The Places
The places visited are on the coast of Southern France, from Frejus and Cannes to Marseille. They include the Chateau of King Rene in Tarascon and the famous island Chateau d'If, where the fictional Edmond Dantes was held prisoner in The Count of Monte Cristo. There is particular attention given to the flat marshland of the Camargue, with its wild horses and its associated festivities in Arles.
The Music
The music that accompanies the tour is all by French composers, from Saint Saens and Offenbach to Debussy and Ravel's nostalgic Pavane sur une infante defunte. The tour starts in cheerful mood with Chabrier's Marche Joyeuse