WW TRAVEL
Explore the heart of historical Provence The idea of visiting Provence is compelling. Having featured as a setting of many films and books over the years, one can instantly envisage rolling fields of lavender, vines and sunlit days. But PENNY KING invites us to discover that Provence is even more than that! Provence, a region in south-eastern France, is a place of artists and artefacts, perfumiers and markets, fabulous fabrics, ancient Roman ruins, hilltop villages and deep, wild gorges. A wonderful base from which to explore of the heart of Provence is Avignon. The walled city of Avignon was once the home to several Popes! Their huge and beautiful palace is intact in the centre of the old town (right next to the Pont d’Avignon of the song). Stay inside the walls to get the real feel – we stay at 4 star Cloitre St Louis Hotel (a restored cloister). The famous wines of Chateauneuf du Pape are grown just across the Rhone River. Boat cruises will take you on a leisurely tour. If you visit in July, you will enjoy the Festival d’Avignon. This is one of the ultimate events in the French theatre calendar. Events are held in many of the old palaces around town. Only a short distance away is the tiny town of Les Baux. Around town are the remains of huge bauxite mines cut into the limestone. From Les Baux, visit Cathedrale des, a five minute drive away. This defunct mine is now a glorious, unique theatre which presents vision and music on its walls. Take the Van Gogh trail from St Remy de Provence and follow the special signs to the
places where the great artist actually painted such gems as ‘Starry Night’. Also on the trail is the asylum where he lived and painted the irises (the garden remains), and nearby are several intact Roman ruins including a magnificently decorated arch. St Remy is also a charming market town. Every Wednesday this large and varied extravaganza spreads across several squares and car parks. Look out for the locally made ‘santons’ which are rustic Provencal figurines that come in all sizes and are assembled together to make an extended Christmas crèche. Santons are an important part of Christmas festivities in Provence. A day trip from Avignon will take you to the picturesque hilltop town of Gordes and the antiques hub of Ile sur La Sorgue, set amongst Venice-like canals. This is the region known as the Vaucluse, where the countryside is grand, with mountains, great valleys and walking trails. While you are driving in this inviting countryside, make sure you include the home
Are you looking for an adventure in France? BE QUICK There are still some places left on the next Tour for Independent-Thinking Women to France. Departing mid March 2014.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR WORKING WOMEN READERS: Mention this ad and receive one night free stay in Paris.
Contact Penny King on +61 (0) 433 255 472, penny.king@toursforwomen.com.au OR Jenni at Travel Associates on 1800 136 037
www.toursforwomen.com.au
of L’Occitane perfumes and body products. The factory, displays and farms are more than worth the one hour drive! This is just a taste of what Avignon and the surrounding region offers. Immerse yourself in the history and the culture, the arts and the music and the varied landscapes that make up this beautiful part of France. n
CONTACT Penny King BUSINESS Tours For Independent-
Thinking Women +61 (0) 433 255 472 www.toursforwomen.com.au PHONE
For women who want to experience the French liFestyle Your adventure trip of a lifetime will include activities such as; candle-lit concert in Saint-Chapelle, private tour of Monet’s gardens, stay in a Chateau in the Loire Valley, make your own perfume in Grasse, changing of the palace guard in Monaco, Monte Carlo casino, private walking tour in Avignon as well as experiencing all the gardens, markets, concerts, palaces, museums and shops. Included in the price: your own double room/single use. These are small groups of no more than 10. *travel restrictions and conditions apply. please ask us for further details. accommodation is single share. Flight centre limited ( aBn 25 003 377 188) trading as travel associates. lic no. sa tta254
Summer 2013/14 n WORKING WOMEN® 51