Camargue and Provence France Photography Tour II

Itinerary

Thursday, July 17 (D)

Arrive in Marseille at Marseille Provence Airport or by train from Paris at any time of the day. Spend the day at leisure to recover from jet lag or explore Marseille on your own. Welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant this evening. Overnight Intercontinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu

Friday, July 18 (B, L)

This morning is at your leisure, wander and explore Marseille’s waterfront. Today, we start our adventure and make our way to the heart of lavender country. The lavender should be in full bloom during our trip. Photo shoots and stops along the way.

We’ll take a break midday and stop to have lunch in L’Isle sur la Sorgue. This small  “island city”  on the Sorgue River is often referred to as the “Venice of Provence” due to the abundance of waterways that flow throughout its ancient streets. Embrace the charming riverside ambiance while exploring the local art galleries, historic waterwheels, and antique shops that this small town is famous for. Since it’s Sunday, we’ll have the opportunity to browse the flea market, which has been running for 900 years and is the largest market in the Luberon region. This is the perfect location to purchase olive oils, herbs, soaps, aged cheeses, pottery, candles, books, and any other souvenirs that might be on your shopping list!

After an evening lavender shoot, we’ll overnight at the beautiful and historic Le Mas des Romarins, set in the hillside village of Gordes.

Saturday, July 19 (B, D)

This morning, we take in the sights and scents of the lavender fields surrounding Notre-Dame de Senanque Abbey. The Cistercian monks, who still occupy the abbey, welcome us to their home. The lavender fields backed by the 12th-century abbey make for lovely photographs.

Between lavender shoots, we’ll also stop for a photo session in the colorful hilltop village of Roussillon. Perched on the southern edge of the Plateau de Vaucluse, Roussillon is a beautiful village with red rocks, ochre-red stone buildings, and red tile roofs set in a deep green pine forest. Narrow, medieval streets wind through this small village.

We’ll spend the remainder of the day in the lavender fields. Overnight at Le Mas des Romarins

Sunday, July 20 (B, D)

Today, we’ll make our way to two distinct local wine regions, Gigondas and Vacqueyras, in the southern Rhône valley. Grapes in Gigondas have been harvested for two thousand years. Grenache is the principal red (and rosé) variety produced here, and the wine is comparable to that of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Red wines made from Grenache also dominate in the Vacqueyras region, though the flavors of Vacqueyras are a bit more peppery and heady at times. This is due to the sandy and stony soils present in the vineyards situated at lower altitudes than those in Gigondas.

Overnight at Le Mas des Romarins

Monday, July 21 (B, L)

Relaxing AM or early AM photo shoot in lavender fields.

Later in the day, we’ll visit one of the most spectacular ochre sites, Colorado Provencal. As its name suggests, the fiery orange and red rock formations mimic geological scenes found in Colorado and other Western US states. A combination of natural erosion and ochre mining has resulted in more than 100 hectares of engaging sculptural landforms, the reds and oranges interspersed with yellows, browns, greens, and mauves will provide a very colorful palette for your camera to behold!

Overnight at Le Mas des Romarins

Tuesday, July 22 (B, L, D)

Standing on the edge of the Vaucluse Plateau, Gordes is home to movie stars and artists. Its tall houses of white and gray stone rise in a spiral around the rock where the village is set, topping out at a church and castle. Today, we will take some time to meander the scenes of this hilltop village. You’ll also have time to explore Gordes’ local Tuesday market, which is fabulous! last AM photo shoot in the lavender fields before we travel to Provence.

Today, we leave the Gordes area towards the renowned Chateauneuf du Pape. We will visit the remains of the pontifical castle of Chateauneuf du Pape. Jean XXII had the castle built from 1317 to 1333. Popes lived there until 1377, the date of the return of the papacy to Rome. The castle burned down during religious wars and was severely damaged in 1944. All left standing today of the fortress is a section of the wall of the central building, a high tower, and a lower room. The well-preserved dungeon was listed as a historic monument in 1892.

We have planned a special private lunch and cellar wine tasting with one of the top Master Sommeliers in the region. Wine can be shipped home if you desire. There will be time to wander on your own around this small village.

