A Journey Through Provence

How to describe Provence? Enchanting. Each town, the narrow cobblestone streets, quaint cafès run by the same family forever, artful fountains, medieval cathedrals, castles, lavender, carousels, wine, and pastries so richly delicious you throw your cholesterol counter into the Rhone. Toss away the map of the village and wander around aimlessly.

These are small villages, so being lost won't last long. The doors, walls, stone steps, and flower boxes in the windows take you back in time.

We began our journey in Aix-en-Provence. From the Marseille airport, a drive to Aix-en-Provence takes about half an hour (hire a driver, take the train, catch a bus, rent a car). Aix (pronounced Ex, comes close to the local sound) is one of the larger towns and offers many affordable accommodations like an AirBnB or a small boutique hotel. Travelers need time to adjust to the new time zone and a comfy hotel with amenities like a restaurant and bar will come in handy when you return to the hotel on tired feet needing a nap. Hotels, like the Marriott, offer convenient locations with staff who can direct you to transportation, sites, and restaurants.

In the Marriott's backyard, you'll find the town library. It's worth a visit just to see the larger than life books at the entrance. The casual, almost industrial, space inside offers relief from rain or heat. Relax with a book, if you are fluent enough in French to read one. The children's section has many picture books if your French is rusty.

The streets of Aix are easy to navigate. Some are main thoroughfares and typical European squares, while others are quaint narrow passages that harken back to Medieval times.

Be aware that pedestrians, cars, and motorbikes share these skinny roads equally.







Just when you think you are walking on a pedestrian path, a car will round the corner to prove you wrong.

Restaurants offer dining inside and outside with plenty of cover in case of rain or bright sunshine. Take a look at the menu located near the door of every place you pass.





The variety is endless. Local dishes are prepared to perfection with fresh ingredients and family recipes.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting on a market day, you can enjoy the amazing fresh fruits, vegetables, baked breads, and special cheeses which you can purchase and take back to the hotel or your AirBnB to prepare a picnic lunch for the next day. Baguettes and croissants can be found in every boulangerie while irresistible sweets will beg to go home with you when you pass the pastry shops.  

By the end of a typical day, you'll have walked off every calorie so don't hesitate to indulge.


Next we'll be headed to Avignon. I'll share photos and a bit of what we found in the next blog. Meanwhile, if you are planning your own trip, I would suggest this site (Culture Trip) https://theculturetrip.com/europe/france/articles/how-to-spend-48-hours-in-provence/ which I used extensively before we left for France.