Visit le Domaine Le Grand Servan in Tarascon, the Saint-Michel de Frigolet Abbey in Fontvieille l'Auberge La Regalido and the Barbentane Castle

10.30 H - Arrival at Domaine Le Grand Servan, located between Tarascon and Boulbon. - The owners of le Grand Servan have planted a beautiful olive grove around a magnificent XVIIIth century mansion,  Enlarge watched over by the Montagnette ("the small Mountain“) - Enjoy a wonderful tour of the 15 000 olive trees in the grove, comfortably sitted on square bales behind a tractor.  Enlarge

- The owners will happily share their knowledge of olive trees and explain the fascinating process of olive oil making. Enlarge Enlarge Pictures taken in the Grand Servan from "Tables d'amis, tables câlines" Courtesy of Bonneton Edition www.editions-bonneton.com

12.30 H

- Departure to theSaint-Michel de Frigolet Abbey. This beautiful 12th century abbey is located in the very heart of the Montagnette, surrounded by lavanda, olive trees, cypress, pine trees. Saint-Michel de Frigolet Abbey has lived through troubled times, and was finally sold as national property during the French Revolution. It will become a boarding school where young poet Frederic Mistral will spend his early years. It is now the  property of the Prémontés moines. Saint-Michel de Frigolet Abbey Site Web The Abbey is famous, among other reasons, because of the magnificent woodcraft offered by Queen Anne of Austria. The queen came and prayed the Lord to give her a son. In 1638, when Louis the XIV was born, the Queen thankfully offered this great piece of art. The abbey is still strongly cherished by the people today as the place where famous writer Alphonse Daudet chose to set one of his most charming stories. He has also depicted the warmth, generosity, humor and pride of the people of Provence. The poet is probably the most passionate witness of life in Provence during the XIXth century.

- Lunch at the "Abbaye de St Michel de Frigolet"  Charming restaurant in the heart of the abbey. Traditional Provence cooking. Example : sauté de veau au miel et aux amandes, Navarin d'agneau de la Crau aux petits oignons et aux olives, suprême de pintade aux raisins, filet de cabillaud à la tapenade » etc... Average Price : 21€ all included (appetizer, entrees, cheese or dessert,wine,coffee)

15.30 H

- Visit the Barbentane Castle This beautiful XVIIth century castle features an architectural design close to the Ile-de-France style. Enlarge Joseph Pierre Balthazar de Puget, marquis de Barbentane, grandson of the builder, gave the castle its unique personality. During 1768 Louis XV promotes him ambassador close to the duke of Tuscany, Léopold of Austria, who will become emperor in 1790. This job allowed him to enjoy the splendour of Florentine palaces. He will offer to Barbentane new arrangements and a sumptuous decoration strongly influenced by its Italian models. The castle has miraculously survived the French Revolution and is still inhabited by the Barbentane family. Barbentane Castle   Price of the visit : 6€ per person 4.50€ per person for group of 20 people or more

16.30 H Fin de la journée

Domaine Le Grand Servan Route de Boulbon 13150 Tarascon Tél : 04 90 43 57 90 Fax : 04 90 43 58 03 Email