Savvy Sightseer - tips and insights for seasoned travelers!
View from the Rocher des Dames includes famed Avignon bridge and the Tour Philippe-le-Bel
Marseille is the capital of the French region, which is bordered by Italy of the east and the Mediterranean Sea to the south Map source: http://ontheworldmap.com
Sycamore or Plane trees line streets providing both shade and beauty.
The South of France - Provence
There's something alluring about the region - just saying "the South of France" conjures images of glitz and glamour, the rich and famous, "beautiful" people. It is a mecca for artists, Hollywood stars and the uber-wealthy. Provence is a truly special place. It is one of contrasts: waves of lush purple lavender vie with bright yellow and brown sunflowers. Towns and hills are awash in ruddy ocher or sun-bleached limestone. Ancient and modern architectural wonders command equal attention. No wonder artists like Van Gogh and Cézanne found their muses in Provence and why it was the first "foreign conquest" by Romans as they started to expand beyond Rome to build the vast Roman Empire. Even the Popes chose here over Rome for their home base for nearly 100 years!
Avignon
Within the walled old section of the city of Avignon, the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) looms larger than life. The transplanted home of popes during the 14th century, no palace of the era was grander nor more imposing. The complex sprawled over almost three acres, with 10-foot thick walls. Today it's the largest surviving Gothic palace in Europe, and boasts the longest, most complete circuit of medieval walls. While most of the palace was stripped during the French Revolution, the rooms' rich decorations are brought back through the magic of Histovery's HistoPad technology. The French-based company pairs 21st century technology with content developed by history experts to visually display rooms on tablet screens as they were seen in their heyday.
Cutting edge technology is also employed in the palace's inner grand central courtyard, which becomes a giant easel on which a mesmerizing, sight-sound-sensation extravaganza unfolds in 360°, 3-D splendor. Themes vary by year; in 2019 it was "Vibrations," where viewers were brought on a butterfly-led path into a "world of sensations and vibrations, fed by both image and sound." The show is presented as a joint venture, conceived by Spectaculaires and produced by Blachere Events, and uses 14 projectors simultaneously exploding visuals across all four walls of the Court of Honor.
Throughout old Avignon there are fun and intriguing sights around every corner. An unusual automaton clock tower and lively carousel are favorites at Place de L'Horoge; as is the nearby foliage-covered massive indoor market place of Les Halles. Chocolate, pastry and lavender shops abound. Hunting for some of the 70 Trompe L'Oeil, images that "fool" the eye that are scattered around town, makes for a challenging scavenger hunt. These illusions, many of which appear to be windows with theater scenes taking place behind them, have been painted on building facades all around the city to pay homage to previous years of the Avignon theater festival. French artists Dominique Druand and Marion Pochy found ample canvases to use: in the 17th century, a window tax was levied based on the number of windows in a house. To thwart this tax, residents simply cemented up some windows, and these are now being used to showcase the special artworks.
And, of course, not to be missed is the partial bridge that familiarized Avignon to school children everywhere through the popular song with a catchy tune: Sur le Pont d'Avignon.
One of the entry portals to the walled city leads to the main street toward the Palais des Papes
More than three miles of a protective perimeter made Avignon one of the most fortified cities of its time.
In 2019, the Spectaculaires' Vibrations program provided an immersive experience where "emotions are fed by both image and sound, leading the viewer into a world of sensations and vibrations."
One of the entry portals to the walled city leads to the main street toward the Palais des Papes
Window art at Rue Saint-Agricol: La Tempête, 1986
Window art at Montée Paul Puaux: Le Cid, 1949
Window art at Rue du Roi René: Richard III, 2015
Window art at Rue Saint-Agricol: La Tempête, 1986
Click on the images above for an expanded slide-show view and more information on the town (left) or Trompe L'Oeil (right), or the two videos below for an exciting view of the Vibrations program at the Palais des Papes.
Aix-en-Provence
After vendors pack up, the square quickly returns to normal.
Click on the images above for an expanded slide-show view of markets and fountains; click below to get a look at the Vasarely and Calisson museums.
Victor Vasarely enjoyed playing with perspective and saw geometric relationships everywhere. His goal was to make art accessible to all, and opened his museum in 1976. In the building's foundation, he placed a note: "From Cezanne to Vasarely: we shall be worthy."
Best stop of the museum is the shop!
Victor Vasarely enjoyed playing with perspective and saw geometric relationships everywhere. His goal was to make art accessible to all, and opened his museum in 1976. In the building's foundation, he placed a note: "From Cezanne to Vasarely: we shall be worthy."
Aix-en-Provence (Provincia Romana) was the first province settled in 122 BC outside of Rome as it expanded its empire. Aix derives from the word for water and the region's natural springs. Aix-en-Provence is referred to as the city of 1,000 fountains; while that is definitely an exaggeration, the town has no shortage of ornate water works. Equally abundant on Tuesday, Market Day, are overflowing colorful stalls of fruits, spices, herbs and vegetables, textiles, handmade goods, tasty treats, and flea market items that sprawl seemingly endlessly from one square to the next.
Just short bus rides from Gare Routière, the central bus station, two very different museums offer unusual experiences. At Vasarely, the works of the "Father of Op Art" defy senses as flat artworks appear in three dimensions. At le Roi René's Fabriquew and Musée du Calisson, the history and production process - and tastes of - acquaint visitors with a local specialty: Calisson. As legend tells, King René was marrying Jeanne de Laval in Aix-en-Provence in 1454. He asked the royal confectioner to create a special treat for his new bride. The almond and melon sweet reportedly brought a smile to the young Queen's lips. When she asked their name, she was told, "Di calin soun" - translated as "hugs." Today calisson have been given a Protected Geographical Indication, limiting the source and style of production to the Aix-en-Provence region.
The Luberon Valley and Pont du Gard
Venturing beyond major cities rewards visitors with views of beautiful cliff-hugging towns, marvelous colored cliffs and Roman-era wonders of architectural feats of engineering. The South of France is an area meant to be explored and experienced. Each village has something different to offer, from a look at a centuries-old bakery and techniques to the sights that inspired artists and writers. It is certainly a place to slow down and chill out, to soak up nature and recharge batteries!
Click on the image to the right for an expanded slide-show view and additional information.
Every house is a different shade of ochre.
A walk along the Ochre Footpath leads to marvelous views of the former quarry.
The natural energy of Sorgues at one time powered 66 mills; in the 17th century, a paper mill flourished here.
Every house is a different shade of ochre.
Continue your trip through France with a visit to Paris, Normandy and Brittany, the Loire Valley, the Churches of France or back to the France home page.
