TransHumance I - Marseille Provence 2013

Practical informationRiding packages and pricesPackages include:- Tent accommodation (on camp beds) near horses (which will be kept inpaddocks or tethered).- Meals: dinner on the day of arrival; breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner on ridingor activity days, breakfast and picnic lunch on the day of departure.- Daily feed for horses (Crau hay and water).- A driver service between bivouacs for horse riders with vans.Or:- A luggage service between bivouacs for horse riders without vans- Riders will be accompanied by Accompagnateurs de Tourisme Equestre(Equestrian Tour Guides) via the Fédération Française d’Equitation (FrenchEquestrian Federation).- Entry to cultural and festive events taking place throughout the journey.- Entry to toilets and showers near bivouacsPackages do not include :- Horse rental. Riders without their own horses will be put in contact with partnerequestrian centres. A list of horse hire centres will be published shortly.- Any veterinary services required during the trail- Blankets, sheets and towelsThere are special rates for accompanying riders, riders of 14-18 years old and foreignriders.Requirements- You must register for the event.- You must take out a civil liability insurance policy.- Your horse must have a livret signalétique (a document serving as the horse’sidentity card and health booklet) that is up-to-date with all vaccinations.- Children under the age of 14 can register for the event as long as they areaccompanied by a parent who is on foot.We recommend you have an intermediary – advanced level.Information and registrationAvignon Tourisme :Email: transhumance@avignon-tourisme.comTelephone: +33 4 90 84 02 04You can pre-register for the event from December 2012.You can purchase tickets from february 2013 on www.mp2013.fr/transhumance.4/15

Massifs de la Sainte Baume:From Cuges-les-Pins to TretsDates: the evening of Friday 17 May to the evening of Tuesday 21 May 2013 (4 days/4nights)Days riding: 3Days on-site with activities: 1Dates of different stages:Friday 17 May:Riders meet at Cuges-les-Pins in the late afternoon.Saturday 18 May:Day at Cuges-les-Pins. Riders take part in ananimaglyphe and festive daytime/evening events.Sunday 19 May: Cuges les Pins – Gémenos *Monday 20 May (Pentecost): Riders take part in a trail ride leaving from Auriol.Tuesday 21 May:Auriol – Trets. Journey 1 ends when riders reach Trets.Cuges is located at the foot of thesouthern slopes of the Sainte-Baumemountain range. It looks out over awide plain – one of the biggest poljes inFrance. This typical Provence village,which has become modern withoutlosing its soul, is the start of manyhiking trails. For a long time, thosetravelling between France and Italystopped here. For this journey from Cuges to Trets, riders will discover the wild andunusual vegetation at the heart of the Sainte-Baume: giant oaks, lime and yew trees.HighlightsSaturday 18 May, Cuges-les-Pins: This day of festivities marks the beginning ofTransHumance. The focus is on Italian culture, with performances by butteri cowboys(who raise Maremma horses), food, music and singing. Participants also include localhorses and riders. Together, everyone gathers on the slopes above Cuges forTransHumance’s first animaglyphe. The Régie Culturelle Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azurhas organised activities showcasing regional cultures to take place throughout theevening. Dance the night away at a bivouac welcoming horses, riders and hikers.Prices: adults: €320, riders from 14-18 years of age: €240, accompanying riders: €240* With road transport between Gémenos and Auriol for the bivouac6/15

Montagne Sainte Victoire:From Trets to MeyrarguesDates: the evening of Tuesday 21 May to the afternoon of Saturday 25 May 2013 (4days/4 nights)Days riding: 4Dates of different stages:Tuesday 21 May: Riders meet at Trets in the late afternoonWednesday 22 May: Trets – Saint-Antonin-sur-BayonThursday 23 May: Riders take part in a trail ride leaving from Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon. Evening observations of the night sky.Friday 24 May:Riders take part in a trail ride leaving from Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon. Animaglyphe on the slopes of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire.Saturday 25 May: Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon – Meyrargues. Crossing of theBimont dam. Journey 2 ends when riders reach Meyrargues.After leaving Trets, riders head north onpaths through the Côtes de Provence wineregion to the foot of the Sainte-Victoiremountain. They stay two nights at a bivouacset up in the countryside around Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon. After some beautifulrides across the Sainte-Victoire, they takepart in an exceptional animaglyphe, crossthe Bimont dam and keep heading north tothe village of Meyrargues.Highlights:Thursday 23 May, Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon: The theme of this all-day event in theSainte-Victoire mountain range is observation – of both land and sky. Riders canexplore the mountain while school students take part in hikes accompanied by guidesand biodiversity researchers. Gatherings are also planned for the end of the day,including an animaglyphe and a shared evening meal. At nightfall, participants observethe night sky with a little help from some local astrophysicists. These events are run inpartnership with organisations based at the Grand Site Sainte-Victoire, the ConseilGénéral des Bouches-du-Rhône, the Institut Méditerranéen en Biodiversité et enEcologie, and the Laboratoire d’Astrophysique de Marseille (based at the InstitutPythéas). During this stop at Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon, participants can also visit theexhibition Les Couleurs de l’Univers (Colours of the Universe) at the Maison de laSainte-Victoire.Prices: adults: €320, riders from 14-18 years of age: €240, accompanying riders: €2407/15

