Conference Excursion

IDMA Annual 3-day Excursion

28-30 September

Guided by Roger Woolger
(an habitué of Provence for 40 years)

Fontaines de Vaucluse (pictured), Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Van Gogh sites, Gypsy Black Madonna (Sara-Kali) of Les Saintes Maries de la Mer... and more !

Ever since the Roman emperor Augustus chose Arles for his summer palace, and made it Rome’s first province (hence Provence) this rich region has attracted travellers, and writers, troubadours and artists to its wondrous light, its subtle sun drenched landscapes and its wild mountains. Dante was awed by the cavernous Fountaines de Vaucluse, making it his entrance to the Inferno, Gauguin and Van Gogh adored the glory of its colours, its field and trees, Pagnol celebrated its village life, and journalists and filmmakers continue to fall in love with its gentle charms.

On Sunday after meandering through the finest Cotes du Rhone vineyards we will visit the Fontaines of Vaucluse and the lovely Abbey of Senanque with its lavender fields. Our hotel in Aix en Provence is at the hub of this gem of a city, an easy walk to old town of tiny streets and its charming squares, restaurants and markets.

On Monday, after allowing a morning to stroll the markets and shops, lunch at leisure, we drive across the flood plain of the Rhone to St. Remy and the poignant little asylum where Van Gogh spent his last days and painted so many masterpieces. The little museum replicates his room; you can walk among the olive groves and fields he painted. We arrive in Arles , the Emperor’s capital with its arena and ancient burial ground, the Alyscamps (=Elysian fields). An evening to explore the old town, take a pastisse (aniseed) in a quiet cafe in the shade of the plane trees and dinner in a small restaurant.

Tuesday morning we visit the the Alyscamps and the Museum of Antiquities, one of the finest collections of Roman and early Christian remains in Europe . Then a short drive through the Camargue, replete with flamingos and white horses, to Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, the gypsy capital with its revered Black Madonna, Sara-Kali in the crypt of the tiny 12th century church. Legend has it that Mary Magdalene and other early followers of Jesus brought a servant, black Sara, with them from the Holy Land ; the Roma say otherwise. Dinner close to the seafront then back to Arles , where café life continues on into the balmy night.

On Wednesday the coach will return travellers to Avignon to meet TGVs to Paris or make other connections.

Best Guides to Provence: Cadogan and Michelin

Best book: Pope-Hennessy’s Aspects of Provence

Cost of 3-day Excursion:

Including 3 nights hotel accommodation and breakfasts, 1 evening meal, coach, entrance fee to Arles Museum of Antiquities and Amphitheatre: ~

€299/£265/$395 per person sharing twin/double room.

€269/£238/$355/ per person sharing triple room for 3 nights.

€370/£326/$489 single room.

Non-refundable deposit €150/£150/$200

Balance of all payments due by July 31st to ensure hotel bookings

Click here for booking form for Conference and Excursion

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