Bonjour Provence Tour - Day 6 Program Details

We will approach today from a rather different angle.  After yesterday’s feast of rich flavours, and gastronomical discoveries, we will instead focus most of the day on a return to Nature, a spiritual aromatherapy journey and the discovery of a Roman engineering marvel of historical significance.  Our first destination will take us to the Moulin du Calanquet.

The Moulin du Calanquet

This enterprise is founded on five generations in the world of agriculture, an attachment to the local area and respect for traditions.  The Moulin du Calanquet has an olive plantation of over 10,000 trees, planted in 1999.  It is distinctive in that it produces single-variety olive oils as well as a blend, which means that the many flavours and aromas of each variety can be brought out and combined with different foods.

Olive Trees at the Moulin

The Olive Harvest
 Image courtesy of the Moulin du Calanquet

Its name comes from the Provençal word “Calan”, which means a rock providing welcome shelter from the Mistral.  Strongly anchored in Provençal traditions, the Moulin du Calanquet is also a model of modernity. It uses all the latest production techniques, in compliance with European food safety and hygiene standards.

Field of Flowers at the Moulin

Flower Culture at the Moulin

After a visit of the Mill and a degustation of its many products, you will have the opportunity to browse in the retail shop and be sure to find the ideal gift to bring back home to your loved ones.
 

The Moulin Products 
Image Courtesy of the Moulin du Calanquet

Delicious Olives
Image Courtesy of the Moulin du Calanquet

Olive Oil
Image Courtesy of the Moulin du Calanquet

Time now for our second stop of the day; the Musée des Arômes et du Parfum at Graveson.  There, you will discover one of the most beautiful collections of distillers and perfume bottles in Europe.  You will also learn the secrets and magic of extraction and distillation of aromatic plants and fragile flowers done in a traditional distillery fashion.

The Musée des Arômes et du Parfum

 

Sylvia,the Hostess Explaining the Lavender Oil Extraction Process 

The Extracted Lavender Oil (yellow) at the Top of the Bottle

Take a walk through the aromatic organic garden around the “Carré des Simples”, the name given to their garden by monks of the Middle Ages.  The “simple” plants were cultivated for use in apothecary remedies.  In the experimental garden, aromatic plants of Provence have been grown organically because they provide a natural biodiversity.

A Refreshing Drink in the Outdoor Dining Room

Relax in the shade of the plane trees and enjoy your summer lunch in the bamboo cabin, savouring organic cooking from the aromatic garden.

And now for the treat of the day, an essential oil massage in the “aroma Cocoon”; a traditional Japanese Zen environment where a team of trained professionals will rejuvenate you in the peaceful comfort and surrounding of their facility.

A Relaxing Massage at the aromaCocoon
Image Courtesy of aromaCocoon

Finally; enjoy their direct sales counter where you will find essential oils, floral waters, aromatic compounds and many other products that are 100% certified organic.  Lots of wonderful gift ideas!

Time now for a bit of ancient history and off to discover the Pont du Gard.  The Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct that crosses the Gardon River in the Gard department of Southern France. Considered to be one of the highest achievements of the Roman hydraulic works, it is part of the Nîmes aqueduct; a 50-km-long structure built to carry water from a spring at Uzès to the fountains, baths and homes of the citizens of Nîmes.
 

The Magnificent Pont du Gard

Le Pont du Gard - A Marvel of Roman Engineering

Built in the 1st century AD, the Pont du Gard is the highest of all Roman aqueduct bridges and is one of the best preserved.  It was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in1985 because of its historical importance.  The bridge has three tiers of arches, standing 48.8 m high.  The whole aqueduct descends in height by only 17 m over its entire length, which is indicative of the great precision that Roman engineers were able to achieve using only simple technology.
 

The Imposing Arches of the Pont du Gard

After the collapse of the Roman Empire and the aqueduct's fall into disuse, the Pont du Gard remained largely intact due to the importance of its secondary function as a toll bridge.  The bridge began to attract increasing attention during the 18th century and became an important tourist destination.  It underwent a series of renovations commissioned by the local authorities and the French state, that culminated in 2000 with the opening of a new visitor centre.  Today it is one of France's most popular tourist attractions.

After the visit of the Pont du Gard, we have a quick stop at the Domaine des Clos for a refresh and then off to l’Auberge de l’Amandin for dinner.  Located in the heart of Provence, Dominique and George will welcome you in the warm setting of their attractive beginning-of-the century house.  The Auberge is truly a little haven of peace at the gates of the medieval city of Beaucaire.
 

L'Auberge de l'Amandin 
Image Courtesy of  L'Auberge de l'Amandin

The specialty there is fresh fish from the Mediterranean Sea.  You will sample regional recipes prepared with only natural market goods and served inside, in a charming Provençal-style room, or outside, if the weather allows, under the trees, on a flowered patio by the pool.

Dominique’s approach in the kitchen consists in precisely knowing every single product that she uses, considering and reconsidering its savours according to the season, and in preparing it in order to reveal its deepest nature.  Her imagination and sincere respect of nature lead to a tasteful and surprising cooking that will enchant your palate.
 

Seafood Risotto

Coconut Crumbed Prawns

You can also count on George’s knowledge to help you create a flavoursome and harmonious meal by choosing the appropriate wine!  A native of Camargue, Georges loves to talk about his homeland.  Bon Appetit!!!

Another big day filled with new tastes, sensations, and discoveries is now over.  Time to get back to the Domaine for a well-earned rest.

I'll never cease to be amazed by the engineering marvel that the Pont du Gard is.  When one thinks that it was build 2000 years ago and with such precision !!!  Happy dreams and a great rest tonight ready for tomorrow's excitement.