A Trip to Bouches-du-Rhone in France

A tour of France would be incomplete without this treasured region where Provences Roman past is
preserved with the wildlife of the Camargue marsh Pont du Gard. This incredible aqueduct across a gorge
in the Gardon River between Avignon and Nmes is an engineering marvel you should not by-pass. Built
by the Romans over 2000 years ago, it is a national site French school children visit on field trips from as
far away as Paris.
Nmes is an ancient Roman city dating back to over 2000 years ago. The Arnes is the best preserved
Roman Colosseum in the world. It is huge, seating 21,000 at 140 yards long and 110 yards wide, still in
use today for bullfights, tennis matches, and expos. Nearby is a local Archeological and Natural History
Museum. A Roman temple, now a museum called the Maison Carre (Square House), dates back to the
1st century, with beautiful architectural features and carvings, and it contains a statue of Apollo. This is
the building the American president Thomas Jefferson used as a model for Virgina states capitol
building.
LeMuse des Beaux Arts (Fine Arts Museum) includes a Roman mosaic, paintings by Poussin and
sculptures by Rodin. Arles is another Roman city with many remaining Roman structures like the huge
Colloseum, where bullfights still take place, Constantines Baths, and the old Roman Theater, or Thatre
Antique, which is the fabulous setting for film, music, and dance festivals during the summers. Arles is
appealing for its museums, public squares, some large and some more intimate, and its brasseries and
outdoor cafs. Van Gogh spent years here painting and drawing, and you will recognize the same,
distinctive scenery of olive groves, vineyards, and hot plains surrounding the city. The Pont de
Trinquetaille, one of Van Goghs famous subjects, is one of the few landmarks of his time that survived
WWII.
Les Baux-de-Provence is an incredible ancient stone town in a spectacular setting on a rocky summit
overlooking the vineyards and olive groves below. The Ville Morte (Dead Town) ruins are what is left of
its medieval heritage. Artifacts have been excavated and are on display in the Muse Lapidaire, and the
panoramas from the ancient towers stretch as far as the Mediterranean Sea.
Dont miss the 16th century Htel des Porcelets, which features 18th century frescoes. Not far is a
fabulous outdoor movie theatre called the Cathdrale d Images in an old bauxite quarry where nature
films are shown. St-Rmy de Provence is the most fashionable town in which to live in France. Its history
dates back to Roman times, when it was situated along the Aurelian Way trade route to Milan. There
remain baths, a forum, temples, a mausoleum and an Arch of Triumph. Also, to fully feel the medieval
ambiance provided by this province, stay on an owners direct in France.