Camargue Grasses and Water

The cattle and horses of the Camargue depend on the luxuriant grasses for food, and the grasses in turn depend on water for their growth. (Mosquitoes notable for their viciousness also take advantage of these resources, but fortunately we didn't encounter any.)

Cowgirls of the Camargue

The Museum of the Camargue had some interesting historical photos of women working at ranching tasks, riding the beautiful white Camarguais horses, and competing on horseback for the title of  Queen of Arles.

Museum of the Camargue

From Arles we drove south and west to the Camargue, a natural region that lies between the Mediterranean and the two arms of the Rhone delta. It is famous for its white horses and black cattle (sometimes shipped to Spain for bullfights), both of which are allowed to run semi-wild. In a sense, this is France's version of Texas and Louisiana combined.

We didn't have as much time as we would have liked to explore the region, but we did take a couple of hours to visit the Museum of the Camargue and its grounds.

Avignon Carousel

It sometimes seems as if every touristic French town has a merry-go-round, and Avignon is no exception. The carousel wasn't getting many riders when we were there, but I suspect it's busy when school is out.

Musee Calvet in Avignon

The Musee Calvet, one of several institutions that are part of the Fondation Calvet, is Avignon's general art museum. Its attractively diverse collection is housed in an 18th C mansion, with two modern buildings attached.

Palace of the Popes: Sculpture

Finally, I was struck by some impressive religious sculptures, both in-the-round and bas relief, in the Palace of the Popes in Avignon.

Palace of the Popes: Paintings

The Palace of the Popes in Avignon has some large and charming paintings (murals? frescos?) on its stone walls, dealing with hunting and fishing rather than religious themes.