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Careers of Enlightenment - Egypt of the Pharaohs
From April 19, 2024, go back in time and rediscover the Egypt of the pharaohs through the masterpieces of this mythical civilization which spans three millennia and fascinates all generations.
The grains of sand lifted by the wind reveal the remains of ancient Egypt as they appeared to French scientists during the Egyptian Campaign from 1798 to 1801, and which the painter David Roberts drew, noting in his notebook ""We are a people of dwarves visiting a nation of giants."" In the beginning, ancient Egypt had its own cosmogony, rich stories of the genesis of the world. The sacred forces of the gods clash and reveal themselves on the walls of the Workshop of Lights, until the appearance of the first men on earth.
The journey continues along the Nile, sacred river and source of life. The rhythm of floods and seasons provides the fertile silt necessary for lush flora and fauna to flourish. The daily life of ancient Egypt is revealed through magnificent bas-reliefs, paintings and ancient papyri.
Gigantic construction sites and marvels of ancient architecture, the pyramids will literally be built before your eyes: one by one, the colossal blocks pile up and erect the tombs of the eternal kings, guarded by the majestic Sphinx. The formidable longevity of ancient Egypt is closely linked to the pharaohs who reigned over the unified kingdom of Upper and Lower Egypt. The monumental sculptures of the sovereigns whose names resonate in history then overlook the space: Khafre, Hatshepsut, Tuthmosis III, Akhenaten and Nefertiti... Mythical battles punctuated the reigns of successive sovereigns, such as Ramses II and the battle of Kadesh. The arms of the Nile then irrigate the space with molten gold, the flesh of the gods, which flows along the walls, forging the incredible jewelry of Egyptian kings and queens.
Across Egypt there are several hundred temples dedicated to multiple deities. From Luxor to Abu Simbel, these imposing complexes are cultural, spiritual, economic and political centers, where life and death are celebrated in large processions. Then opens onto the Valley of the Kings, which houses the famous tomb of Tutankhamun. The Valley of the Queens also contains pure wonders, such as the tomb of Nefertari, which are revealed on the walls in dazzling colors.
The cycle of life comes to an end and you are led into the afterlife, approaching the astronomical ceiling of Dendera, which normally rises 15 meters above the ground and extends here within sight. The journey ends, having revealed only a tiny part of this fascinating ancient Egypt, of which there are still so many mysteries to explore.
#carrièresdeslumières #bauxdeProvence
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Chorégies d'Orange 2024
In 2024, the opera world will commemorate the centenary of the death of Giacomo Puccini.
To celebrate the composer, Tosca will return to the stage of the Théâtre antique. An opera that is both romantic and realistic, mixing love drama and a hymn to freedom, Tosca is also part of the history of the Chorégies d'Orange.
For this anniversary concert, an exceptional cast,
Roberto Alagna, Aleksandra Kurzak and Bryn Terfel will perform the incandescent music of Puccini.
There is no doubt that for one evening, the ancient wall of Orange will take
the colors of the ramparts of Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome.
Now a must-see event of the festival, the evening
dance will be the opportunity to host one of the best French ballets,
the Malandain Ballet Biarritz with the latest creation by Thierry Malandain on the theme of the seasons. The opportunity to see and hear, among other things, the music of Vivaldi.
Another meeting that many of you have been waiting for since
last year, pianist Khatia Buniatishvili will perform a virtuoso program. Also worth discovering are the suites for solo cello
by Bach, an absolute masterpiece that will resonate under Edgard's bow
Moreau, double winner of the Victoires de la Musique.
Faithful to their approach of openness, the Chorégies celebrate the voice, all voices, in all musical genres. With the help of the orchestra
national Avignon-Provence,
Mika will share her joyful pop with us before the musical show Black Legends pays a rhythmic tribute to black American music, from gospel to today's soul.
This ambitious program could not continue without
the constant and faithful commitment of the shareholder communities of Chorégies d'Orange, the South Region, the department of Vaucluse and the City of Orange.
This year, the Ministry of Culture wanted to support the Chorégies more strongly and will participate in its transformation into a public cultural establishment.
On behalf of everyone, I would like to thank Mrs. Rima Abdul Malak, Minister of Culture, for this support. 2024 will therefore be a year of transition dedicated to strengthening and restructuring this Festival as a public service for music and lyrical art, for the benefit and happiness of the widest audience.
