Slickrock and Shadow

Pont du Gard: second tallest Roman ruin in existence today.  Only the Coliseum in Rome is higher. A wonderful and busy way to spend a day in Provence is to have a theme.  With all the Roman ruins around the town of Arles, it made sense to have a Roman day.  In the morning we visited the Roman arena in Arles.  It is a spectacular sight.  Also in Arles, there is a Roman Museum.  This excellent museum is perfect to give background and meaning to the Roman ruins which still stand.  This museum is small enough to see in one hour.  The curators have selected high-quality original items to display.  This is able to show what a Roman life was like 2000 years ago.  There are also models showing what the town of Arles was like under the Roman command.  I highly recommend a visit. Statue at the Roman Museum in Arles:  Bad Hair day. Roman Theater in Orange From the Roman Museum, it is an easy drive to Orange.  ...

Tradition of Arles Market Day:  Bread for Sale The city of Arles has the market on Wednesday and Saturday.  The Saturday market is traditionally the largest.  However the first Wednesday of each month is unique with more vendors coming to sell their products.  We happened to be visiting on the first Wednesday in the month of June.  Walking down by the Rhone river, we found the wonderful traditional market.  Just about everything was for sale from bread, cheese, strawberries, citrus, vegetables, sausages and more.  Nonfood items including leather goods were also for sale.  Some samples of the food were given.  I particularly liked the cheese samples and olives.  We bought several delicious items that we ate later that day at a picnic. Radishes for sale Sweet strawberries at the Arles Market Wonderful fresh colors of the Arles Market Vendor at the Arles Market Provencial Cheeses:  The samples tasted great...

Arles Roman Arena The Roman arena in Arles is just one of many fascinating things to see in this wonderful, sunny provincial town.  This arena is still in use today for many civic activities.  It is a marvel that this has stood for 2000 years and continues to be functional. The Romans took the concept of an arch and created a whole world.  This arena itself is one arch after another.  Hundreds if not thousands of arches are used to build up this magnificent structure.  Because this is a circular building, you can get different angles of light simply by walking around the building itself.  As I did so, I found that view from the inside corridor that I liked.  The arches make a simple but beautiful view.  The light is what gives this all energy and power.

Ancient Arles Church Facade They say the early bird catches the worm.  I say the early photographer beats the restoration crew.  During my visit in the city of Arles, I got up for a morning walk and wandered down to the town square.  The ancient St. Triomphe church has a wonderful façade with apostles, Christ, creatures for minting centers as well as a army of saints and sinners at the final judgment.  In the morning I found this completely uncluttered, free for inspection and beautiful.  I walked right up close and could see the expressions on everyone's face. Later I returned to go inside the church and I was surprised to find a hydraulic lift, scaffolding and lots of barricades blocking the view.  Apparently some work was being done to clean up the statues.  This was done during the daytime working hours.  Visiting during those hours, a traveler would not get to enjoy the uncluttered beauty.  I was glad I had come earlier. Close-up...

Jardin de Marqueyssac and Manor The Garden of Marqueyssac sits above the lovely town of La Roque-Gageac.  Right across from this cliff-top garden is the imposing Castelnaud castle.  Anyone visiting the Dordogne region should consider a visit here among the many other spectacular sights.  It is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, taking a break from the castles.  Instead, you will find yourself wandering through lovely manicured gardens. You can wander through various trails, getting lost.  A cliffside trail gives wonderful views of the Dordogne River and ends at grand view point.  You will certainly enjoy it.  My personal opinion is that this is a notch below some of the other spectacular places in the Valley.  Bush Heads at Garden of Marqueyssac Typical View from the Cliffside Trail in Garden of Marqueyssac

Quai de la Riviere:  a sign in lovely La Roque-Gageac The perfect little town of La Roque-Gageac in the Dordogne region of France is the location that I stayed for 3 days while visiting this region.  The region has a lot to offer with the incredible castles of Beynac, Castelnaud, the picture-perfect town of Sarlat, rolling hills and farms, the living river and the Garden of Marqueyssac.  After a lovely dinner, I wanted to capture some of the gown itself.  This is a little challenging because it sits between the river and a cliff.  It is very narrow and you really cannot step away from the town to see it entirely.  Instead I tried to focus on the details, smaller parts of the whole.  Hopefully that will satisfy. Boulangerie in La Roque-Gageac Burst of Sunlight at the End of Day Window Treatments Step into the Past Shooting into the Sun

Dordogne River, taken at sunrise from Domme Sitting atop a hill overlooking the Dordogne River Valley, the town of Domme is in a strategic position.  I'm sure that is why it was initially founded centuries ago.  In the safety of modern times, getting up here takes a little bit of time.  From Cenac town, you can follow the signs going up switchbacks to the town  of Domme.  Take your time on this climb. Once he reached the town, a series of signs will tell you which way to travel in the narrow streets.  The streets are primarily one-way.  Following the signs will take you in a counterclockwise circuit through the town.  You will pass an ancient cemetery on the northeast corner of town.  Right after that there are areas to park your car and enjoy a wonderful view.  Looking north, you can see the lovely Dordogne River and the beautiful, manicured farmlands stretching as far as the eye can see. Sunrise is an excellent time to visit becau...