Les Journées

HISTORY AND ACCORDION MUSIC IN ISTRES

EVERY FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

6/04 - 4/05 - 1/06 -6/07 - 7/09 - 5/10 - 2/11 - 7/12

PROGRAMME:

> 9:30am   : Welcome in Istres
> 10am   : Guided tour of the historic centre. Morning visit and discover of the 10th century medieval centre. Portes d’Arles (historic monument), Notre Dame de Beauvoir Church and belvedere, private mansions, etc. The tour guide will help you uncover all of the wonderful treasures of these buildings.
> Noon   : Lunch at a typical restaurant in Istres.
> 3pm   : Tea dance at Magic Mirrors, circus tent made of wood, wall hangings and mirrors. You can come and dance too in a timeless place thanks to a live entertaining performance. Accordion music, salsa, tango, bolero, etc. There is something for everyone!
> 6pm   : End of the day

COUNTRY-STYLE LUNCH AT DOMAINE DE SULAUZE

Owners Frédéric and Valérie Fano are happy to welcome and teach you about the different facets of their farm!

Only 4 kilometres from the centre of Istres, you will find yourself deep in the countryside at Domaine de Sulauze. You will also discover the secrets about growing “foin de Crau” (famous AOC hay that is used as the only feed for animals raised in the area), Aubrac cattle farming and the estate’s remarkable early 20th century bamboo garden.
Then, you are invited to an outdoor country-style lunch by your hosts directly on their estate.

PROGRAMME :
10:30am : Arrival on the estate and guided tour of the bamboo garden. Presentation on hay and Aubrac cattle farming.
Noon : Country-style lunch.
This event can also be reversed and begin with lunch.

ISTRES, A HERITAGE OVER 1,000 YEARS OLD

From small medieval streets to contemporary gardens, from footprints left by the Gauls to the giant modern jet of water, uncover the wide range of history that Istres has to offer!

A tour guide will help you discover the historic centre, its small streets and picturesque square, and its belvedere where you can see as far as the Sainte Victoire Mountains.
After lunch at a typical restaurant in Istres, the tour guide and plant specialist will lead you to the Mediterranean Garden and the edges of the Étang de l’Olivier. From this rocky spur, you can admire the view of the pond and the highest jet of water in all of France.

PROGRAMME:
9:30am   : Group welcome, guided tour of the historic centre.Noon   : Lunch at a typical restaurant in Istres.
2:30pm   : Tour of the Mediterranean Garden and edges of the Étang de l’Olivier.
5pm   : End of the day.

PROVENÇAL CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

Discover and participate in the traditions that take place throughout the year in Provence! Are you familiar with the “Cacho-fio”? Sing along with the Provençal Choir!

At Christmastime, nativity scenes decorate the windows of the houses in the old town centre. Come have a look with the tour guide as he or she tells you about different Provençal Christmas traditions: the inevitable 13 desserts, the history of “santons” (typical Provençal nativity scene figurines), the traditional large supper, pastorals, etc.
After a Christmas themed lunch, the Provençal Choir of Istres invites you to sing along to the Provençal Christmas songs during a magical musical event. Warm up your vocal cords and get ready to join in with the choir!

PROGRAMME:

10am   : Guided tour in the decorated old town centre.Noon   : Themed lunch at a typical restaurant in Istres.
2:30pm   : Musical event with the Provençal Choir.
4:30pm   : End of day.

Don’t wait! Contact the Tourist Office today and ask for a personalised estimate for your stay!