After an artful breakfast that included an obscene number of chocolate croissants, Michael and I decided to ask for some inside tips on how to spend our second — and, unfortunately, last — day in Aix-en-Provence.
Renaissance Hotels have developed the best idea ever to ensure that guests get the most out of their visit: Navigators! These concierge-like experts help customize your experience so you get to see and do the things that are most meaningful to you.
For us, that meant art and food (not necessarily in that order).
The charming Navigator on duty put together a fantastic itinerary for us, which started at the Office de Tourisme where we picked up our tickets to Cezanne’s studio — a must-see while you’re in Aix. The Tourism Office also hosts some great art exhibits so we took a quick walk through although we could have happily spent more time there.
But we knew had to get to the open markets, which are only open in the morning. I can’t tell you how much we love the French markets, and Aix-en-Provence has them for everything from flowers and food to clothing and antiques.
I would have stocked up on these vibrant dishes but my luggage was already straining to stay under 50 pounds.
We spent a lot of time checking out the bread
and cheese
and fruit
and put together a delicious lunch, which we ate sitting on a bench with this view.
It was such a treat to just sit together on such a beautiful day and enjoy each other’s company along with all this fresh food.
After a long, leisurely lunch, we headed over to Atelier de Cezanne, the studio where the legendary artist created some of his most famous paintings. It was quite a walk, which we definitely needed after all that bread and cheese, and, of course, we got lost in the winding streets of Aix a number of times despite our trusty map.
When we finally saw the sign for Cezanne’s studio, we walked around the grounds a little and imagined how creative we could be if we had a place like this where we could work.
Here’s an exterior view of the studio. I am obsessed with all the shutters we saw in Provence and think I’ll do a post dedicated to them soon.
I wish I could show you the interior but photos weren’t allowed. I know what you’re thinking but Michael apparently learned his lesson in Amsterdam and kept his phone in his pocket.
I can tell you, though, that it’s easy to see how Cezanne got his inspiration with the views from his gigantic windows.
After our tour, we walked back to the city center for dinner at Hue Cocotte, which our Navigator had highly recommended. All the dishes are served in Le Creuset-like cast iron pots. The restaurant itself is tiny but the atmosphere is so warm and welcoming, and the flavors are big.
Our menu was presented on this adorable blackboard
and, yes, we ate every piece of that bread despite our lunch.
I was so enthralled by all the little casserole dishes that I dug in without taking any pictures. Everything was delicious, especially this dessert which the owner encouraged us to try because it was his grandmother’s special recipe. It’s made of dark chocolate and sweet potato — yes, sweet potato — and it was amazing. You’ll have to take my word for it because photos were the last thing on my mind until we got to the bottom of the plate.
This was the perfect way to end our stay in Aix. We were going to be picked up by Viking at the airport in nearby Marseille early in the morning and, although we were sad to be leaving, we were very Aix-cited to start our cruise!
That looks beyond amazing! I would love to take a trip to France. My husband went there about 5 years ago for his job. I wanted to go with him but I was 8 months pregnant.
I would love to explore the French markets! It sounds like fun!
That’s just enough time to get a taste. It looks so beautiful there.
That does it. I’m putting it on our agenda for our Paris and France trip.
Your images of the markets look so yummy. Makes me want to jump on a plane right now and go there. I’ll pin some.
Ok I admit it I’m officially jealous. What a lovely place to visit and all that good food and beautiful art. Yep still jealous..lol
I just adore that area. We were thrilled with the markets there as well. I miss the beauty not only of the freshness but also the presentation. Loved Cezanne’s studio and seeing the world through his eyes from there.
How many chocolate croissants did you consume? 🙂
Sounds pretty awesome, Lois.
Yum, lovely, interesting, yum,I want more!
I need to go back to Aix with my husband. I was there so young and it would be such a new experienece.
Nice, Lois. I love going along on your trip with you, albeit from a distance. Aix looks wonderful!
What a blast. I’m like you, in that the thought to photograph my food comes about 11 bites into the dish. We’ll take your word for it, though!
That looks like an amazing place to visit one day. I love the menu written on a little blackboard. I had never heard of Navigators before but they seem like a great addition to having a smooth visit.
I’m surprised by how leisurely this all seems… in such a short amount of time. I’d be dashing here and there, trying to fit it all in. But in your limited time you saw and ate and did some fabulous things. I think YOU should be my navigator for my next trip. 😀
Ahhh, what a charming area it is and I would give anything to go back! Those markets are the best. We bought a baguette, fresh cheese and a bottle of wine and had a little picnic — it was perfect. I bet you miss those chocolate croissants. 😉
What an experience. I am living through all your wonderful posts. I would love to explore such a beautiful place one day. I’m such a homebody, that needs to change. Look at all that food!
Wow checking out the studio must have been awesome. I know my daughter would have loved to see the creative workspace.
The fruit would be where its at for me! Looks great!
Wonderful pictures. You feel like you’re really there as well.
Thank you for taking us on a virtual tour! The bread and cheese looks amazing and I love the blackboard menu!
Sounds like an amazing adventure. The open air markets would have been my favorite part.
You had me at bread and cheese, yum! This sounds like such an amazing trip.
wow what a journey, I’m amazed at how beautiful those painting were, I would have stayed in the gallery until they closed since I love art. But I see that you guys also found great markets as well…..
Oh my gosh those pastries looked amazing! I would have cleaned my plate too! I bet you guys hated leaving. I know where I want to go now!
it looks like a great day. I would love to visit the market, but I would need an extra suitcase!
Oh my gosh!! Those dishes! I want them all.
The French market sounds interesting. I could spend hours there just looking around and buying a few things.
Ok, I have a new bucket list item – to stroll through a French market! That looks so beautiful. I’d have bought a new suitcase for those dishes, ha!
Your trip looks amazing! I love the photos. Thanks for sharing them. Now I want to travel and see all the things!
FAaaaaaaaaaaaBULOUS.
What a feast for the eyes.
I’ve always wanted to see France! WEEE WEEEE. x