As you can see, I am immersing myself in color - I've held back from that until now; and I don't regret it." - Vincent van Gogh
***** May 30 *****
We only had one night in Carcassonne, but it was enough to find the two resident dogs. After two weeks away from our own dog it was nice to see a wet nose.
Our first stop is a wonderful family run vineyard, Chateau des Hospitaliers. The land is beautiful and wine was even better. We were able to sample the wines along with a fabulous homemade lunch. Most of the food was produced on site. Just this morning I was swearing off food, but how can I resist the lamb stew, zucchini & ham salad and cheeses! France is truly a culinary wonder!
Back on the bus (for a nap) and we arrive at Pont du Gard. My civil engineering husband is so excited! The Romans built this aqueduct in about 20 years. Poor Andy can't even get a city permit in a year! Pont du Gard was magnificent. The pictures really don't do it justice; it is just immense. How something like this was (correctly) designed and built in an era before cranes and computers is beyond me.
Our home for the next two nights is Arles, the beautiful and temporary home of Vincent van Gogh. Our hotel is right next to the Roman amphitheater; the Romans sure got around! The town is colorful and has a Spanish flair.
Our first stop is a wonderful family run vineyard, Chateau des Hospitaliers. The land is beautiful and wine was even better. We were able to sample the wines along with a fabulous homemade lunch. Most of the food was produced on site. Just this morning I was swearing off food, but how can I resist the lamb stew, zucchini & ham salad and cheeses! France is truly a culinary wonder!
Back on the bus (for a nap) and we arrive at Pont du Gard. My civil engineering husband is so excited! The Romans built this aqueduct in about 20 years. Poor Andy can't even get a city permit in a year! Pont du Gard was magnificent. The pictures really don't do it justice; it is just immense. How something like this was (correctly) designed and built in an era before cranes and computers is beyond me.
Our home for the next two nights is Arles, the beautiful and temporary home of Vincent van Gogh. Our hotel is right next to the Roman amphitheater; the Romans sure got around! The town is colorful and has a Spanish flair.
***** May 31 *****
We have a local guide show us around Arles. We see the theater, Espace Van Gogh, the Republic Square, and end in the Roman Arena. The Arena is very impressive and they still use it for shows.
Julie has arranged for a special tour of The Foundation Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh only lived in Arles for about 15 months and produced more than 200 paintings during that time. He was very inspired by the light in Provence and many of his famous paintings were inspired by this city. The Foundation currently has 31 of his paintings on display.
Julie has arranged for a special tour of The Foundation Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh only lived in Arles for about 15 months and produced more than 200 paintings during that time. He was very inspired by the light in Provence and many of his famous paintings were inspired by this city. The Foundation currently has 31 of his paintings on display.
5 rue Porte de Laure
13200 Alres |