At the foot of the mountains and the Camargue region:From Lambesc to Mas ThibertDates: the evening of Saturday 25 May to the afternoon of Sunday 2 June 2013 (7.5days/8 nights)Days riding: 5.5Days on-site with activities: 2Dates of different stages:Saturday 25 May: Riders meet at Lambesc in the late afternoon.Sunday 26 May: Riders take part in a trail ride from Lambesc to the Roqued’Anthéron.Monday 27 May: Riders take part in a trail ride leaving from Lambesc.Tuesday 28 May: Lambesc – Salon-de-ProvenceWednesday 29 May: Riders take part in a trail ride leaving from Salon-de-Provence and an animaglyphe. Evening celebration.Thursday 30 May: Salon-de-Provence – Etang des AulnesFriday 31 May:Etang des Aulnes, animaglyphe for the Re-Union alongsideMoroccan, Italian and Provençal horse ridersSaturday 1 June: Etang des Aulnes. Festive daytime and evening event.Sunday 2 June: Etang des Aulnes – Mas Thibert. Journey 3 ends after thepicnic.Most people discover Lambesc while passing through. However, for TransHumance,riders spend three nights in this attractive and welcoming village. Located at the foot ofthe Chaine de Côtes mountain range and just a few kilometres away from the Silvacaneabbey, excursions into the surrounding countryside feature a magnificent setting.After passing through Salon-de-Provence on 28 May, the procession arrives at theDomaine du Merle, which is managed by the Ecole Supérieure d’Agriculture (School ofAdvanced Studies in Agriculture). The Domaine du Merle is home to irrigated prairies,Coussols de Crau, and a farm with over 1,500 sheep. In addition, it has welcomed ashepherd school for over fifty years. Participants meet these young shepherds trainedin traditional cattle raising and transhumance methods on this naturally beautiful site.The Domaine du Merle is also where the internationally renowned Crau hay, whichhorses will be given during the journey, is produced. Journey 3 will end with a trail rideto the Mas Thibert and Marais du Vigueirat.Highlights:Wednesday 29 May, Domaine du Merle: The Domaine opens to the public for events atthe bivouac and walking tours. This is an excellent opportunity to discover what ishappening on site – Merino sheep breeding, shepherd training, Crau hay productionand the sixteenth-century irrigation system built by engineer Adam de Craponne.Talented cattle dogs work with sheep, and Italian Butteri cowboys perform withMaremma cows. An animaglyphe brings together riders and cattle. The evening’scelebrations get underway with a concert by composer and guitar player LouisWinsberg, accompanied by musicians from the IMFP music school in Salon.8/15

Friday 31 May, Crau: This event brings together Moroccan, Italian and Provençalequestrians in an extraordinary setting. Horse-riding participants help create someexceptional images.Saturday 1 June, Etang des Aulnes:It’s time for a big Re-Union of Euro-Mediterranean cultures, whereProvence welcomes Morocco andItaly. The focus is on equestrian,culinary, musical and artisanalcultures. From midday to midnightSaturday, a series of events takesplace as part of TransHumance at the Etang des Aulnes. The day ends with BalBêtes,an original dance that explores the themes of animals in Euro-Mediterranean cultures,musical instruments and our bodies. This performance is based on an original idea bySerge Hureau, with music by Manu Théron and the Cor de la Plana, accompanied byArab-Berber and Italian musicians.Prices: adults: €525, riders from 14-18 years of age: €450, accompanying riders: €4509/15

TransHumance IIHorse riders and hikers will gather at the festival of Occitan and Provençal languages inChâteaurenard to celebrate Provence’s popular culture and heritage. Teams of draughthorses and mares will then travel the northern Camargue region, which has long had atradition of welcome. The TransHumance trail passes through ancient ruins, linkingpast and present in an invitation to participate in this initiatory journey. After followingin the footsteps of shepherds across the Alpilles mountain range, the processionarrives at the medieval village of Baux-de-Provence. Other beautiful villages along theway will also showcase the rich agricultural and cultural traditions of this region –sculpted by nature and shaped by men.Bivouacs will be set up in Eyragues, Les Baux de Provence and the Domaine de l’Etangdes Aulnes10/15