Richard Galy
Chairman and CEO of the SPL
Chorégies d'Orange
#chorégiesdorange
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Abbey of Our Lady of Senanque
For almost a thousand years, the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Sénanque has been home to a community of Cistercian Brothers who live in the purest monastic tradition, according to the Rule of Saint Benedict.
Seven times a day, the community gathers in the abbey church to celebrate the Divine Office.
The day of a Brother of Sénanque is divided between prayer and work.
In Sénanque, the lavender fields slowly take on their soft violet color. By the end of June the ears will be fully formed and the flowers full of essence. Between July 15 and 20, the Brothers will then be able to harvest the lavender ripened in the beautiful sun of Provence.
Grignan
Grignan and its castle
The history of Grignan is most often confused with the history of its castle and its successive residences.
The castral town, mentioned as early as 1105, developed in the 13th and 14th centuries, with the growing role of the powerful Adhémar de Monteil family, whose younger branch (the Adhémar de Grignan), definitively owned the seigneury from 1239.
The village, nestled at the foot of its castle, remained sheltered within its walls until the very end of the 15th century.
The first extension of the agglomeration will take place in the middle of the 16th century, with the creation of the large and small suburbs, the promenade and games of the Mail (1550), and the construction, outside the walls, of the grain hall (1553 ), at the current location of the town hall.
The construction of the Saint-Sauveur collegiate church (1535-1542) and the major embellishment work on the castle (1543-1557) which transformed the old medieval fortress into a sumptuous Renaissance palace still date from this same period.
The town and its castle will experience other hours of glory in the 17th century with François de Castellane Adhémar, Count of Grignan, who for nearly half a century exercised the functions of lieutenant general and governor of Provence.
His marriage to Françoise Marguerite de Sévigné in 1669 was the origin of the famous epistolary correspondence exchanged between the Marquise de Sévigné and her daughter, the Countess of Grignan.
From the 18th century, the memory of Madame de Sévigné and her rising literary glory saved the Château de Grignan from ruin and oblivion.
The modernization of the village in the 19th and 20th centuries accompanied economic development, while preserving the richness of its architectural heritage and the quality of its landscapes.
Pont du Gard
Pont du Gard
The Pont du Gard is a three-level bridge intended for the passage of a Roman aqueduct . It is located between Uzès and Remoulins , not far from Nîmes , in the French department of Gard . It spans the Gardon . Probably built in the first half of the 1st century , it ensured the continuity of theRoman aqueduct which carried water from Uzès to Nîmes . According to the latest research, it would have ceased to be used at the beginning of the 6th century .
In the Middle Ages , the piles of the second floor were indented so that the work could be used as a road bridge . From the sixteenthcentury , the exceptional architecture of the Pont du Gard having attracted attention, the work benefited from regular restorations intended to preserve its integrity. A road bridge was attached to it in 1743-1747. The highest known aqueduct bridge in the Roman world, it is classified as a historic monument by the 1840 list 1 and was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in December 1985.
Gordes
Gordes - Luberon Regional Natural Park
Its history, its architectural and heritage richness, its breathtaking panoramas, landscapes and protected nature are all invitations to discover this little Provençal jewel.
Gordes is erected like a citadel offering to the gaze the witnesses of its past, majestic protective castle, massive church with defensive appearances, enclosure of tall buildings which overhang the precipice and the narrow streets allowing to escape the assaults of the Mistral,
The town developed from the 11th century around the fortified castle to become a real fortress protected by ramparts during the troubled periods of the Middle Ages.
The history of Gordes is marked during the Renaissance by the powerful Provencal family Simiane d'Agoult in the person of Bertrand Rambaud de Simiane who in the 16th century remodeled and enlarged the castle.
The modern age is laborious and industrious.
Agriculture remains the essential activity but most often it does not meet the needs of the population.
In the village, craft activities are developing: silk spinning mills, tanneries, shoemaking, and wool weaving which provide work and allow many Gordians to improve a difficult daily life.
In the 18th and early 19th century the village had a large population that rivaled that of neighboring towns, but despite a dynamic craft industry, particularly shoemaking, poverty and disease remained a scourge, infant mortality was high and a help is given to the poor.
From the end of the 19th and until the beginning of the 20th century Gordes underwent great upheavals-successive earthquakes leading to destruction, industrial changes, arrival of diseases which weaken agriculture, the war of 14-18, the great frost of 1956 -which lead to the decline of the population and the impoverishment of the inhabitants, a majority of whom fled to neighboring towns.
