Shocking as it may be, Michael and I did leave the comfort of the gorgeous Renaissance Aix-en-Provence to go sightseeing during our fast two days there. We are so glad we did.
Aix, which is pronounced like the letter “X,” is a pretty, sophisticated little city in the South of France. The hotel is just a few minutes walk from the city center, so we spent most of our first afternoon people-watching at an outside cafe on the main boulevard, Cours Mirabeau, just like most of the locals seemed to be doing.
Notice my French Diet Coke, which I was happy to be sharing with my best “ami” in such a beautiful place.
Once we were sufficiently caffeinated, we started wandering the streets — our favorite activity in any new city. I knew we were in our kind of place when we came across this Provencial version of a Little Free Library, which Michael and I want to start at home and which people were actually using here. I would have borrowed a book myself but they were all in Francais!
What we loved most about walking around Aix was that we would turn a corner and there would be a whole other world that we would never have expected.
There were so many cute shops and restaurants everywhere we turned, and I was totally enamored with this mural painted on the side of an old building.
Because we had a reservation for dinner at the hotel, we took note of spots we wanted to return to tomorrow, when we would have a full day to spend exploring, and started back to the Renaissance.
Michael and I are terrible with directions so we were glad to have a couple of landmarks to show us we were headed in the right direction, like this fountain
and this carousel.
I loved the idea of a merry-go-round in the middle of a city and thought it was so unique until we began noticing them in every single city we visited on our Portraits of Southern France Viking River Cruise. I had no clue that this was such a French tradition, and I’m curious to learn more about it.
It’s such a joy to watch the little kids’ faces as they ride — although it couldn’t beat the joy on our faces as we enjoyed one of our favorite dinners in France.
More tomorrow!
What a lovely place to spend a few days. I would love to get there myself someday.
I am so envious. It looks like a beautiful place.
What a fun place to get lost in. I’ve only been to Mexico and that’s not a fun place to get lost in.
There were so many beautiful locations to see and visit while you were there. I love all the photos you took because they make me feel like I was really there with you.
I’m green with envy. Some day I would LOVE to visit France. i just love the little free library and that there are merry-go-rounds everywhere. Those two things alone make it a wonderous place!
What a lovely place to visit. It’s on my bucket list of places to visit one day. Been dreaming of France since I was 5.
France is one of those places that many people dream of because of its romantic charm. I would love to travel and take my husband to France someday. I love the pictures you shared you guys seem like you had such a great time.
How awesome is that library and I am a sucker for carousels…but then I am a big kid.
How cool. What a great idea. I love the book idea. I have heard of places where you can drop off books and pick up ones for free. There is not better way to spread a love for reading.
Wow, what gorgeous photos. Such a beautiful place to explore. I love that library idea I saw it on another blog once and they said it was around their city in the US. I hope that catches on here, how fun.
Thank you for taking us on a virtual tour of this beautiful city! I would love to visit France one day but for now I will visit through your posts! Glad you both had fun!!
The last time I was in France I was a newlywed. Almost 2 decades ago. It is time to get back. Until then 🙂 I will live vicariously.
You’re making me want to spend time in Aix again. We aren’t doing France again til ’17…. but…
When I was studying abroad I went there to see a friend who was studying there. I remember it being so beautiful too
How charming and beautiful! I will add it to my list!
What a beautiful place to visit. I must say I love the little library and think I would love to have one here. Thanks for sharing a piece of your trip:)
What a lovely place to visit. The mural is interesting and so are the shops. I had no idea that a carousel is a French tradition.
What a cute little town. I love the carousel!
What an amazing trip! This really makes me want to go back to France. Walking around the town taking in the sights sounds great.
Everything about Aix sounds delightful. There is nothing more relaxing than sitting in a European cafe – the cafes they have near me are all located on streets with way too much traffic.
This looks like such a cool place to explore. The little libraries are neat. I haven’t ever seen one in person…yet.
Love the pics! I hope we can get to enjoy traveling to France someday soon. I just adore getting ideas from you where to go and stay!
Sounds like a great 48 hours staying in a fabulous place. Very interesting about a merry-go-round in every town. How fun for the kids.
What a lovely trip. Aix looks like a romantic and quaint place to visit. I would love to see it myself.
I am enjoying your travel posts. Love the free library idea, what a great idea! Looks like you are enjoying yourselves!
What a lovely little town! I’ve never been to France, but this would be the kind of place I’d want to visit.
I have always wanted to go to France. It looks so beautiful there. I look forward to reading more about your trip.
Your posts are really making me miss it. The place is beautiful and you’re capturing all of it.
Looks like a wonderful place to visit. Pictures you have shared are very beautiful and it totally looks like a little town. I am sure you had a great time out there. Will have to add this place in my bucket list.
Looks like such an interesting place. I have been to France but never there
It was interesting to see the country through your eyes. I had not heard about the merry-go-rounds in the middle of town before reding your piece.
I bet this is one place I’d love to spend my time this summer as well.
What a beatiful place to visit. I love the mural on the wall as well. It is beautiful.
Thanks for taking me on your trip! It’s always fun to be your stowaway. BTW, we have a Little Free Library that we’re just finishing and ready to put up. My father in law built it for me (two shelves!) and Steve is painting it now!