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Day 3
Les Baux de Provence and return
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Today's itinerary
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Buffet breakfast at Château des Alpilles.
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This morning we ride south then west. At Maillane there is an interesting artisan olive oil mill that is worth stopping at for a quick visit. A short, steep climb takes us up to the magical village of Les-Baux-de-Provence. At les Baux have a look in the Cathédrale d’Images and walk through town to see what’s left of the château.
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Copious gourmet picnic lunch today near les Baux.
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After the short ride back to St-Remy, we meet up with a local expert for a walking tour that retraces the life of, and the sites where Van Gogh painted near St-Rémy. From there we continue to les Antiques and the archaeological site of Glanum.
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Pastis, the local multi-herb based aperitif, and a fun filled game of boules in the garden, before we transfer to Paradou for a classic Provençal meal at the Bistrot du Paradou.
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Overnight at Château des Alpilles.
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Les Baux
At the top of the Alpilles ridge, southwest of St-Rémy, lies the fortified village of Les Baux. The ruins of the 11thC citadel are hard to distinguish from the edge of the plateau rock that forms both foundation and part of the structure.
Just outside St. Rémy are the archaeological sites known as Glanum and Les Antiques.
The two main features of Les Antiques are the Triumphal arch and the Mausoleum. The triumphal arch was built during the early Roman empire, indicating the entry road to Glanum along the great way of the Alps (the main Italy road). This is the oldest arch of the Narbonensis region, and probably influenced other arches and some of the 12th-century doorways. The Mausoleum is the most outstanding and best-preserved mausoleum of the Roman world. The structure is elegant and well-proportioned, standing 18 m high. The podium base is decorated with bas reliefs on all sides, representing battle and hunting scenes. The second level is a four-sided arch decorated with naval scenes including dragons, griffins, tritons and sea-monsters. The top level is a rotunda of narrow Corinthian columns enclosing two statues and capped with a pointed roof.
At the top of the Alpilles ridge, southwest of St-Rémy, lies the fortified village of Les Baux. The ruins of the 11thC citadel are hard to distinguish from the edge of the plateau rock that forms both foundation and part of the structure.
Just outside St. Rémy are the archaeological sites known as Glanum and Les Antiques.
The two main features of Les Antiques are the Triumphal arch and the Mausoleum. The triumphal arch was built during the early Roman empire, indicating the entry road to Glanum along the great way of the Alps (the main Italy road). This is the oldest arch of the Narbonensis region, and probably influenced other arches and some of the 12th-century doorways. The Mausoleum is the most outstanding and best-preserved mausoleum of the Roman world. The structure is elegant and well-proportioned, standing 18 m high. The podium base is decorated with bas reliefs on all sides, representing battle and hunting scenes. The second level is a four-sided arch decorated with naval scenes including dragons, griffins, tritons and sea-monsters. The top level is a rotunda of narrow Corinthian columns enclosing two statues and capped with a pointed roof.
Vincent Van Gogh
Vincent Van Gogh lived in Arles in the late 1880s. In May 1889 he was voluntarily admitted to Saint-Paul Hospital in Saint-Rémy. During his stay at the hospital he produced numerous works including two of his most famous: Starry Night and Self-Portrait. He was released from the hospital in May 1890 and was dead before the end of July.
Vincent Van Gogh lived in Arles in the late 1880s. In May 1889 he was voluntarily admitted to Saint-Paul Hospital in Saint-Rémy. During his stay at the hospital he produced numerous works including two of his most famous: Starry Night and Self-Portrait. He was released from the hospital in May 1890 and was dead before the end of July.
Le Bistrot du Paradou
Jean-Louis, the charming owner of this amazing restaurant is a real character and this place is definitely worth a detour. The daily menu based on what’s fresh at the market is always excellent and the carte is full of seasonal and regional favourites. A true bistro feel with real Provençal character.
Jean-Louis, the charming owner of this amazing restaurant is a real character and this place is definitely worth a detour. The daily menu based on what’s fresh at the market is always excellent and the carte is full of seasonal and regional favourites. A true bistro feel with real Provençal character.
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Avignon Bridge, Provence |