Sunday, February 22, 2009

A Stroll through Aix-en-Provençe

When you take your trip to Provençe......
.....and I say when not if, because hopefully if you haven't traveled there yet, each of you will go some day to experience this beautiful part of France.............be sure to jot down on your itinerary, in bold letters, Visit Aix-en-Provençe.
This historic city is the region's most cosmopolitan with an international university founded by Louis II in 1409. A wave of prosperity transformed the city in the 17th century, when the ramparts, first raised by the Romans, were pulled down and the grand boulevard, the Cours Mirabeau was built. Lined with beautiful mansions, cafes, and planted with the renowned plane tree allée, the Cours also has many of Aix's exquisite fountains which were added in the 18th century.



Today, I invite you to leave the Cours and the hustle bustle of the market which was in full swing that morning, and take the same stroll around the medieval streets of the old town that I took last October. The early rain soon stopped, leaving the stones and statues washed and water colored. Provençe, known for the brilliant colors of the Mediterranean coast, the sunflower yellow, cobalt blue, rich reds etc. is also blessed with muted shades which I found so beautiful. Around each bend and corner of the cobbled streets, there were faces and beauty everywhere in this lovely place.



La Place de la Mairie ~ Astronomical Clock (1661) on which statues representing the four seasons appear in turn.

Au revoir Aix, your beauty truly shines. I hope to return again some day and I hope each of you will visit also.
All photos taken in October 2008.


13 comments:

  1. I agree-Aix should be on the top of everyone who visits Provence. One of my favorite places.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful pictures Mary...I will be sure to visit Aix "when" I go to Provence (like that attitude!!)

    xoxo
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  3. That's for taking me along on your stroll. I so enjoyed your pictures and descriptions :-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh how pretty! I hope to visit Provence someday... What beautiful pictures you have taken. Lovely! Romantic! Have a great week! ps. Love the new profile pic! Love, Vanessa

    ReplyDelete
  5. I was there in the summer of 2006. Thanks to remind me how beautiful that trip was.
    Gracie at http://mylittleplace.blog.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sadly we have never been there, though have often wanted to go to the Music festival.
    My tour today is through Bordeaux!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love the elegant dining room makeover! And the pics of the waxwings - I'm amazed you had so many descend upon your garden - what a treat!
    Annie x

    ReplyDelete
  8. As a tour guide you are the best!!! Every time I look at your photos of France, I want to return SOON!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Mary, what a beautiful place! The architecture is amazing! I would love to visit.

    Have a wonderful day! Chris

    Have you seen the cedar waxwings again?

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your beautiful photos take me right there. They are wonderful. Keep them coming, Margaret

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've never visited Provence but Aix certainly looks a beautiful town well worth seeing. The muted colours are lovely, as you say I've always associated Provence with warm, vibrant colours so this is an unexpectedc aspect of it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hello Mary, I too was thinking of you girls together and wishing I could be there. Thank you for thinking of me, I was there in spirit.

    My cousin Chris and her dh are here visiting for two days and they were the reason to have 17 people for dinner last night. They live in Northern MI. and we seldom see them. Lots of laughter, good food and family stories going on here. I have been resting all day today. My sisters cooked and I set my tables. My house has the most space for a crowd.

    Missing you all...Love, Jeanne

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a beautiful place to visit! Thank you for sharing the magic with us! ~Lori

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking time to leave a comment. I always enjoy hearing from my special blog friends.....and new visitors are always welcome.