Terri May 22nd, 2008
Aix en Provence, a beautiful old Roman town, was built on the ruins of Entremont in the year 122 B.C. The area had hot and cold springs and was thus named Aquae Sextiae. In the Middle Ages, after it was abandoned by the Romans, Aix became the center of trade in the region and the home of the Sovereign Counts of Provence. Today, with a population of 137,000 (including 40,000 university students), Aix is a lively, vibrant cultural center from which travelers can explore all of Provence. This ancient city was also the birthplace of its most famous citizen, Paul Cézanne.
Terri March 6th, 2008
Mmmm…imagine sunshine, the scent of lavender and rosemary, parasol pines, olive groves, sunflowers, and the Mediterranean…you are experiencing the South of France. But Provence and the Cote d’Azur offer much more than that. Think of hill towns, charming markets, art galleries, sailing, scuba diving, star-gazing (movie star that is), swimming and soaking up the sun, and of course, fine French food and wine; you’ll love it! If you are a golfer, look no further for some of the best courses on earth. Come to Provence and the Cote d’Azur to really appreciate the charm and beauty of France.
*** This is a preview of "Favorite Towns of Provence and the Cote d’ Azur". Read the full post (1660 words, 10 images, estimated 6:38 mins reading time)
Terri February 5th, 2008
I am a true Francophile, so I was thrilled to read the new book 26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Cote d’Azur. This slim volume is written by Florence Chatzigianis, an avid hiker, who spends part of the year France and the rest in the US.
Terri August 16th, 2007
When in Provence, be sure to spend at least a day or two in Arles and save a day for the Camargue. This small city, half the population of what it was in Roman times, is just teeming with Roman ruins and culture and the Camargue is a natural wonderland.
Terri June 14th, 2007
Qui a vist Paris se noun a vist Cassis, a ren vist” (He who has seen Paris and not Cassis has seen nothing). This quote by Frédéric Mistral is probably a bit exaggerated, but you may want to check it out for yourself.
*** This is a preview of "Enjoy Charming Cassis and Visit the Calanques". Read the full post (718 words, 2 images, estimated 2:52 mins reading time)
Terri April 12th, 2007
One of the best parts of Provence is the many markets it has to offer. While in France we build our sightseeing around the markets. We get to the town early, visit the market and spend the rest of the day visiting the sights. The vendors at these markets are friendly and most will speak at least a little English. If not, you can use hand gestures to let them know what you want and how much. It is considered impolite to touch the produce, so don’t insult the vendor. Many markets have provencal fabric, tableware, and pottery to sell that make wonderful gifts or remembrances. Below is my compendium of the Provence Markets. And below that is my list by city, of the Provence Flea and Antiques Markets (Marche aux Puces et Brocantes.) The more important (larger) markets are printed in Bold.
Monday- Bédoin, Cadenet, Cavaillon, Nîmes (antiques), Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer
*** This is a preview of "Shop the Markets of Provence and the Cote d’Azur". Read the full post (474 words, 1 image, estimated 1:54 mins reading time)
Terri April 7th, 2007
The spectacular city of Avignon is an essential stop in Provence. Thirty-nine towers and seven gates punctuate ramparts surrounding the city. From the top of the ramparts you can understand why the site was chosen for a fort: Avignon stands high above the immense plains of the Rhône River and is the strategic point of the whole valley.
*** This is a preview of "Vacation in Avignon, France: Tourism Sights, Hotels and More". Read the full post (1487 words, 5 images, estimated 5:57 mins reading time)
