Les Séjours

DISCOVERING HERITAGE

The largest jet of water in France, a garden with over 100 different types of plants! An old town centre that is over 1,000 years old!

PROGRAMME:

DAY 1
3pm   : Arrival in Istres and guided tour of the historic centre.
5pm   : Settle into rooms.
20h00   : Dinner at a typical restaurant in Istres.

Day 2
9am   : Breakfast at the hotel
10am   : Choice of guided tour: Centre of Contemporary Art / Scenic routes / Botanical walk
Noon   : Lunch at a typical restaurant in Istres.
2:30pm   : Guided tour of the Mediterranean Garden and edges of Étang de l'Olivier.
4:30pm   : End of stay.

“FÊTE DES BERGERS” (SHEPHERDS’ FESTIVAL) WEEKEND

A giant traditional event and a wonderful festive experience. From the parade performance to the time-honoured Provençal mass, dive into the customs and traditions of Provence!

PROGRAMME:

DAY 1
3pm   : Arrival in Istres, guided tour of the historic centre and walk through the traditional market.
5:30pm   : Settle into rooms.
7:30pm   : Great Shepherds’ Dinner/Show. Traditional folk groups and entertainment.

DAY 2
8am   : Breakfast at the hotel.
8:45am   : Arrival at Domaine de Sulauze:
   > Mass celebrated in the traditional Provençal language.
   > Procession to the chapel on the estate and blessing.
   > Hot wine, “fougasse” (type of flat bread) cooked in the communal oven.
Noon   : Typical lunch.
2pm   : Shepherds’ parade (folk groups, “carreto ramado” and over 3,000 animals).
4pm   : Closing performance with folk groups and Provençal artists.

ALIVE WITH BULLFIGHTING TRADITIONS

For three days, the city of Istres runs at the pace of the “Féria” bullfighting festival. You can attend “corridas” (bullfights), horse shows, see parades of “bandas” (traditional brass brands) and enjoy all of the wonderful activities of the “bodegas”. Come and celebrate in Istres!

PROGRAMME:

DAY 1
10:30   : Arrival in the town centre of Istres and discovery of the bullfighting events, such as “abrivados” (Provençal word meaning "forward momentum”, which formally signified the driving of the bulls from the pasture to the arenas) and “peñas” (bullfighting clubs).
Noon   : Lunch at a typical restaurant in Istres.
3pm   : Settle into the hotel and then return to the town centre to discover the bullfighting village.
6pm   : Corrida (bullfight)
8:30pm   : Typical dinner in a bodega or restaurant.
10pm   : Free evening at the heart of the “Féria” festival

DAY 2
9:30am   : Breakfast at the hotel.
11am   : Novillada (young bullfight).
1pm   : Lunch at a typical restaurant in Istres.
3pm   : Free afternoon following the activities.

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