The Camargue is a lonely region of lakes, marshes and land lying between the Grand Rhone and the Petit Rhone, about fifty miles from Marseilles. This area of limitless horizons is the home of herds of small black bulls, raised mainly for bull-fighting, and of the half-wild white horses ridden by the herdsmen.
All around us the Camargue stretched infinity. The bulls and cows went at their own pace, and we followed them in silence, for Rene Barbut, one of the guardians who herd horses and bulls on the Camargue, seemed to be struck by dumbness. At times, however, he would let out a raucous cry, strike the flank of his horse with an impatient heel and dash out across a patch of marsh, raising sprays of blue water in his track, in order to catch a straying bullock and lead it back to the bosom of the herd. Then he would return to my side, and we would continue our silent ride, for, when face to face with the Camargue, Barbut knows just as well how to wield the words that express his thoughts as to practice that silence which awakens feeling.
With Rene I was seeing the true Camargue, for it is only on horseback that you should ramble across it. From the height at which you are seated you can look at the country from the best angle, and your mount, whether walking or galloping, knows instinctively the exact pace suited to exploration.
It is generally considered that the Camargue horse is of North African origin and that it was established in the delta by the Carthaginians, the Moors or the Saracens. Later on, it is said, Julius Caeser, impressed both by its stamina and its vivacity, decided on and encouraged its breeding, and even went so far as to create stud farms. Then the horse of the Camargue is believed to have reverted to its original state, its taste for freedom and its wild life. Others, however, believe that it comes from Asia, like bull, but this time Tibet or Chinese Turkestan.
Only one thing is certain: in the same way as the bull, the Camargue horse has lived long enough between the branches of the Rhone to have become a pure product of the district. The sun, the wind, the salt marsh planets and the waters of the river have made him what he appears today.
Are you interested to know more about the horses of Camargue?
Let us hear from you at +91 33 4046 4646
Itinerary
Arrive in Marseilles airport where you will be welcomed by your guide. Coach transfer to the city and a sightseeing tour (by coach) taking in the harbour, Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica dominating the city and the ancient Abbey of Saint Victor built on the tomb of a Christian martyr. Pure and natural “savon de Marseille” soap is made according to traditional methods which you can witness first-hand at a soap manufacturers. Check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Make for neighbouring Martigues, nicknamed the « Venice of Provence » due to its meandering canals criss-crossed by bridges, and taste some of the local seafood. Free time for lunch then take a boat ride along the “Cote Bleue” to enjoy the clear blue waters of its hidden criques and coves interspersed between the seaside resorts of Carro, Sausset les Pins, and Carry le Rouet. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Visit Aix-en-Provence, city of a thousand fountains, and hometown of Cezanne. Admire the Renaissance buildings of this lovely Provencal town and visit the studio where the artist worked. Then taste some of the town’s speciality sweets, called “calissons”. Free time for lunch then time to sit back and admire the surrounding countryside as we tour the Provencal massifs and landmarks immortalized by Cezanne in his paintings, notably the Sainte Baume and the Mont Saint Victoire. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Former Roman metropolis boasting some 2000 years of history, Arles lies at the mouth of the wild and untamed Camargue delta, land of white horses, flamingos and bull farms. Sample some of the traditionally made bull sausage or “saucisson” then free time for lunch. Afterwards visit the Camargue Museum installed in old farm buildings for an excellent introduction to the region’s agriculture and the life of the local herdsmen. Check-in to your hotel in the region. Dinner and overnight.
Deep in Camargue country is the little town of Saintes Maries de la Mer, an important place of gypsy pilgrimage where the Rhone flows out to meet the Mediterranean Sea. Take a boat trip on the Little Rhone river then free time for lunch (local style lunch is an optional extra). In this land full of tradition, stop at a Bull Ranch where the herdsmen will share their customs and traditions with you. Our last stop is Aigues Mortes, one of France’s major sea salt producers. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Explore the historic town of Avignon, seat of nine Popes, with its remarkable architectural heritage notably the majestic Palace of the Popes. Entrance to the Palace is included, wine-tasting in the Palace Wine Cellar or « Bouteillerie », is extra. Free time for lunch then visit the nearby “Pont du Gard”, not just a bridge but an aqueduct of graceful proportion and staggering dimension, and a truly remarkable feat of Roman engineering. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Leave for the Alpilles, a rugged white limestone massif, eroded by the elements, with splashes of olive groves and vines. Drive past the very windmill referred to by French author Daudet in his famous “Letters from my Mill” as we head up to the spectacular village of Les Baux de Provence, and its ancient citadel high on a rocky plateau. Our return route takes us via Tarascon to stop at the Souleiado Museum and admire its fine, and sometimes rare collection of Provencal fabrics and folk costumes. Dinner and overnight.
Transfer to Marseilles airport for your return flight. End of our services.
For assisted tour booking and customization according to your requirement, please call: +91 33 4046 4646
Price on request
Services of a local coach for transfers and excursions as per the itinerary (09 am to 07 pm - maximum 10h/day)
Services of an English-speaking Guide for the duration of the itinerary
Accommodation sharing a double room in 3 star hotels as per itinerary
Buffet breakfasts
Half-board (3 course menu – drinks not included) from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8
Visits with tasting sessions : “calissons” sweet manufacturer, bull sausage producer
Entrance Fees : soap workshop, Camargue Museum, Bull Ranch, Palace of the Popes, Souléïado Museum
Boat Trips : Blue Coast (1h30), Little Rhone River (1h30)
As suggested and to be customized as per request
Terms & Conditions Applied
For assisted tour booking and customization according to your requirement, please call: +91 33 4046 4646
Loading..
