| Family Travels Provence |
| We home-based in Arles in this wonderful hotel and daytripped out everyday. While in Arles, we went to our first ballet...held outdoors in a 2000 year old Roman amphitheatre. We enjoyed the Ancient History Museum on the edge of town (it really puts the Roman history into prespective) and got eaten alive by mosquitoes while dining outside in the square made famous by Van Gogh. Arles' Saturday morning market is one of the best that we have every enjoyed...it takes over main street. The only thing we missed was a bull fight in the local 2000 yr old Roman arena...alas, none scheduled while we were there. |
| This 12th century rock top castle fortress is a major sight. The view of the countryside are amazing Arrive early or come late to avoid the crowds. We love exploring rickety stone staircases, crumbling paths and leaning walls...I kept thinking...you could never do this in America because of the liability. There are exhibitions and shows...but we missed them. Get the audioguide. |
| Les Baux |
| This is one of those experiences you just have to do! We spend a leisurely day at Pont du Gard--a few hours in the morning exploring the excellent museum that explained the ancient aqueduct system that brought 44 million gallons a day into Nimes (don't miss it) and then the lazy afternoon picnicing and swimming in the river. Come prepared. We hit the Arles market in the morning and enjoyed fresh cantaloupe, sausages and cheese. Don't miss the museum....Bring your suits and water shoes. |
| Pont du Gard |
| The Surrounding Areas Go Explore |
| Ok...sometimes you just get lucky. We happen to be driving by and accidentally found a local festival at Isle de Sourgue. We had such a great time watching the couples race the canals. The town is cute, the water pristine, the food and beer great. Stop for a visit |
| Roussilon |
| We arrived late and just had dinner...but we loved Rousillon. The chemicals in the clay are quarried and sold. Everything in the town is shades of ochre--yellow, gold, mauves and red. We plan to go back someday and stay longer |
| We spent a day in Avignon....it's claim to fame is being the 2nd Vatican. In 1309, a French pope was elected and the French king urged him to come home. The Palace of the Pope was the Vatican until 1417...As a palace or castle, this one is kind of empty and boring. We like the shopping (buy a tablecloth) and ice cream better Don't bother with Rick Steves' recommended self guided walking tour. I'd rather spend another hour in any of the above towns |
| Arles |
| Stop in Nimes for a great opportunity to understand the Roman Empire's influence in southern France. We visited the Roman arena and a 1st Century temple called the Maison Carree. |
| Nimes |
| The olive trees of Provence. Stop at any local farmhouse and buy some olive oil |
| Date Last Visited -- 2004 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| It was just an incredible experience watching my first ballet in an ancient amphitheater. Erica, Age 15 |
| An Artist's Dream-- The colors were amazing, the town was an eternal sunset. I was thrilled to find a shop that sold the mountains for me to paint with. Erica, Age 15 Budding Artist |
| One of the coolest things I remember was at this village, couples would race up and down the canals under small bridges and back to see who was the fastest. Brent, age 13 |
| Isle de Sourgue |
| Hotel de Amphitheatre 5-7 rue Diderot Tel (33) 04 90 96 10 30 www.hotelamphitheatre.fr We liked this hotel...in the heart of old Arles....nice family room and good breakfast. Check out the renovation photos in the parlor |
| Explore the little villages of Provence. We saw alot of cars and stopped for the big Saturday night game --Bocci Ball. I think we were the only Americans there...but there were alot of smiles |
| Almost every town has a market day--ask at the TI! Stop and grab supplies....we loved giving the kids money and they had to make their own purchases...trying to speak French and handle the money--again lots of smiles from the locals because we "try". |
| Avignon |
| Musée de l'Arles Antique On the edge of town, this museum will bring this area's five centuries of Roman Rule to life. |
| Explore the little villages of Provence. We saw alot of cars and stopped for the big Saturday night game --Bocci Ball. I think we were the only Americans there...but there were alot of smiles |
