Blogs from Aix-en-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France, Europe - page 2

Took a most enjoyable guided excursion to the very attractive old city of Aix-En-Provence. Took lots of photos around the streets and squares.... read more

Good sleep (aided by 1/2 zop) yummy buffet breakfast. Off to the morning markets: flowers, produce, fish, clothing, crafts - from square to linked square starting at Place Verdun. Visit the Pavillon Vendome just around the corner from us. Built in 1652 beautiful rose gardens and house (didnt go in). Kelly and Gretchen arrived just after 11 and we toured the markets again and had a panini lunch. Started raining as we entered the Musee Granet which has 2 locations; our favourite was the second and new location in a beautifully renovated church where we viewed the collection of Jean Planque: his collection includes paintings by Pablo Picasso, Jean Dubuffet, Pierre Bonnard, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Klee, Raoul Dufy, Georges Br... read more

We decided to take a few days out from sightseeing to stay in one of France's finest wine regions - Chateneuf du Pape. A really gorgeous town. And historic - the Pope whilst living in Avingon planted the first vineyards. It is a wine lovers paradise with tastings (degustation) at every corner of this charming town. We had a day of wine tastings, and another day exploring the country side and eating a delicious three course lunch. Orange was our next destination, a day trip, to see a magnificent and excellently preserved Roman theatre. We stayed two nights near Fontaine de Vaucluse - a powerful and beautiful waterfall that emanates from an underground source. We also clambered up to the ruined chateau overlooking the small town.The rich red and yellow ochres of Rousillon in the Luberon ... read more

Our first job of the day was to pay up before moving on. The office should have been open at 8 but it appeared the receptionists had arrived on time but decided to do something else and disappeared until 8.30. Whilst waiting I picked up todays bread and tomorrows croissants from the small shop on site. We had decided to move on early and head for Camping St Victoire near to Aix en Provence. The journey was pleasant and Mount Victoire a limestone ridge which extends 18 kilometers between the Bouche du Rhone and the Var departments and dominates the landscape at 3317 feet . It was much painted by Cezanne who lived locally at Aix. The campsite was small and tidy with excellent reception. We were charged 14 euros per night but with a surcharge ... read more

On our last night in Aix we ate dinner at Pasta Cosy, the restaurant that is rated as #1 is Aix on Trip Advisor. We had tried to eat there the night before but it was full and we didn't have reservations. So we ate at Hue Cocotte on Thursday night which was opened by one of the waiters that used to work at Pasta Cosy and we made reservations to eat at Pasta Cosy the last night in Aix. We enjoyed both restaurants but thought that the food at Hue Cocotte was better. The food was mainly seafood and was prepared perfectly. Larry finally had a chance to enjoy a Pastis, a licorice flavored aperitif, and I had a kir, a cherry flavored liquer. Madeleine had a peach sirop and Genevieve had a strawberry sirop. ... read more