Arles at the centre of mediaevel pilgrimages

The previous images show ancient Rome's amphitheatre now used for performance including bull fighting. The architect Frank Ghery designed the tower in the Lumar Arts complex as a major part of redeveloping an old industrial site incorporating areas of landscaping to reflect the nature of the Camargue.....and the light reflecting metal tower to resemble the light enhancing artwork of Van Gogh artwork and more of course. 

At the decision point in Arles for mediaeval pilgrims the routes to Santaigo de Compostela or Rome are displayed. The Via Domitia via the Alpine pass was built by the Romans later than Hannibal's expedition. It is a shorter route as you'd expect.

Alyscamps made famous by Van Goch's paintings is pictured together with a copy of his painting. This site was once a vast Necropolis now largely eroded over time.

Arles - amphitheatre and Lumar Arles art complex

 

The show must go on ... Arles

The journey into the Camargue has much excitement in Le Grau du Roi where water gondolas clash and horsepersons parade the main street where access is barred for safety. The bulls come later. 

In this historic town on the Rhone a Queen tribute concert blasts the main square. It's free and so unexpected.

Tomorrow a chance to see more of Arles and a second night in the Auberge de Jeuenese.

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Liberté - Egalité - Fraternité once more on way to Latte near Montpellier

Core values of French society.

I gather the motto emerged during the French Revolution with Fraternity came in to join the other two. How far does that fraternity go is a big question in todays unstable world.

A Scotsman in Sete who lives in a boat in the marina. Chris from the lowlands of Scotland purposely scaled down a second hand bike which he can manage better in his small boat. Although near the coast for at least another day it is goodbye to the open sea for me. Easy cycling along endless pathways following the beach as far as Sete. The point at which the Canal du Midi enters the Mediterranean. A long way from its access into the Bay of Biscay near Bordeaux.

Leaving a vibrant Sete a piece of sculpture.

Tomorrow the mighty Rhone river will be ahead. The biggest physical hurdle yet for Hannibal's army and elephants.

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Simply Agde

Core values of French society "Liberté, Egalité and Fraterinté" can be found displayed in most if not all towns. 

The profile of the cement works at Port la Nouvelle is strangely impressive. Dusted.

Cyclists in Narbonne completing in nearby Perpignan a French 'diagonale' starting from Strasbourg. There's officially nine of them from diagonally situated cities. This one of about 1,000 kms to be completed in 78 hours. The two blokes looked truly knackered but on schedule to complete within time limit. 

Agde is on the River Herault and the fortress like church honours the French colours  by night. 3 kms distant from

here fishing continues at sea. 

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