Monday in Provence

Today the group started the day with a tour of Paul Cezanne's studio and then a tour of his parent's house in Aix-En-Provence. Afterwards we took the bus up into the foothills of Mt. Ste-Victoire to see the views and landscape where Cezanne loved to paint. We had lunch in the foothills (at 3000 feet above sea level) at Relais St. Ser.

The group has lunch at Relais St. Ser. Shown in front is Robert Westerman LA64 GB94

The foothills of Mt. Ste-Victoire

The Watson Family, Angie D' Albora, Nita Watson BU54, Burl Watson, Emily Hillsman)
From: Warwick, RI; Tulsa, OK; Dallas, TX

The group at Cezanne's studio

Cezanne's parent's home in Aix

Sunday, September 13 in Provence

This morning, Claude Blanc was again our history lecturer and we learned about the religious and political history of Avignon. During the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries there were a succession of French Popes.
First we traveled to Pont du Gard to see the 30 mile canal built by the Romans in 18 B.C. to supply water to the town of Nimes. The three-tiered aqueduct rises 160 feet above the valley and was used for water supply into the 19th century. It is an amazing engineering accomplishment.



Sarah and Rick Ryan GB94

The entire group in Avignon on the city square

Avignon, Palais des Papes

Marvin Grote HS73 and Jacquelyn Grote

Stella-Simonne Rybaka addresses the group, explaining parts of the canal

Saturday, September 12 in Provence

The day started with a lecture by Pamela Morton on Vincent van Gogh. The light, country side, city and hospital in Arles played a key role in van Gogh's life. We traveled to Arles, France and had lunch at Les Cigaliere. The festival of the rice was going on along with the running of the bulls. We were even able to see a portion of a bull fight in the Roman Colosseum. Later that day went to Les Baux to see the medieval castle and town. We even were treated with a local wedding while there.


The happy couple in Les Baux.

Lunch at La Cigaliere.

Bull fight in the colosseum.

Arles, Palace du Forum

The group listening to our trust guide for the whole trip, Stella-Simonne Rybaka in the former hospital where van Gogh spent some time healing.

Day 3: Provence

The group takes an excursion to several near by villages: Les Luberon, Roussillon Gordes and saw the facade of Abbaye de Senanque. We visited a number of local street markets and shops. The last stop for the day was the tour and country dinner at the incredible Chateau d' Arnajon.

Thursday, 9/10, local dinner

The group has dinner at a local restaurant in Aix which features French Country fare.

At the head of the table for this group is Michael Heinz EMBA88

Provence: Getting to know each other

Dr. Robert Young LA62 and Dr. Lee Fink LA52 get to know each other.

Some of the local flavors, colors and smells of Aix.

Pictured are: Carole Curry (Fordham U) and Robert (LA62) & Barbara Young from Ormond Beach, FL.

Travelers arrive at the hotel in Provence and are being greeted by the AHI travel director

A photo from the Washington University Welcome Reception.

WU A&D Staff Member, Fitz Gordon, is sending photos and posts from our current trip to Provence.

Premiere of the Blog

Welcome to the Washington University in St. Louis Travel Program blog! We hope to bring you information about our current trips and provide daily information from our travelers, faculty and staff hosts as they travel the world with our program.

Check in with us daily as trips progress and periodically to get updates on future programs. The Washington University travel program is one of the hallmarks of Washington University and exists to promote life-long learning via educational travel.

Our next featured trip: Provence, beginning September 10.