The surroundings: Culture

The area is rich in culture. From ancient Greek sites to medieval settlements, from the old fishing culture to modern art. The Greeks arrived on the coast of the Provence in the sixth century before Christ to trade. They had a good relationship with the original population (les Ligures) and build a number of settlements like Massalia (Marseille), Citharista (la Coitat) and Nikiaia (Nice). About three miles from the Camping you'll find St. Blaise a reek archaeological site and in the middle of a beautiful nature reserve the foundations of a complete village, build by the Greeks in the fifth century before Christ.

St. Mitre-les-Remparts

That the Romans also visited the area is evident from various monuments like the aqua-duct at Nimes (Pont du Gard) or nearer to the Camping "le Pont Flavien" at St. Chamas. St. Mitres-les-Remparts clearly shows its medieval origins. Istres, with its narrow streets is a typical old Provençal village, while Martigues, with its bright coloured houses is very characteristic for an old fishing-port along the coast. But there is so much more, the bulls, the arenas, the festivals of the Camargue, the horses, the gypsy processions, the cultural festival of Marseille and the wine and salt festivals. There are a number of museums with collections of contemporary art and works of the Impressionists from the beginning of the last century. The Provence has always attracted the painters of light. Van Gogh moved here in the beginning of the last century. In Martigues you'll find the Ziem Museum. The "Monte St.Victoire" has been painted countless times by Cezannes and "L'Estague de Marseille" has been put on canvas by many painters

Arles, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, St.Rémy, les Baux-de-Provence, Miramas le Vieux, the beautiful small ports along the Côte Bleue, the little station of La Redonne, Niolon, Marseille and the lovely train journey that takes you there.............. a never ending list of attractions. We have compiled a catalogue of excursions for you to look at. In it, we have tried, with the help of enthusiastic guests, to provide a summary of all the attractions worth looking at. What has to be emphasised is the radiation of enjoyment, felt everywhere. Every occasion, like the harvest old religious holidays is an excuse to party, often accompanied by spectacular fireworks. artisan markets, street parties etc. But even without all this it certainly pays to visit the squares, posts and terraces. The Provence is full of life.		Martigues
you would like to know more?   www.visitprovence.com