Les Colonnes

Description of Course

Provence (Provincia in Latin) was absorbed into the Roman sphere of influence before 100 BC. For the next half a millennium, the Romans made this area their own. The impact of Roman culture on this part of France has been immense and today that impact is still evident in many ways. Not only is this one of the richest centres of Roman archaeological remains in the world but one can also find traces of the Roman past in the layout of cities and roads, the crops raised, the forms of entertainment and even the language (Provençal as well as French).

Our tour is centred on Les Colonnes, a medieval house in the quaint village of Saint Romain en Viennois, only 3 kilometres outside Vaison-la-Romaine, itself one of the jewels of Roman Provence. Each day we will focus on a couple of "big" sites: the ancient theatre at Orange, the Pont du Gard aqueduct, the amphitheatre at Nîmes, the Pompeii-like remains at Glanum and Vaison-la-Romaine. To guarantee that you understand what you're seeing, our guide, Jim Devine, will not only provide a commentary on site but will also offer an orientation session (plus aperitif) the evening before each day's visit.

Combined with the visits to the main sites will be a variety of other activities designed to enhance and enrich your experience and enjoyment: a lunch based on Roman cuisine, tasting visits to vineyards, including one that specialises in reproductions of Roman wine, a visit to one of the distinctive "courses camarguaises" bull games (held in a Roman amphitheater), and a walk around one of Provence's largest and most famous outdoor markets. If you have energy left, there are opportunities for walks or cycle rides in the local countryside or even a game of tennis on the village all-weather court.

The tour includes lunch (sometimes a picnic, sometimes at a café) and dinner (at modest but genuine local restaurants) each day. Transport is by minibus.

Although accommodation is not included in the price, we will assist in arranging your hotel booking in one of the local hotels, B&Bs or campsites in or near Saint Romain en Viennois.

Jim "Indiana" Devine

Jim Devine graduated from the University of Glasgow where he took joint honours in Archaeology and Classical Civilisation. He has participated in archaeological fieldwork and excavations on the Antonine Wall in Scotland and at Liternum, Nemi, Nola, and Fontanaccia in Italy.

In recent years Jim has combined his interest in archaeology with an interest in the potential for new technology to present cultural heritage information interactively to a global audience. He has led field trips to various archaeological and historical sites in the UK and Italy.

Jim Devine is currently a member of staff at the Hunterian Museum, University of Glasgow.

What are the dates?

Saturday 21 June - Thursday 26 June 2008

The course starts on Saturday evening in order to enable participants to take advantage of cheaper air fares. We finish on Thursday morning to enable participants to catch flights home.

Where will it be held?

Saint Romain en Viennois, Vaucluse (northern Provence), France

It will be held in a recently renovated medieval house with secluded terrases and courtyards and access to a garden with olive, apricot and pomegranate trees and lavender in the village of Saint Romain en Viennois.

Saint Romain is 3 kilometres outside Vaison La Romaine, about 40 kilometres northeast of Avignon.

Address: Les Colonnes, rue Belles Fleurs, 84110 Saint Romain en Viennois, Vaucluse, France

Who is it for?

Anyone who is fascinated by Roman history and the Roman contribution to modern life and who loves Provence.

What does it cost?

£500 plus accommodation.

What's the schedule?

• Saturday evening: aperitif and introductory session. dinner at La Route des Vins in the village.
• Sunday: Vaison-la-Romaine (museum, Roman bridge, ruins, antique theatre); Orange (theatre, museum, arc de triomphe).
• Monday: Pont du Gard, Nîmes (amphitheatre, Maison Carrée)
• Tuesday: shopping in Vaison-la-Romaine's famous market; Avignon; Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas wine tasting
• Wednesday: Glanum (including Roman lunch), Arles (amphitheatre, baths, courses camargaises)
• Thursday: plenary session and farewells

  Note: the schedule may be subject to change.

What is included in the package?

• 4 Days of escorted tours (including all admission charges)
• Lunch & Dinner each day
• Shopping Expedition to Vaison La Romaine
• Note: transport is provided for these activities, to and from Les Colonnes or your hotel.

What is NOT included?

• International travel
• Airport pick-up and return
• Accommodation
• Breakfast
• Note: On request we are happy to assist in booking accommodation and travel. We can also arrange for transport to and from the airport.

How Do I Find Out More?

Email us at cw@tandem.demon.co.uk or phone us on +44 (0)141 576 1612.

Accommodation

There is accommodation available in the village within 1 - 2 minutes' walk of Les Colonnes. La Calade is a charming B&B with four double rooms, all ensuite. La Route des Vins, upstairs from our local restaurant, offers 4 double rooms. Hotel Le Viennois is a 2-star hotel offering 10 rooms, most with ensuite facilities. They also have ground floor rooms available if easy access is required. Prices range from 44 - 70 euros per room in the different hotels. Breakfast will be included in the price. There are also several houses and gites that can take 2-4 people, available on a self-catering basis.

These hotels do not take credit card payments. Outside of Saint Romain there are many hotels available within a distance of about 2-3 miles. However, if one of these is preferred, then a hire car will be needed to get to Saint Romain as there is no suitable public transportation.

Booking Your Accommodation

We can make your accommodation booking for you or we can send you a list of accommodation.

When booking with us, you must specify how many nights you wish to stay at which hotel. We book on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment is in advance with the course fees. Payment will vary according to which hotel you choose and how many nights you wish to stay. You may come early or stay late to continue a holiday or do some more exploring. The cost per night is generally by room so two people can share a room and keep the accommodation costs down.

Transport

The nearest airports are

• Marseille Marignane (served by Ryanair, KLM, EasyJet, and British Airways)
• Nimes (served by Ryanair)
• Avignon (served by Jet2).

From Marseille there is a frequent connection to the TGV railway station. From here you can take a TGV (fast train) to Avignon or a local train to Orange.

We can arrange to pick you up from the airport at the start of your stay and drop you back when you depart. There is a small additional cost for this service.

Important Information

Please advise us of any special dietary needs or requirements.

Please also note that Les Colonnes is an ancient 3 story house with two very steep staircases. It is not suitable for participants with major mobility restrictions, such as wheelchair use. If in doubt, please don't hesitate to contact us, to discuss your needs.