My pleasure is to visit museums of popular art. I would like to introduce you to the museums of provence that specializes in old textiles. Traveling to Provence has become very easy with the TGV. I would suggest a visit of three days leaving early from Paris to arrive for lunch. All the museums are located in Marseille, Nimes, Arles, and Tarascon. Let's not forget the gastronomy of the region: aioli, bouillabaisse, pieds paquets, olives, huiled'olive etc...
Then, last but not least, I would recommend wearing flat shoes and a rolling suitcase.
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Musee Arlaten, Arles： A beautiful twenty minutes walk from the train station to the museum. Museum of art and popular tradition, beautiful furnishings and objects of the olden days in Provence. There are not a lot of textiles however; you will see boutis and fabrics of provence. Also exposed is a magnificent collection of portraits and figures dressed in traditional provence costumes. The architectural buildings are very old and one can also admire the roman's vestiges: the arenas, the ancient théatre, the churches and the cloitre Saint Trophime. Not far, there is also the camargue region. |
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Musee du Vieux Nimes： Is situated in the center of town, it's rather small but if you like fabrics, this is a must. You will discover the history of jean fabric from Nimes. Don't forget to visit the arenas of Nimes, la Maison carrée and taste " la brandade de Nimes". |
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Maison du Boutis： This museum has been open a few years years. It 's entirely concentrated on the boutis. Organized by Madame Francine Nicolle, author of several books on boutis. The boutis has become very fashionable, especially in France and Japan. You'll find in this museum a wonderful collection of objects from the XVIIIth and XIXth century. Classes on boutis are organized here. In the museum's store one can find:books, kits,fabric,etc... All necessaries to make one's own boutis. To get to Calvisson, 16 km from Nimes,one will need a car. It may be a little complicate if you need to take a taxi or a bus since " time" is unrealistic. Remember to keep the taxi for your return. |
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MUSEE SOULEIADO： The Museum Souleiado is situated in the beautiful, calm city of Tarascon; it is attach to the fabric manufacturer Souleiado. In this museum one will find many printed copies, a collection of santons and Provençal faiences, bed coverings in quilted fabrics, collections of different style and lovely boutis. The manufacturer has opened a shop next to the museum. 
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CHATEAU GOMBERT-MARSEILLE： To visit the museum, in this big city, one must take the subway and buses. Art exposition and popular tradition represent the daily lives in the towns and the cities of Provence from the last century. Exposition of boutis are also displayed. 
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In the same building, you are able to take courses on boutis and Provençal cooking. You will find information on hotels and restaurants. I would recommend, nevertheless, hotel "LE MAS DES COMTES DE PROVENCE" situated 15 minutes from the train station of Tarascon. Old,calm country home restored with beautiful decoration. The owner makes boutis and santons. One can savor his own cooking . (Advised reservation). LE MAS DES COMTES DE PROVENCE： Text & photo by Kumiko Nakayama GERAERTS |
Copyright (C) 2006-2007 Kumiko Nakayama Geraerts All Rights Reserved.