However, in the 1950s , after a period of crossing the desert, the destiny of the town took on new impetus. A host of artists, sensitive to the beauty of the village, fall under its spell and find in its isolation, its ruins, its light and its landscapes, a source of inspiration.
Today, the village, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, is a popular destination of international renown.
Ocres de Roussillon
Roussillon - The ocher trail
Ocher is a natural pigment mixed with the sands of the cliffs. Iron oxide colors it from yellow to purplish. This mineral landscape has been shaped by the hand of man and by erosion.
Two routes (short or long) allow you a visit of 30 to 60 minutes, but you can also contemplate it for as long as you wish.
Discreet desks mark out your route for explanations on geology, flora, history, the ocher massif of the Luberon...
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Avignon - The Palace of the Popes
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The Truffle Market of Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux
Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from mid-December to mid-March: Saint Paul Trois Châteaux (reserved for individuals)
In the past, this market was aimed at professionals, from truffle growers to brokers. Today, in order to introduce this black diamond to a wider audience, the market is open to all lovers of this fabulous product from all regions.
The historic site of truffles and truffle fields is undoubtedly Le Tricastin. There we find 60% of national production. Tuber Melanosporum has always been a passion, a loaded history.
In the past, the black diamond was a mushroom consumed intensely, today it is a prestigious and rare product. Its woody flavor and powerful taste have stood the test of time; the truffle is still found in the same places, under an oak tree, in limestone soil and a Mediterranean-type climate. The Truffle is classified by botanists in the Thallophytes family, it is considered to be the fruit of a mushroom, which takes the form of an irregular and globular tuber covered with a type of bark with a smooth or rough appearance. whose color may vary, white, gray, black or white.
Tricastin is the center of French production of the famous black truffle (60% of national production). This prestigious "black diamond", once consumed intensely, has become rare and today constitutes a refined dish on the best tables.
Its specific characteristics have made it an even more mysterious and even unique product. Indeed, some cannot really explain its primarily underground life, its rare black color, its woody scent and its powerful taste.
This mushroom nevertheless seems to have found in our territory the very particular conditions to be born and develop naturally: a tree, preferably an oak, sufficiently calcareous soil and finally a Mediterranean type climate.
Yet nothing is ever truly acquired! Because the delicious Tuber Melanosporum, with its enchanting personality, will not necessarily reappear where the earth and men have generously given it what it nourished and takes its secrets with it. But when she is there, what joy!
The methods and vocabulary have not changed.
The Rabassiers are always accompanied by their faithful companion, both travel through the truffle fields; All that remains is to watch for the dog's attitude, his nose never fails him, nose to the ground, he will dig the ground until he discovers the Truffle. The Rabassier rushes to collect the truffle before his companion bites it. The dog will be rewarded with a piece of cake.
Truffle digging is a method not without difficulties. Because nothing indicates the presence of the black diamond in the ground. Only the dog is suitable for this work which requires training. Its predecessor, the pig, was much less docile, active and talented than the dog.
The Truffle is divided into three categories :
Extra for top quality truffles. Rounded and regular shape. Must not show any deterioration and must be greater than or equal to 20 grams.
Category I: This is a good quality truffle with some defects in color and shape. Its caliber greater than or equal to 10 grams.
Category II: these are all the remaining truffles provided they respect a size greater than or equal to 5 grams.
To visit
The House of Truffle and Tricastin
Republic street
26130 Saint Paul Trois Châteaux
Truffle market (November to March)
Monday: Chamaret
Tuesday: Grignan , Saint Paul Trois Châteaux
Wednesday: Valréas ((84)
Friday: Dieulefit
Saturday: Richerenches (84)
Sunday :Saint Paul Trois Châteaux (reserved for individuals)
Cavage
To discover this wonderful mushroom, don't hesitate to meet the truffle growers and cave (look for the truffle!) in their company!
Events
Truffle Festivals: Every 2nd Sunday in February – Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux
Cardoon and Truffle Market – Montbrizon-sur-Lez
Truffles, cardoons, chocolates, poultry, oysters and wines from Coteaux du Tricastin
Truffle menu and entertainment
#marchéauxtruffes #truffes
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The truffle market and food market of Richerenches
The Truffle Market
Every Saturday morning from mid-November to mid-March Capital of quality truffles: ""The famous tuber melanosporum"", Richerenches has acquired its reputation for a long time. Indeed, strong local production as well as particularly high-quality terroir have made Richerenches the most important truffle market! The official opening of the market begins in November (the Saturday following November 15), brokers, truffle growers, tourists and curious people meet on Avenue de la Rabasse and Cours du Mistral. Conversations revolve around a single subject: Truffles! After setting the price, transactions can begin. Around 1:00 p.m., the street empties as the scent of truffles fills the streets. This market is split into two, a market for local products and retail truffles, and a market reserved for professionals.
