After arriving at the airport and dropping our luggage off at our hotel, we ventured into Aix by bus. Twenty-five minutes later, we were walking around a charming, quaint city. Aix is known for their outdoor markets and cafes. Locals were walking around shopping at the outdoor flea market on the Cours Mirabeau, people-watching at the nearby cafe, and in general, "living the good life!"
Round-about leading up to the Cours Mirabeau
Plane Trees--According to my Rick Steves' book these trees are a hybrid of the American and Asian sycamores which were accidentally created in a 16th century Oxford botanical garden. Plane trees turned out to be the perfect city tree because they can live on little water and mediocre soil, are fast growing, and can resist urban pollution. They are now used to line grand boulevards in many French cities.
Cours Mirabeau (known as Aix's Champs-Elysees)--In spring and summer when the trees are full of leaves, they create a beautiful canopy over the street.
Our French men
Cours Mirabeau---decorated for Valentine's Day!
Outdoor market along Cours Mirabeau
Lovely winding street
Sausages and meat for sale
There were 3 markets on this day in 3 different squares: a produce, a cheese and meat, and a flower market (all within a short distance of one another)
Gorgeous details
And always room to pay homage to Mary
lots of yellows, oranges, and shutters of all different colors
Beautiful streets
L'Hotel de Ville square --flower market
It was in the high 40s, but people were still sitting outside at the cafes. We had heat lamps above us at this one where the boys are eating ice cream, of all things!
My favorite detail picture from Aix
Elegant buildings along this square
Capturing the details
Boulangerie= Bakery
We had so much fun walking through these narrow, colorful, cobblestone streets. It was nice to have no agenda. We bought lavendar soaps and potpourri, drank a cafe au lait, and enjoyed a provencal pizza and a drink in between roaming in & around the charming avenues. Aix is a city to be revisited, especially when it's warmer. I can just imagine the trails of flowers hanging out of windows.
No comments:
Post a Comment