The Chaîne des Alpilles and the Camargue region:From Eyragues to Mas ThibertDates: the evening of Friday 24 May to the evening of Sunday 2 June 2013 (8.5 days/9nights)Days riding: 6.5Days on-site with activities: 2Dates of different stages:Friday 24 May:Riders meet at Eyragues in the late afternoon.Saturday 25 May: Riders take part in a trail ride from Eyragues toChâteaurenard. Evening celebration in Châteaurenard.Sunday 26 May: Riders take part in a trail ride leaving from Eyragues.Monday 27 May: Eyragues – Les Baux de ProvenceTuesday 28 May: Riders take part in a trail ride leaving from Les Baux deProvence. Animaglyphe and evening celebration.Wednesday 29 May: Riders take part in a trail ride leaving from Les Baux deProvence.Thursday 30 May: Les Baux de Provence – Etang des AulnesFriday 31 May:Etang des Aulnes, animaglyphe for the Re-Union alongsideMoroccan, Italian and Provençal horse riders.Saturday 1 June: Etang des Aulnes. All-day celebration.Sunday 2 June: Etang des Aulnes – Mas Thibert. Journey 4 ends after thepicnic.Highlights:Saturday 25 May, Châteaurenard: Discover local culture and traditions as part of festiveevents at Châteaurenard. Different carts, decorated with fruit, vegetables and flowers,pay tribute to Saint Eloi. A course camarguaise, where participants attempt to snatchrosettes from bulls’ horns, will take place in the amphitheatre. People will speakOccitan in the medieval streets, taste the flavours of Provence and dance the nightaway at a baleti. To celebrate this northern journey, the Théâtre du Centaure will createan animaglyphe with cart drivers.Tuesday 28 May, Les Baux deProvence: The village of Les Baux deProvence celebrates TransHumance.After a Centaure gathering at theCarrières de Lumières, an old quarrythat now hosts multimedia shows,participants will wander the streetsleading to the chateau, where theywill be given the opportunity to dosome stargazing as part of a poetic and musical event. With the bivouac as their base,riders will visit the Alpilles regional nature park and charming villages over a two-dayperiod.Saturday 1 June, Etang des Aulnes: It’s time for a big Re-Union of Euro-Mediterraneancultures, where Provence welcomes Morocco and Italy. The focus is on equestrian,11/15

culinary, musical and artisanal cultures. From midday to midnight Saturday, a series ofevents takes place as part of TransHumance at the Etang des Aulnes. The day endswith BalBêtes, an original dance that explores the theme of animals in Euro-Mediterranean cultures, musical instruments and our bodies. This performance isbased on an original idea by Serge Hureau, with music by Manu Théron and the Cor dela Plana, accompanied by Arab-Berber and Italian musicians.Prices: adults: €595, riders from 14-18 years of age: €510, accompanying riders: €51012/15

TransHumance IIIAfter the Re-Union at the Domaine de l’Etang des Aulnes on Friday 31 May andSaturday 1 June 2013, the procession sets off for Marseille. After crossing theCoussouls de Crau - Europe's last steppe - the trail circles the Etang de Berre beforecoming to a halt at the Etang de l'Olivier.Bivouacs will be set up in Miramas and Istres13/15

Around the lakes:From Miramas to Port de BoucDates: the evening of Sunday 2 June to the afternoon of Thursday 6 June 2013 (3.5days/4 nights)Days riding: 3.5Dates of different stages:Sunday 2 June: Riders meet at Miramas in the late afternoon.Monday 3 June: Riders take part in a trail ride leaving from Miramas.Tuesday 4 June: Miramas – IstresWednesday 5 June: Riders take part in a trail ride leaving from Istres. Eveningcelebration.Thursday 6 June: Istres – Port de Bouc. * Journey 5 ends after the picnic.After setting up camp at a bivouac at thecharming Château de Cabasse, visitorsdiscover the town of Miramas and thesurrounding region. They then head south,crossing the Crau plain (part of theCoussouls de Crau Nature Reserve). Beforebedding down at a bivouac set up in thecountryside between the Etang de l’Olivierand Istres, they take in the Fête du Foin (hayfestival) in Entressen. This last stage beforeMarseille showcases the imaginative,cultural and welcoming town of Istres andwill be full of surprises.Prices: adults: €280, riders from 14-18 years of age: €210, accompanying riders €210* Given the regulations governing access to forest areas, this stage will only be completed ifweather conditions are favourable.14/15

Marseille :From the Vieux Port to the beachesDate: the morning and afternoon of Sunday 9 June 2013After travelling five hundred kilometres and crossing around twenty communes, theprocession heads to Marseille – Fantasia horses and riders from Morocco, Maremmacowboys and cattle from Tuscany, Camargue horses and riders, Provence draughthorses, herds of horses and flocks of sheep.It is joined by children and otherresidents from Marseille and the region,who enter the Phocaean city on foot.Moving as one, they pay tribute to thisancient city and its trading history,which dates back to when the Romansdominated the Mare Nostrum.The procession takes over Marseille’s quays and defensive structures: the Fort Saint-Jean and the Fort Saint-Nicolas, the Quai de Rive Neuve and its busy terrace cafés, theold Arcenaulx (arsenals), the fifth-century Abbaye de Saint-Victor and the Palais duPharo built by Napoléon III for the Empress Eugenie. It follows the Corniche around thewaterfront, looking out over coastal inlets to the Frioul islands, the Château d’If and,further on, the horizon.Guided by a birdman and flocks of wild geese, the procession travels to the Pradobeaches, where the last animaglyphe of TransHumance takes place between sea, cityand nature.Price: free15/15