The Camargue encompasses the great Rhône delta at the sea’s edge. A great way to see it, coming from Marseille or Aix-en-Provence, is to take the Bac de Barcarin ferry and head up to Arles via Le Sambuc.
Just by the Jacques Bon ranch on the Le Sambuc road, a long avenue of oleanders leads to a 17th-century farmhouse where ivy, wisteria and birdsong provide a hint of heaven. Architect Lucille Bon has refurbished the place with precise tastefulness, creating a perfect and sensitive harmony between modern luxury and the rustic structure. The eight rooms and three suites are pure comfort and luxe. The restaurant serves a flavoursome cuisine made with vegetables from the garden, red rice from the ranch and meat from the neighbour or the estate itself. Pure dining pleasure, but it’s best to book because the word has spread far and wide!
Tél. 04 90 97 20 62. www.masdepeint.com
All roads lead to Roma
The Camargue is by nature a land of refuge and Roma people have been settled in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer since the 15th century. In 1904 the Marquis de Baroncelli founded the Nacioun Gardiano association and more recently Manitas de Plata, the man with the silver touch, brought world fame to el Flamenco. The musical momentum he generated gave rise to the famous Gipsy Kings. Dik Régis was a member of that band, and when he left, he and his sons Mario and William formed Gipsy del Mundo. With the help of artist Pastor, he is making two documentaries scheduled for broadcasting on TV channel Arte next winter. This summer he’s organising an event in Arles with the Indian musician and dancer Raghunath Manet. The idea is to celebrate the origins of the local Roma and their long journey through time and space from Pondicherry to the shores of the Mediterranean. On the road again, as it were. Though Dik Régis loves his guitar, he sometimes sets it aside in favour of his paintbrush, working from instinct to produce large-scale works that are as vibrant as his music They are on permanent show at the Mas de Peint.
Concert Gipsy Del mundo - Raghunath Manet Le 1er août, Théâtre Antique, Arles.
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