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Today's Travel News
Friday-Sunday, February 29-March 2, 2008
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Skip Provence deja vu.
Here are 10 Quirky Things to Do in Provence Instead
By Judi Janofsky & Rich Steck (Part two of a two part series) Instead of the typical tourism spots, why not go off the beaten path and discover the quirkier side of Provence. Yesterday we featured five of our favorites. Here are five more places we recommend, several of which we explore in the Provence Escapes tours we offer each year (www.ProvenceEscapes.com). * Truffle Mass. In Provence, the truffle is sacred. Which may be why the town of Richerenches, a village northeast of Orange, holds a Truffle Mass (la mese de la truffe in January in the little village church. The 50-year-old event begins with a procession of Brotherhood of the Knights of the Black Diamond, each cloaked in black tunics and black hats. Inside the church is the scent, not of incense, but of truffles, supersized ones which sit on the pulpit. When it’s time for the church collection, worshipers place truffles in the basket instead of cash. The donations are then auctioned at the end of the service to raise money for the church. The event is followed by lunch – containing truffles, of course. Held third Sunday in January. * Hike from the small town of Sivergues. You never know where a hike will take you in Provence. One of our favorites, a two-hour, 4.4-mile tour of the Aiguebrun River area in the Luberon, starts in the isolated yet well-preserved village of Sivergues. At 1,867 feet, it’s the highest village in the Luberon and not a place where you’re apt to see many other tourists. From the parking area, you take the Chantebelle path and then follow the yellow or white/red markings. Along the way, you’ll pass the river, see local cave dwellings, cross an old iron footbridge, hike under some overhead cliffs and end up on top of a ridge of mountains with spectacular views of Provence in all directions. Back in Sivergues, spend some time roaming the small village. Legend claims it was started by a group of nuns (six virgins) which is how it became known as Sivergues. And may be why the 12th century church ruins have survived all these years. With a population of 25, it won’t take long to tour this quaint village and you just might meet the mayor who strolls through Sivergues keeping his eye on the town. On the D232 between Apt and Bonnieux. For this and other hiking guides, visit www.provenceguides.com. ...More
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Briefly
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and The JBG Companies announce the opening this April of the Westin Reston Heights, an urban retreat designed to renew, refresh and rejuvenate visitors to Reston, Virginia, an upscale community in Fairfax County. Lodging operator Xanterra Parks & Resorts and the non-profit Yellowstone Association Institute announce their summer 2008 lineup of seven “Lodging & Learning” packages. The popular multi-day Lodging & Learning packages introduced in 2000 are designed for visitors who want to explore the park by day and stay in comfortable hotels at night. Bare pool lounge at The Mirage, The Light Group’s exclusive adult alternative to the typical Las Vegas pool experience, opens for the season Thursday, March 13. The ultimate in poolside pampering, Bare is defined by its two luxury dipping pools, distinctive contemporary ambiance and ultra VIP service for which The Light Group is renowned. The DJ-spun music mix sets the party mood as guests enjoy European-style sun bathing secluded by towering palms. Sunday, March 2, weather permitting, is moving day for an early gathering place of tremendous significance to Valley forebears. Intact and and moved on a steel grid, the Elk Run Church will be transported the three miles from Leaksville to be placed at approximately 10 AM at the Luray Valley Museum & Gardens site, across from renowned Luray Caverns. |
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