VILLAGES
OF PROVENCE
Pont du Gard
A UNESCO world heritage site, the Pont du Gard is a superb
example of an ancient Roman aquaduct bridge which crossed the
Gard River. It connected running water from Uzés to Nimes
over 50 kilometres. Constructed by the Romans in 1st Century AD
it is the second highest of all Roman aquaduct bridges and is
indicative of the great precision Roman engineers achieved with
simple technology. It is deemed on of France’s greatest
tourist attractions.
Les Baux de Provence
In a spectacular position in the Alpilles mountains, Les Baux
de Provence is set atop a rocky outcrop crowned with a ruined
castle overlooking the plains of the south.
Its name refers to its site ‘baou’ meaning rocky spur.
The village was named after the bauxite was discovered there in
1821.
Les Baux de Provence has been dated back to 6000BC because of
its defensive possibilities and was used as a fort through the
ages. The castle was demolished in 1632 as a result of an unsuccessful
protestant uprising against the powerful Cardinal Richelieu. It
is now given over to tourism.
St. Rémy de Provence
Considered to have the most important Roman excavations in
France at Glanum, St. Rémy de Provence was also the birthplace
of Nostradamas and Vincent van Gogh was treated at the Monastry
St. Paul de Mausole psychiatric centre. A visit to his room, the
courtyard and gardens is quite evocative. ‘The Starry Night’,
‘The Irises’, ‘Hospital at San Remy’,
‘Olive Trees’ and many still lifes, portraits of the
staff and patients were also painted during his stay there.
TOURS
IN PROVENCE - FRANCE
Guided
Tour of Monuments in Provence
