France, Provence - the charm of the Southern province
Travel time:
Airport:
Marseille Provence Airport, Marseille, France
Route: Marseille - Aix-en-Provence - Arles - Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Fontaine-de-Vaucluse - Menerbes - Saint-Remy-de-Provence - Les Baux-de-Provence - Avignon - Pont du Gard - Gordes - Roussillon - Cassis - Marseille
At the beginning of September this year (2024), we again (for the second year in a row!) were on a trip to Provence as part of a group from TourLeader.
But first I want to express my sincere gratitude to all our companions in this journey and, first of all, to the guide - Ekaterina Merkulova. And for the second year in a row we express our "Huge thanks!" to our Katya for her skill, patience, high Russian language, because stability is the first sign of professionalism!
Below is my brief report on the trip, accompanied by maps, photographs and videos.
September 3, Tuesday
A few days before departure, our departure time was changed and, accordingly, the return flight time from Marseille.
El Al flew on schedule. But in Marseille we had an unpleasant surprise: there was a huge queue at passport control. At the same time, there was one (!) control officer for both EU citizens and non-EU citizens. For EU citizens it was over in 15 minutes, but for us passport control would have taken several hours. But someone called or spoke to the management, and we were received by an employee for EU citizens.
Katya was waiting for us with a TourLider banner and a comfortable bus. We went to Aix-en-Provence to the Rotonda Hotel.
Wednesday, September 4. Arles, Aix-en-Provence
This day, like all the other days, starts at 9am with boarding the bus. On this day we went first to Arles and then back to Aix-en-Provence.
Arles
The city originated in ancient times as a Roman colony called "Areliatus" and was an important center in the Roman province of Gaul. This ancient heritage is visible in numerous architectural monuments, including the famous Amphitheatre of Arles (Colosseum), which was built in the 1st century and is one of the best preserved ancient amphitheatres in the world. Nowadays, it is the venue for numerous cultural events, including festivals, concerts and theatrical performances.
Arles is also famous for its Van Gogh heritage. Van Gogh lived and worked in Arles from 1888 to 1889, creating some of his most famous works and finding inspiration in the surrounding area. Numerous sites in and around the city are associated with the artist's life and work, including the Yellow House, which he rented in the city and where he created many of his works.
A few more photos...
Video: Place de la République is probably the concentration of the most ancient, important, significant and interesting things in Arles. Here you can see the best church buildings (the Church of St. Trophime alone is the main attraction of the city), historical and public buildings, secular mansions, cultural and leisure institutions, monuments and memorial plaques on buildings.
Very nice and interesting square!
Aix-en-Provence
When we returned to Aix-en-Provence, we were met by a drizzling rain. But we continued our excursion.
The main entertainment for tourists in Aix is a walk around the Old Town. Dozens of fountains, one hundred and fifty historical mansions, compact squares filled with cafe tables, narrow alleys, souvenir shops - the "gentleman's set" of any European town.
The first thing tourists flock to is the famous Rotunda Fountain (1860). It is topped with three statues symbolizing justice, agriculture and fine arts. One of the most iconic fountains and a symbol of the city is the Fountain of the Four Dolphins (1667). Water flows out of four dolphins that look very realistic.
September 5, Thursday. Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, Menerbes
First we went to a tasting of Chateauneuf wine. There we were shown the technology of wine production. Then we visited the village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, which the great Petrarch chose for his solitude.
September 6, Friday. Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence
September 7, Saturday. Avignon, Pont du Gard
Avignon became the residence of the popes in 1309 , when the Gascon Bertrand de Got, known as Pope Clement V, moved to Avignon shortly after the defeat of Pope Boniface VIII in a conflict with the King of France Philip IV the Fair . This city, which belonged to the Counts of Provence , Pope Clement VI bought into his own ownership in 1348. In Avignon, the popes felt much safer than in restless Rome , where sharp conflicts between aristocratic families took place. In addition, the Papal State in the center of Italy then effectively disintegrated. The period of the heads of the Catholic Church in this city ( 1309-1377 ) became known as the " Avignon captivity of the popes . "
Video: The Papal Palace and the square in front of the palace, to the left of the palace is a statue of the Virgin Mary.
Video: in the great hall of the palace
Video: Pont du Gard
September 8, Sunday. Gordes, Roussillon
Video: Roussillon - it is famous for its large deposits of ochre found in the clay surrounding the village. Ochre is a pigment that ranges from yellow and orange to red.
Monday, September 9. Cassis, Calanques, L'Occitane
Video: Cruise, Calanques, from Cassis
September 10, Tuesday. Marseille
It was our last day in the land of Provence. On the way to the airport we were given a short tour of Marseille.
Home!
Thank you all very much!