Dates Jun 28–Jul 8, 2008
Leaders Patrice Aguilar and Cliff Zenor
Fee $5,795 from Marseille, France
Deposit $400
Limit 12
Terms and Conditions

To enter the south of France is to cross an unseen border. The air is warmer, the pace slower, the fragrances pungent and the light-filled setting spectacular. The region has the mildest climate in France: hot, mainly dry summers, and warm, mild winters near the sea. Provence, the irresistible epitome of France, draws artists and photographers with its impressionistic palette of colors and sensuous landscapes. And no Provencal landscapes are more iconic than the rows of purple lavender and fields of brightly-colored sunflowers under the brilliance of the clear blue southern sky.

About 150 BC, ancient Greek colonies along this Mediterranean coast were invaded by Rome, which turned the area into a prosperous Roman province—or Provence. The Roman influence is visible everywhere today, with an astonishing number of arenas, theaters, temples, bridges and aqueducts— preserved by mild weather and excellent construction. They are rich in photographic possibilities. When the Romans withdrew from the area in the 5th century, Provence suffered from numerous invasions followed by a period of anarchy and decline before its union with France in 1482.

Although 500 years have passed, Provence is still a markedly different countryside from the rest of France. The mood is set by the charm of the tiled roofs of its distinctive country homes and barns, medieval castles and lush river valleys. The sun-drenched villages and the allure of alfresco food and drink create an open-air lifestyle that rewards photographers with images of outdoor produce, flower and antique markets, and groups
of men playing boules in a town square. Bustling narrow streets, ancient buildings and outdoor tables at one of the most famous boulevards of cafés in France are all part of the Provencal picture.

We have timed our tour for early summer at the start of the lavender field harvest when the landscapes are luminous. We will visit Peter Mayle country— the amazing Pont du Gard, van Gogh’s Saint Rémy de Provence, and Sault, in the heart of lavender country.

Join us as we explore beautiful Provence at its best. Daydream among the sweet-scented fig trees and silvery olive groves, linger over a glass of wine and plate of Brie, and create a wealth of photographic images and lasting memories.



Day 1
Depart from home.

Day 2 (Jun 29)
Arrive in Marseille. (D)

Day 3
We spend this day relaxing and recovering from jet lag in beautiful Marseille. The photogenic fish market and sunset on the mountain of Sainte Victoire are just two of our stops. (BLD)

Day 4
We drive to St. Rémy, with its market, tree-lined boulevards, fountains and narrow streets. This is the birthplace of Nostradamus and where van Gogh painted “Starry Night.” The afternoon is spent photographing at St. Paul de Mausole and the Chapelle Sainte Sixte. (BLD)

Day 5
This is market day in St. Rémy and we spend the morning here. We have the afternoon to make images of the deserted medieval citadel of Les Baux de Provence. (BLD)

Day 6
Sunrise today is at the castle near Tarascon, and in the afternoon we photograph the famous Pont du Gard, a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct spanning a picturesque canyon near Uzes. (BLD)

Day 7
En route to Sault we stop at the Abbey Senanque and visit the small villages of Isle sur la Sorgue, Bedouin, Malaucene, Le Crestet and several others. (BLD)

Day 8
We spend the day photographing the iconic lavender fields in the rich warm light of Provence. (BLD)

Day 9
The picture-perfect villages Roussillon and Gordes are our morning stops, with a sunset visit to an ochre mine with incredibly rich earth-colored hues. (BLD)

Day 10
We return to Marseille today, stopping at the charming villages of Forcalquier and Manosque on the way. (BLD)

Day 11 (Jul 8)
Depart for home. (B)





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