We’ll stay at the Chateau Des Fines Roches for two nights, a castle built in the late 19th century, high on a hill and surrounded by vineyards. Fully enjoy the views, gourmet food, and wine. Take a swim in the pool or a bike ride through the vineyard… OK, we will be a little spoiled on this tour!

Overnight at Chateau Des Fines Roches

Wednesday, July 23 (B, D)

Today, beautiful opportunities to photograph right outside your bedroom window! The morning will be at leisure. We can photograph the vineyards and rolling hills surrounding the castle, enjoy a relaxing morning at The Spa or participate in one of the many activities the castle offers.

Late morning, we will head to the interior scenic part of Provence. The Provence region was the first Roman province beyond the Alps. They called it Provincia Romana, which evolved into the present name. While it has been part of France for more than 500 years, it still retains a distinct cultural and linguistic identity, particularly in the interior of the region.

First, visit the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence to shop or sit and have a nice glass of wine and enjoy the spectacular views.

Les Baux de Provence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Especially photogenic, the town is filled with small squares, well-shaded terraces, narrow streets, and small shops. We’ll have views of Arles, the Camargue, and the low hills of the Alpilles Mountains from lookout points in the stone fortress.

Today, we will visit the Carrieres de Lumieres, an abandoned quarry and old iron foundry that has been transformed into a unique digital art exhibit. Enter the caverns and become instantly mesmerized by the vibrant, dancing artworks that are choreographed to music and projected onto the huge walls, pillars, and floors of the quarry.

Finally, we’ll explore in and around the medieval town of Uzès. Uzès was born as a Roman settlement, founded as early as the 1st century BC. Marvel at the historical white stone architecture as you wander through the pedestrian-friendly cobblestone lanes. There are many captivating sights to see and photograph in Uzès. Its most prominent landmark, The Duke’s Castle, also known as the Duchy, still serves as a summer residence to the current Duke. In the medieval gardens behind the castle, climb King’s Tower for a panoramic view of the city. Visit La Cathédrale Saint-Théodorit, which features the only round bell tower in all of France and is often referred to as Uzès’ Leaning Tower of Pisa. Last but not least, Place aux Herbes, the main square, is filled with tiny boutiques, gelato shops, and trendy cafes, a nice place to sit, relax, and take in the inviting atmosphere of this hidden gem nicknamed “French Tuscany.”

Overnight at Chateau Des Fines Roches

Thursday, July 24 (B, L, D)

Rise and shine! Today, we’ll make our way to Camargue, the wetlands of Provence.

The first stop of the day is the Roman city of Arles. Roman treasures, sultry stone squares, and a festive atmosphere are all part of the backdrop to the amazing photos we will take. We’ll see the colorful houses that show up in some of van Gogh’s paintings. We will visit the Arenes D’Arles Amphitheatre, dating back to 90 AD. This amphitheater was capable of seating over 20,000 spectators and was built to provide entertainment in the form of chariot races and bloody battles, very impressive! You will have some time to explore Arles on your own. We will meet for lunch at the iconic Cafe van Gogh.

Early dinner at the hotel before our photo session at the Pont de Gau Bird Park, known for its greater flamingos and great diversity of birds. Each night, the flamingos fly in to feed, making it the perfect time to capture them with our cameras.

We’ll settle in Saintes Maries de la Mer, a Roman-era fishing village built on an island where the Petit Rhône joins the sea. It’s now a bustling seaside resort full of shops and activities. Vincent van Gogh painted several paintings here, including Street in Saintes-Maries in 1888.

Overnight Hotel Mangio Fango

Friday, July 25 (B, D)

We’ll start the day with a sunrise photo shoot of the famous Camargue horses. These white horses evolved and adapted to the wet environment of the marshes and wetlands in the area and can run through water with the same gracefulness most horses exhibit on land. They are indigenous to the Camargue and are generally considered one of the oldest horse breeds in the world.

