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.

A Most Beautiful Place in Provence

You may have left your heart in San Francisco.....................mine is still across the pond on the top floor of this beautiful house.

A dear blog friend was so right about "La Madone" in the town of Apt at the base of the Luberon Mountains. I'm glad I followed her suggestion and stayed in one of the apartments. This is the loveliest place to stay in Provence and I'll be sharing many of the images captured with the permission of the charming owners, Nathalie and Jean-Bernard.

On arrival at La Madone, Nathalie writes in your choice of breakfast time and hot drinks on a large blackboard in the entry way.

Following a tour of the garden and pool area..................

......and formal French introductions to the resident pets......

(this pic is a keeper as my dh is not a 'doggie person' but he did pat this old fella) ...........

...........we pulled up some chairs and enjoyed a glass of Provencal wine..........


......accompanied by fresh figs picked from the trees.....

"I still prefer milk" purr..........

The garden at La Madone is truly a secret garden full of beautiful vintage French furnishings, statuary, birdcages and exotic plants........an oasis tucked away in a small French town.

Coming soon, La Madone's interiors.