Discover a colorful mix of art and architecture from Roussillon’s ochre facades to the Louvre to Roman Arles
Arles Back in its Roman days – when it was the walled city of Arelate in the province of Gaul – Arles was a pretty happening place. It covered nearly 100 acres, had an amphitheatre, circus and triumphal arch, and served as a key port on the Rhône. But the Arles that Vincent van Gogh found when he first arrived in 1888 was a sleepy Provençal backwater whose importance as a port had long since been eclipsed by the railroads... but with its lush fields, plentiful Roman ruins and extraordinary light, it was a perfect place to paint. And paint he did, creating hundreds of works here. That’s the Arles you’ll fall in love with, as you explore its treasures on a walking tour and on your own.
Roussillon / Abbaye de Senanque Red, yellow and
brown ochre cliffs... lush green pines... fields of purple lavender... a vivid blue sky... color is what Roussillon in the Luberon region of Provence is all about. Sitting in the middle of one of the world’s largest deposits of ochre – used to make pigments for paints – Roussillon is surrounded by richly colored cliffs and quarries which blaze against the azure Provençal sky. Their deep hues are echoed in the ochre facades of the houses, enhanced by brightly painted doors and shutters, and in the village’s colorful maze of winding pathways, streets and squares. Not far away is Abbaye de Senanque, whose striking Romanesque abbey church has stood since the 12th century; on your visit, you’ll see its arched cloisters and – depending on the time of year – the lavender fields tended by the monks who still live in this ancient retreat.
Viviers This little walled city nestled between the banks of the Rhône and the hills beyond is one of the best-preserved medieval towns you’ll ever visit. It’s easy to gather a sense of what life was like nearly a thousand years ago as you stroll through Viviers’ ancient streets, dominated by its 12th-century cathedral; its authenticity will delight you!
Tournon / Valence As your riverboat winds its way from the dreamy landscapes of Provence to ancient towns along the Rhône’s upper reaches, you might consider just how much life this river has seen – and how special it is to slow down and savor it all... even if just for a moment. A case in point: while walking through
60
Tournon-sur-Rhône, you’ll see the Grand Pont – a 16th-century stone bridge that took more than two centuries to complete... two centuries! Then there’s Valence – whose own history goes back even farther than the Romans – for a visit to an award-winning restaurant and cooking school offering a hands-on cooking demonstration featuring local cuisine... along with tastings of olive oil, cheeses, chocolate and other regional favorites that have been making mouths water for centuries.
Life aboard your riverboat will delight you, too... as you’ll savor wonderful Provençal and Rhône Valley wines and distinctive cuisine, and enjoy entertainment by local performers from the region throughout your cruise.
10 DAYS FROM $4,490 PLUS AIRFARE
(9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 8 Dinners)
BEGINS PARIS
Aug 3, 28 Sep 4, 11 Oct 6, 13, 20
Visit
www.tauck.com or call Tauck for detailed day-by-day itinerary, complete seasonal pricing, and up-to-the-minute date availability.
International Airfare is additional; ask at booking about additional hotel nights before or after your cruise, or about our Cruise Protection Product.
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