NEWS FROM FRANCE
Bicentennial of the death of Toussaint Louverture
The world’s first black governor and Father of the Republic of Haiti Born into slavery in May 20, 1743 in the French colony of Saint-Domingue, now Haiti, François Dominique Toussaint is considered to be the father of the world’s first black republic.
Later known as Toussaint Louverture, he first led a revolt against the French to end slavery and then fought with the French–rising to the rank of general in the French army–to defeat the British and Spanish. Slavery was abolished in Saint-Dominque and eventually in all of France and its colonies. Louverture was appointed governor in 1796, but angered Napoleon by publishing an insurgent constitution for the colony. Bonaparte sent over an expeditionary force to restore French colonial rule and reestablish slavery. Louverture was captured, sent to France and imprisoned in the Château de Joux, in the region of Franche-Comté. To honor the memory of this remarkable man, commemorations, exhibitions and other events will take place through November 19, 2003. More about Toussaint Louverture and the calendar of commemorative events.
Horseback riding in the foot-steps of Van Gogh
CCI’s new 2003 equestrian romp through Provence
Cross Country International is offering a new vacation in Provence, a trail ride in the very footsteps of artist Vincent Van Gogh. The 7-day/ 6-night program costs $1,550 per person and includes five days of guided trail riding, all meals, luggage transfers and more. CCI is also offering an exclusive $150 discount to E-News from France readers. From Saint-Rémy’s poignant monastery-turned-asylum Saint-Paul de Mausole and ancient Arles, to the Alpilles mountains’ perched villages of Les Baux-de-Provence and Fontveille, visit, ride and stand in the sites and landscapes immortalized by the paintings and life of Van Gogh. Not only is “France’s Van Gogh Trail Ride” an art and history tour, it is also a program for people who love horses and horseback riding. Magnificent equestrian trails wend through the pine forests, villages, olive groves and scented “garrigues” of the foot-hills of Provence’s Alpilles Mountains. For details call CCI at 1-800-828-8768, e-mail: info@xcintl.com or visit www.equestrianvacations.com
13th World Puppet Theater Festival
September 19 to 28, 2003 in Charleville-Mézières
The Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes will take place September 19-28, 2003 in Charleville-Mézières, which is just 54 miles northeast of Champagne-Ardenne’s capital city Rheims. This unique triennial international meeting of puppeteers welcomes the cultures and traditions of all continents and is the largest gathering of its kind. Day and night, a festive and friendly atmosphere energizes the city’s historic center, where 600 shows and performances are held in convenient venues. Streets and city squares team with impromptu events and acts, while neighborhood bistros and cafés become a lively meeting place for the public and the puppeteers. In 2000, the festival attracted over 120,000 spectators of all ages, proving that the art of puppetry is alive and well. Don’t miss out, because the festival won”t return until 2006. For more information visit www.marionnettes.com
Rail Europe introduces two new products for 2003
The economical France’n Spain pass starts at $252 for any four days of unlimited rail travel in 2nd class within a 2-month period. You can use the pass to travel a number of itineraries, including Paris, Avignon, Barcelona, Madrid and Seville. A Saver Pass version exists for two or more people traveling together. Rail Europe adds additional savings by offering half-price passes for children between four and eleven years old. Kids under four go for free. Other bonuses are included. The new deluxe French Rail Cruises offers two 4-day, 3-night all-inclusive tours through Southwest France onboard a 22-passenger luxury train starting at $4,335 in low season, with departures between March and November. While passengers travel in a specially-designed touring train with attentive stewards serving fine wines and hors d’oeuvres (such as truffles and foie gras), overnight accommodations are in luxury hotels (Relais & Châteaux and other leading small hotels) and meals are at gourmet restaurants. Insider excursions by luxury motor coach are escorted by expert English-speaking guides to vineyards, chateaux, museums and historic villages. A purser is available 24 hours a day. For these and other products plus good-value promotions and specials, visit franceguide.raileurope.com
August 26, 2003
Posted in: France