We have just returned from a week in Aix-en-Provence where we met up with my husband’s cousin and his wife who were visiting from Western Australia. They are francophiles, as am I. We love the language, the culture, the lifestyle, the climate, the food (although 3 of us are vegetarians) and of course, the wine!
We arrived at Marseille airport on a Saturday evening, where we caught the bus to the centre of Aix – a journey of about 30 minutes, which was easy and comfortable. Our hotel was very central – just a short walk from the main street, Cours Mirabeau which is pedestrianised and has many restaurants and cafes, as well as attractive fountains.
During our stay we visited the cathedral and the Old Town, as well as the Musee Granet – although we were disappointed that Cezanne (Aix’s famous son) only had eight paintings on show. Being a Sunday we were able to get in free, although on other days there is a charge.
Our cousins had hired a car and they took us to Avignon, Apt, the Camargue, Ste Maries de la Mer (famously painted by Van Gogh) and Arles, where we saw La Maison Jaune (again featured in his paintings). We also visited Apt for lunch although the choice was limited as we arrived at 2 pm when many places were closing for a break. All these places are within easy reach of Aix by car, and most certainly by train/bus as well.
We were so enamoured by the area that we are already making plans to revisit before the year is out. Vive la France! Vive Provence!