You’ll have mid-morning to relax, swim, or edit photos before visiting the medieval town of Aigues-Mortes. Aigues-Mortes sits on the flat marshes of the Petite Camargue and is considered the purest example of 13th-century military architecture. Today, it looks much like it did in the Middle Ages. A crenelated wall with five towers and ten fortified doors surrounds the town of neatly rectilinear streets. There will be time for lunch and to explore on your own or with Patrice.

We’ll end the day with another shoot of the Camargue horses. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight Hotel Mangio Fango

Saturday, July 26 (B, D)

We’ll start the day with a thrilling photo shoot of sparring young stallions just wanting to play. Have your cameras ready as the Camargue horses rear and clash!

As with yesterday’s schedule, you’ll have mid-morning to relax, swim, or edit photos before visiting Saintes Maries de la Mer.

We’ll have several bouts of on-your-own-time (or with Patrice) during this trip to avoid the heat of the day. If you’d like to get out and explore Saintes Maries de la Mer, there is plenty to see!

• Walk along the shore on the edge of town, or watch windsurfers in “The Canal,” AKA the “French Trench,” built especially for speed record-breaking sailing.
• Explore the Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer church. Its location and fortress architecture helped defend the town from pirates during the 9th-12th centuries.
• The Musée Baroncelli showcases the traditions of the Camargue. It has collections dedicated to the zoology in the Camargue, the archaeology in Saintes Maries de la Mer, and the regional folklore.
• The museum is located in the former town hall and court of justice and peace, built in 1876 by Veran, an architect from Arles, and replaced the first town hall built in 1655.

Since this is a seaside town, be sure to sample the wide variety of fish and shellfish dishes. “Terrines à la Provençale” is made with tiny clam-like shellfish. There’s a Spanish influence here, too, and good paellas are a specialty.

One last photo session with the white horses tonight.  Two models will ride horses in the dunes and along the Mediterranean Sea for our photographing pleasure. We’ll have dinner and a night on the town in Les Saintes Maries de la Mer. In addition to seafood, the Camargue is known for its black bulls (taureaux), so there are good steaks for the carnivores among us. Overnight Hotel Mangio Fango

Sunday, July 27 (B)

We’ll immerse ourselves in nature during our sunrise photoshoot over Vaccarès Pond. Return to the hotel to have breakfast, check out, and load up into our vans to make our way to Marseille Provence airport. Depart any time after 2:00 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE:
Professional photographer Patrice Aguilar will be leading this tour, assisted by Natural Exposures host Tanya Cox. Patrice has helped to organize and assist our past France tours. He is from the Marseilles and Provence region and knows all the best places for photography. We will travel in private vans (for greater mobility) to work the lavender fields on smaller roads and for transfers between villages versus a large bus. It won’t be “as roomy” as a big bus, but it makes more sense in this area for photography stops. Drives are not long between locations.

We will stay at some BEAUTIFUL hotels in France. This is a true photographic vacation and great for non-photographing spouses. We did not want to over-schedule this trip and have included free time to explore on your own or relax. You will have many opportunities for early AM and late PM shoots for the best light. All are optional and flexible!

On the lavender… We know you want to come during prime time for lavender. The Lavender region is a huge area with lots of rolling hills and lowlands. All are planted and harvested at different times, and the weather changes from year to year, so you’re never going to have the “ultimate” day or week. You will always see fields full, partly full, and those harvested or getting harvested. The best time to see the lavender is mid-June to mid-July (a 3-4 week period). With increasingly unpredictable weather, typically summers being hotter on average and also arriving earlier in many places, it’s hard to know exactly what we’ll see, but we’re going during the time it is typically vibrant in this area.

We had two trips back to back in 2017 with essentially the same itinerary. Both trips were very good for lavender, but one area was good on the first trip, and another was good on the second.

We wish we could predict the weather for many of our trips – the salmon run for bears, fall colors changing, and the lavender blooms and harvesting, but all we can do is work with what we know. We want to give you the best trip possible and hope to meet everyone’s expectations.

SCROLL DOWN THE PAGE TO SEE IMAGES FROM EXPLORERS ON PAST NE FRANCE TOURS.