ARLES & LES BAUX

ARLES & LES BAUX

Monday- our first day. This morning we had a guided walking tour of Arle...a city of ancient Roman ruins. We saw beautiful architecture and many prints by Van Gogh. Van Gogh lived and died here. One of his paintings 'The Yellow House' 1888, was his last known residence,in the center of town. It was destroyed in one of the many wars. Arles has an amphitheater still standing, built 2,000 years ago, in 80AD. (I am hoping my photos will post, as I am using a new app.) My afternoon tour was Les Baux and Carriers de Lumieres (Quarry of Lights). I will attempt to describe this phenomenon. "The building is a former quarry with art based multimedia shows, projecting images of famous paintings set to music." Factual yet too simplistic. In reality, you walk into this limestone structure and can't even grasp what you are seeing for at least 10 minutes. The ceiling must be 50 feet high and there are walls and corners, but no distinct rooms. Gorgeous classical music is playing...beautiful accoustics...and every five seconds or so the art changes, even arms and legs move, creatures fly, on otherwise still photos. The music matches the art themes. Sometimes classical music is played with Rennaisance paintings, or the last supper, or 70's rock with avant garde pieces. The genius minds that did the techy work is mind boggling. It was 'breath taking'...!!! Dinner with cocktails before- wine, dessert and a very welcoming staff. I look forward to a full nights sleep and Fields of Lavender tomorrow, in Provence! Thank you and God bless, Aleta