Glanum! Home of the Romans in Provence

Just south of the wonderful market town of St Remy, on the western edges of Provence, is one of the largest and most completely excavated of Roman towns that lace throughout Provence. About 12 miles southwest of Avignon, Glanum has been named one of the most important Roman excavations, because there is alot of complexity and detail. It is possible to actually SEE the outlines of the homes, to walk into the baths, and to stroll under the archways!


Glanum is an excellent spot for walking on the footpaths originally created by the Romans.

The exhibit begins in the lobby area, with a room full of dioramas showing the original ground plan and then the development of the town over the ages. Our 10-year olds were able to see a tangible view of what the town looked like, before walking out among the ruins. The site is organized with floorplan maps, depictions, and stories telling you how each spot had been used: the thermal baths, storehouses, homes....

What we found most interesting were the water canals! Underneath the central walkway run 2 parallel troughs, one for incoming clean water and the other for waste water. We could see the small outlets carved for each home or shop along the path. Really interesting!


There are picnic areas and a small restaurant, vending machines for water, and very clean bathrooms! The site is basically wheelchair and stroller accessible. Parking is just across the street from the path to the entrance, 2 euros. Use the lower parking terrace for a parking spot in the shade.

Provence Cycling...Le Tour de France 2009!

The 2009 Tour de France Cycle Race begins July 4, 2009 in Provence and hosts 7 stages across the south of France! This year's start is in Monaco, makes stops in Marseille, the Camargue, Montpellier, Le Cap d'Adge, Perpignan, and returns to Provence near the end with stops at Montelimar and the incredible climb at Mont Ventoux before ending in the streets of Paris on July 26! The route map is available on the race web site:http://www.letour.fr/2009/TDF/COURSE/us/le_parcours.html


This is a totally free event with fun for teens and young ones alike. The precise routings are available on the internet and in the Tourism Offices just prior to the race. With a picnic in a backpack it is really quite easy to park right on the race route in the countryside, sit atop your car or under roadside trees. If you prefer, the villages on the route are delightful centers for fun, meals, and smiling crowds.


In the hour(s) before the riders arrive, the route is filled with promotion cars of race sponsors who generously shower the crowds with treats and momentos of the day: cycling caps, key chains, visors, decals, food samples, and the like. The atmosphere is always fun!
But have your camera ready--the pelaton zips right past in a few blinks of an eye. You will want to capture that photo of the look on your son's face!

Playgrounds for Kids in Provence

Provence is full of kids! French kids love to swing, slide, and see-saw. So, french villages have small public playgrounds for them...and for your children or grandchildren! We plan to write about many of these so you can find one to fit your route through Provence. But for today, we will look at just this one, in La Bastide des Jourdans.

These delightful, secure oases are usually located just off the main roads, not far from the village center. La Bastide des Jourdans has just such a playground in just such a spot.

The village, like most, has one main road through its center. Find the Post Office (La Poste) and turn into the road that runs alongside La Poste. Go about 100 yards or so, turn right into a parking area. You will find the playground situated between this parking area and the village's main road.

It is fenced, sign-posted for children age 3-12, with a prominently displayed telephone number for security concerns.

La Bastide, as it is called locally, is on the route that runs along the southern edge of the Luberon range. From here, there are easy walks in the hills. The Office of Tourism will have maps for you. Bring your young family to enjoy a lovely day in a lovely spot!

Celebration of the Stars St Michel Observatory Provence France

Imagine a warm August evening in Provence atop the Luberon Range in a lovely meadow.
Quelle Chance!! What Luck!!

Your good fortune has brought you to Provence during the season of shooting stars and clear nighttime skies. There you are with the people you love, sitting on a hilltop where picnic blankets dot the landscape and the laughter of families surrounds you. Your own family shares the alfresco dinner purchased at the day’s village markets.
As darkness falls you too fall back onto your elbows with feet up to the sky (silently thanking the pilates teacher who taught you this move…). A voice drifts into the air over a PA system, welcoming you to the Celebration of the Stars at St Michel Observatory (L’Observatoire St Michel). Your children are all smiles as they follow the laser pointer of the ‘guide’ telling you the stories of the summertime skies.