The Bogtrotter

If you have ever wanted to chase a bull down the road then this is your chance!

The Camargue region of Southern France is one of the last remaining wild areas of Europe. Across the salt marshlands you will see jet black horses mingling with the famous white Camargue horses. The area is full of ranches (manades or mas) where bulls are bred for their meat, but also to play with.

All the local villages have an arena, whils Nimes and Arles maintain their impressive Roman arenas. But unlike in Spain, the French prefer not to kill the bulls. Throughout the summer “Course Camarguaise” are held, where the competitors win prizes by grabbing ribbons from between the horns of the bulls.

Before and after these events some of the bulls are run through the streets, guides by the local “guardians” on horseback. The locals have one aim – distract the horses and guardians, and allow the bull to roam loose through the town.

I’d heard a lot about how impressive this Roman aquaduct was, but until I was there it was difficult to believe. True – seeing the pale stone set against a pure blue winter sky did help, but it really was a stunning image.

Just like a six year old, I was darting around trying to find the best viewpoints. It’s great to be able to walk across, under and around the viaduct without seeing hundreds of warnign signs or having a warden shouting at you to “get off”.

For directions and a history lesson visit the official Pont du Gard web site at www.pontdugard.fr.