At Great Rail Journeys, we work hard to make each day of your holiday enjoyable, blending fantastic excursions with time spent independently or at leisure with other members of your group. However, moments of serendipity can elevate tours into something extra special.
Tour Manager Brenda Stephenson recently led a group to France on our Avignon, the Rhône and Provence holiday. For someone whose favourite word is serendipitous, perhaps it was fated that her tour would witness special moments such as a parade of vintage tanks on the Place de l'Horloge or the Pont du Gard bathed in the rousing sounds of the Marseillaise.
A remembrance of liberty
The unexpected events of the tour started after breakfast on the first morning in Avignon. Taking a short walk from the central hotel, Brenda turned a corner and saw an American tank.
"I thought it looked a bit old and the uniforms seemed strange," says Brenda. "I talked to one of the soldiers who told me it was a parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the relief of Avignon from occupation by Nazi Germany and the Vichy government in World War Two."
Operation Dragoon in 1944 was southern France's equivalent of the Normandy landings as US forces invaded the Côte d'Azur and swept through Provence, liberating Avignon and surrounding areas.
"Throughout the day, there was a movement of old tanks through the Place de l'Horloge - the group were really interested!"
Iconic Roman engineering at the Pont du Gard
An aqueduct dating from the 1st century, the Pont du Gard is one most remarkable pieces of Roman engineering and a national emblem of France. It's the first excursion for the group on Day 6.
"The Pont du Gard is breathtaking. When you see this three-tier bridge, you wonder how the Romans did it. That most of it is still there is sensational.
"I was walking over the bridge and noticed something going on by the beach. People were dressed in uniforms, French and possibly Canadian. One of the group realised it was commemorating the liberation of the Pont du Gard a few days after Avignon was freed.
"I was busy admiring Roman civil engineering - I wasn't expecting to hear the Marseillaise! It's those unexpected things you do remember.
"I'd never previously been to this part of the world, but a fellow Tour Manager gave me some super tips - including that the best view of the Pont du Gard is from near the café - so that's where we watched the parade from. This made it extra special for everyone."
The group then visited the idyllic medieval town of Uzès for a few hours of free time to have lunch and a wander. "Specialising in medieval and ancient history, this was right up my street.
"I'm interested in photography, and I like to potter around back streets, taking photographs of scenes from unexpected angles. On the day we went to Arles - the most gorgeous place with golden stone - I was walking along an empty back street. I turned a corner and there was a bicycle attached to a railing, with flowers either side, with the magnificent amphitheatre in the background. Those moments give real pleasure."
A vintage experience at Châteauneuf-du-Pape
"After that was something a lot of the group were looking forward to. We went to Châteauneuf-du-Pape - home of one of the most famous red wines in the world, and we got to try them. Everyone enjoyed it.
"There are hundreds of vineyards in the area and, what's interesting, is each of them generally doesn't produce more than three or four different wines. The cultivation is intense, and the wines called Châteauneuf-du-Pape extend beyond the village. It's more about the soil type.
"One of the things I learned was the soil isn't that brilliant, so they use hot stones on it which apparently aids the cultivation of the grapes. We tasted four wines, including a white. All were wonderful. Even though they were all of a type, they were all completely different. What a great way to spend your holiday!
"I now have an expensive bottle of red for dinner on New Year's Day! It was a considered purchase, but when I drink that wine, I'll be thinking about where I first tried it and where it came from. I think there's something very special about having that connection."
A snapshot of French history in one day
Brenda studied medieval and ancient history, so the papal city of Avignon and particularly the itinerary on Day 6 was always going to appeal.
"That day shows three different aspects of this area's history. The Roman, the medieval and - even though winemaking goes back a long way - the modern production of what the area is famous for now. It was really interesting that such a thread ran through the day.
"All the days on this tour were great, but that was possibly the most memorable one because something happened that we weren't expecting.
"The group really enjoyed themselves and liked the variety of what we did - and mixed extremely well. It's a great itinerary with something for everyone and gave real insight into the area. Most people who came had some interest in history, which was great for me as that's my first love.
"I would definitely recommend it as a tour."
