Travel to the South of France and have an enchanting time with the gypsies in Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer - May 19th 2015-May 28th 2015

An Invitation to Enchanting Travel

The famous horses of Camargue

Saintes-Maries-0f-the-Sea
Despite the encroachment of commercialization, the south of France more than any other regions in France has been able to keep the authenticity of the provincial way of life and culture. A slower pace of life is evident under the Mediterranean sun where people take time to smell the perfume of the lavender fields, greet their neighbors, have long lunches taken while engaging in intellectually stimulating conversations.

Imagine witnessing and participating in the pilgrimage of hundreds of gypsies coming from all over Europe to gather for 2 days (May 24th-May 25th) to pay tribute to their patron-saint, Sara-la-Kali. Sara was the Egyptian servant of the three Marys (Mary Magdalene, Mary Salome and Mary Jacobe) who were said to be the first witnesses of Christ’s resurrection before they left Galilee to land in Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer. Not far from Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer is the city of Carcassonne, a medieval fortified town known to be at the center of the ancient Cathare country. If you read Dan Brown’s book, The DaVinci Code, you will have heard about their fascinating story. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about that special group and to bathe in the atmosphere of their very well preserved castles. Imagine strolling by foot on those narrow, picturesque small town streets.
Since the Camargue is also one of the few natural European habitats for the pink flamingos, we will visit them in their natural parks. We will have the opportunity to go horseback riding on the beach, and, in the evenings, to eat delicious provincial dishes while sharing stories and jokes with friends. This is what a vacation with the Spiritual Vacations Club is all about: small groups (no more than 20) having unique and deeply meaningful experiences while traveling. I purposely leave lots of free time in the schedule so people can choose their own activities. The hotel where we stay is small, has a swimming pool and the rooms have a garden view. Spa services are also available.
Feel free to contact me at muriodain@gmail.com to get the itinerary and the membership form.

Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer is the capital of the Camargue region in the south of France. Camargue is Western Europe largest delta (technically it is an island). It is the home to more than 400 species of birds (and one of the few European habitats for greater flamingo). It is also a region famous for its horses and bulls.

Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer is known as the place where the three saints: Mary Magdalene, Mary Salome and Mary Jacobe, whose relics are the focus of the devotions of pilgrims and are believed to be the women who were the first witnesses of the empty tomb at the resurrection of Jesus. The town is also a pilgrimage destination for gypsies who gather yearly for a religious festival in honor of Saint Sara. Dark-skinned Saint Sara is said to have possibly been the Egyptian servant of the three Marys.


We will also visit Carcassonne Carcassonne (southern France) stands on a hill top since the pre-Roman period, it is a fortified walled town that got some heavy restoration work in the second part of the 19th century.

Carcassonne really takes you back to the way an ancient-medieval walled city probably really felt like.