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The Naturoptera: an original place in Sérignan-du-Comtat
Address
The Naturoptere
Sandstone Road
84830 Sérignan-du-Comtat
Such. : 04 90 30 33 20
schedule
The Naturoptera is open all year, except on December 24th, 25th and 31st, as well as on January 1st, Easter Sunday and May 1st.
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9h - 12h30 and 13h30 - 17h
• Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 1:30 pm - 6 pm
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The crocodile farm in Pierrelatte
In addition to its tourist aspect, this farm created in 1994 by Luc and Eric Fougeirol, actively participates in the conservation and protection of species by collaborating with scientists.
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the Gorges de l'Ardèche
The Gorges de l'Ardèche in Canoe
If you only have to do a canoe trip in your life, it is the Gorges de l'Ardèche, as the show is great and the environment remarkable.
The descent of the Gorges de l'Ardèche by canoe or kayak is accessible provided you meet a few prerequisites: Being in good physical condition, swimming, comply with safety instructions and ensure that the conditions of descent Gorges are good .
Upstream of the Gorges de l'Ardèche, many service providers rent canoes or kayaks and take care of you at the end of your descent.
The descent of the Gorges de l'Ardèche is about thirty kilometers, in one or two days.
Two bivouac areas exist and allow to "camp" in the middle of the Gorges de l'Ardèche, knowing that camping wild (outside these areas) is strictly prohibited.
Although the water of the Ardèche is often calm and limpid, the Gorges de l'Ardèche have no less than fifteen rapids, hence the importance of not leaving his lifejacket.
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Vaison la Romaine - jewel of Roman Provence
The city, of the highest archaeological interest, is divided by the river Ouvèze.
On the right bank are two neighborhoods, the site of the ancient Roman colony and the contemporary part of Vaison.
Archaeological excavations have revealed immense and luxurious Gallo-Roman houses with elaborate interior layout.
They were decorated with mosaic floors, marble marquetry, statues, basins, atriums and private baths ...
You will see during your visit, that the art of living was already refined and that they attached a lot of importance to the artistic creation! (description of the excavations of Puymin and Villasse sites at the tourist office).
In the Middle Ages, villagers settled in height, at the foot of the castle to protect themselves from looting and invasions.
The castle is now in ruins, the Upper Town is a picturesque site to visit.
Even if it climbs a bit steep, go to the top of the Haute Ville, the panorama offered on Vaison and its surroundings will largely reward your effort!
Thus, in the sumptuous setting of Mont Ventoux and the famous Dentelles de Montmirail, you will have traveled 20 centuries of history of Comtat Venaissin and Provence.
L'Isle sur la Sorgue - La venise Provençal
Isle sur la Sorgue - Capital of antiquity and flea market - Venice Provençal
Isle sur la Sorgue has many art galleries spread throughout the city.
The Sunday morning market, which is one of the most lively and colorful in Provence, the floating market in August.
Une des nombreuses caves du vignoble
The wine route
The subsoil is mainly clay-limestone or sandy, with the presence of large pebbles rolled by the Rhone or terraces formed of calcareous gravel and old alluvium bordering the Rhone plain. There are 4 great terroirs:
The center: a chain of hills with sandstone soils;
The south-east: steep plain, very stony or gravelly terrain;
The west: a set of terraces formed of calcareous gravel and ancient alluvium bordering the Rhone plain;
The North :terroirs composed of large round pebbles rolled by the Rhone.
A production dominated by red wines
Red wines account for 72% of production, rosés 22% and whites 6%. This appellation affirms its personality within the Rhône Valley by the successful marriage of 6 red grape varieties: Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and newly introduced in the specifications, the Marselan. These are dark ruby-red wines, with red fruit coulis, blackcurrant and bigarreau; well balanced wines, frank, clean, vinous with a finish on ripe tannins.
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New Castle of the Pope - Activities in the heart of the vineyard
Ideally located, close to Avignon, we enjoy a cultural dynamism. Our small Provencal villages have kept their typicality, giving to discover the authentic image of Provence.