Wake up this morning in Arles, a city founded around 56 BC by Julius Caesar that remains rich in Roman history and is thought to have the largest number of Roman ruins after the Eternal City itself. It was also home to Vincent Van Gogh in 1888, from whom the landscape drew inspiration for a multitude of his paintings and drawings.
Freechoice
Decide how you spend your day with today’s selection of Scenic Freechoice options:
Guided tour of Arles: Take a short walk from your ship to the heart of Arles. The city is home to some impressive Roman ruins, including the Las Arenas amphitheater, which seats 20,000 and is still in use today. Experience the vibrant colors and striking quality of Arles' light - it will be easy to see why the city has inspired so many artists.
Visit Les Baux with Carrières de Lumières: Journey to the stunning medieval village of Les Baux, perched on a rocky outcrop and often regarded as one of France’s most beautiful villages. Visit a former quarry in the Les Baux region, now the site of Carrières de Lumières, a massive 7,000-square-meter venue that showcases a visual and musical production featuring the works of notable, world-renowned artists.
Ancestry of the Kitchen: Visit a local olive farm where you can learn the techniques of olive oil production. Here, meet with a local whose family has worked the land on this Olive Farm for centuries and who will share insight into everyday life in the region, as well as divulge traditional Provencal recipes.
Lavender Fields to Cream: A Provence Herbal Workshop: The Provence region is renowned for its stunning landscapes and the production of aromatic herbs, particularly lavender. At certain times of the year (typically from late June to mid-August), fields are transformed into a breathtaking sea of purple. On this excursion, you can visit a local organic farm that specializes in producing essential oils from lavender, thyme, rosemary, and other Provençal herbs. Discover the health benefits of these plants, learn the process of essential oil extraction, and create your own lavender-based cream to take home.
This afternoon is free to explore Arles at your own pace or return to your ship and indulge in an on-board painting class. Vincent Van Gogh once said that 'The whole future of art is to be found in the South of France.' This is just one example of the high regard this region is held in by artists worldwide. Learn about the artistic heritage of this region while painting a masterpiece of your own.