The lush landscapes and striking architecture of southern France have inspired countless artists, among them Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Paul Cezanne … and 8-time traveler and Vacation Ambassador Ruth Hager.
Ruth, who hails from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and her husband, Terry, joined Grand Circle on our Cruising Burgundy & Provence to the Cote d’Azur River Cruise, where the couple of 44 years followed in the footsteps of notable Impressionist painters while exploring quintessentially French towns like Aix-en-Provence (Cezanne’s birthplace) and Arles (where Van Gogh lived for just over a year—during which time he completed nearly 200 paintings).
“We had a superb time,” Ruth notes, despite some initial anxiety caused by weather-related issues. “When we learned that the Saone and Rhone rivers were so high from recent rains that ships were unable to sail under the bridges, we wondered if the trip would be a disappointment,” she says. “However, Grand Circle improvised a trip that more than made up for the lack of sailing. We stayed in two different ships, one in the north and one in the south, enjoying fabulous gourmet meals while on board. We were bussed through scenic countryside and explored many interesting sites.”
Among the highlights of the Hagers’ journey was spending time in the “City of Light.” As Ruth explains, “It was our first time in Paris, so we were more than happy to begin the trip there.” But the avid photographer and her writer husband were also enchanted by the smaller towns they visited in southern France:
In Nitry, we sampled the beauty of a French village along with tasty Country French cooking. We toured the Burgundy Valley, where we visited a chateau that has produced wine for centuries and is now a museum. We rode a wonderfully scenic old steam train ride along the River Doux. At the Chateaux de Frontager, we relished a five-course dinner. In the small town of Viviers, we walked the narrow streets to an old cathedral on a hill overlooking the town. In Arles, our favorite town, we saw a well-preserved Roman Amphitheater built in 15 AD and the hospital where Van Gogh was treated when he lived and painted there. We walked through the market place and played petanque (bocce ball) in the square near the ship. We loved the fabrics and spices of Provence. In Nice, we strolled the narrow shop-lined streets and the promenade along the Mediterranean.
Unlike Van Gogh and Monet, who preserved Provencal life with a paintbrush, Ruth’s preferred medium is a camera. After viewing several photos taken during her time in France, however, I’m sure you’ll agree that this artist—and her works—make an equally striking “impression.”
Discover the scenic beauty of southern France for yourself on our Cruising Burgundy & Provence to the Cote d’Azur River Cruise vacation.