Summer in Provence 2013

A Few Pictures of Summer in Provence...

I'm afraid I haven't had an awful lot of time to post new articles. The subject matter is there, but our services for made to measure travel in Provence have become rather sought after. 

But I always have my camera with me when I am on the move so here are a few pictures taken over the last couple of weeks so you can see what I have been up to and which may well explain why Provence is so very popular.

14th June, Marseille, the MuCem with Notre Dame de La Major behind, or, When Old meets New

Marseille is the big subject this year, you can see my post Marseille 2013 - Getting Ready to see why. As European Capital of the year the city has indeed undergone a transformation and I can recommend a stroll arround the Old Port past the Fort St Jean and to the J 4 the name given to the area where the MuCem (Museum of Civilizations From Europe and the Mediterranean) is to be found. There is a man with a trolley who sells cold drinks and peanuts salted (a lot) by him. Everything is a Euro or at least was when I last saw him! 

21st June, The Papal Palace of Avignon

When in Provence there are certain monuments and sights that cannot be missed, despite the crowds and the Papal Palace of Avignon is one. It's a bit like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. A very good audioguide is available in most languages so you can visit at you own rhythm. 

27th June The Abbey of Sénanque near Gordes

Another site difficult to avoid is the 12th Century Abbey of Senanque near Gordes. Here the visits are guided and in French. However many come to see the Abbey from the outside and the lavender fields that grow there. The produce from these fields can be purchased in the Abbey shop.

28th June, Market in Lourmarin

The Provençal market! need I say more. Why markets seem more colourful in Provence than elsewhere in France I don't know. I'm not convinced that they do really... The Lourmarin market is great and is on every Friday.

28th June, Opening of the new Pitch and Put at Niozelles

 Here is a new project that is already gaining in popularity. If the idea of 18 holes on some of the regions most prestigious courses appeals then give me a call! But if you would like to spend an afternoon on a 9 hole Pitch and Put course set in a very pretty valley then come to Niozelles near Forcalquier. Warning! Most of the buildings are still being finished so it looks like a bit of a building site when you arrive but don't let that put you off, the course is fantastic.

3rd July, A Lavender field in Marseille

Ok, in the photo it could be anywhere, but I couldn't resist this close up of a very happy sparrow finding his lunch in the 4000 lavender plants on the port of Marseille.

3rd July, Soggy watches in Marseille...must be Dali

As I said earlier in this post, Marseille is the place to be this year! At the moment a series of slulptures based on Salvador Dali's work can be found all over the Old Port. 

5th July, Lavender field at Saint Martin de Castillon 

 Driving home I thought I would take a peek at the state of the lavender in the Luberon valley. I particularly liked the view in this photo taken close to the village of St Martin de Castillon on the noth side of the valley. Opposite is the Luberon mountain and the village of Castellet.

Ballooning in Provence, at the landing...

Last Saturday I piloted the small L'Occitane en Provence balloon for a film. I particularly enjoyed the flight, the weather was perfect, and the wind carried us on one of the best routes in the region for balloons. The closer balloon is the one that I talk about in  my last post Hot Air Ballooning in Provence

So there you have it my ramblings for the last few weeks, I will try and sit down and get something a bit more topical on paper as soon as possible.

Marseille 2013 - Getting Ready.

I am sure that now you will have heard that Marseille is the European Capital for Culture in 2013, and if you haven't you know now.

The Vieux Port (Old Port) of Marseille viewed from the Palais du Pharo.

As a professional in the tourism business this is an event that I have been waiting for with great impatience. Not only is it an exciting year for all things cultural, with a superb line-up of concerts, some outstanding, not to be missed, art exhibitions, the creation of new museums the star being the MuCem, a Museum of Civilizations From Europe and the Mediterranean who's audacious architecture alongside the Fort St Jean is to be found at the entrance of the Vieux Port and the Commercial ports becoming the first building to be seen by those arriving from the sea, and thus becomes a symbol of Marseille and its profound historical and cultural attachments with the Mediterranean. 

The MuCem (Museum of Civilizations From Europe and the Mediterranean) with the Fort St Jean to the right and the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Marseille in the background.   

Being the Cultural Capital of the Europe is also an opportunity for Marseille to rid itself, or at least lessen the image it has as a dangerous city, where poverty and crime are sadly the only vision that many people have retained. Well here's is the big revelation. There is poverty and crime in Marseille, but no more than Paris, London, New York, Bangkok etc. etc. So here is tip that will be invaluable on your next visit. Stick to the centre and avoid the dangerous bits. They are easily recognisable as lacking in museums, restaurants and with few smiling people sitting in side walk cafés. If you live in a big city you'll have no problem spotting them! 

Notre Dame de La Garde overlooking the city .

Marseille has always been a fascinating city to visit, but sadly has been avoided due to the continuous stream of bad press it receives. Now it has a chance to redeem itself, helped by a multi-million Euro facelift. Visitors to the South of France who don't spend at least one day in Marseille will be missing out. I have put up some information on the Unique Provence website, and can provide bilingual guides should you require them. 

This is going to be an exciting year for Marseille and all those who come to visit and as the year goes on  I will be visiting as many of the exhibitions, concerts and events as possible and I will put up posts for each. 

Don't hesitate to contact me or leave a comment. 

All photos by me...