'll depart to Arles, a town with a rich and glorious past, built on the bank of the Rhône river. In the city of Caesar and Van Gogh we'll visit the Arena, one of the most ancient of the Roman world and the largest Roman building in Gaul. Across from the Place of the Arena, you might also want to tour the Antique Theater or, a few steps further, the St. Trophime Church and its magnificent Romanesque and Gothic cloister.

EVENING: Free evening for dining out.

Phone: 602-953-3173 - Fax: 602-953-3283 - email: fvv@qwest.net