Aix-en-Provence

Driving away from dreamy Moustiers, we headed south towards Aix-en-Provence.

When: May 2016

Where: Aix-en-Provence, France

Stayed: Villa Gallici

Instagram: #wellstourdefrance

Upon checking into the decadent Villa Gallici, we were greeted with fresh flowers and fresh calissons (the traditional candy of the region). The best kind of welcome! Ornate and elegant, our room was fit for royalty, and the canopy bed made me feel like a princess. Mornings were full of pain au chocolate, while afternoons were spent sunning by the pool. The most perfect oasis just steps from the city.

We spent our days wandering Aix: exploring the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville to the Cours Mirabeau, and everything in between. Two cultural stops included Atelier Cézanne and the Musée Granet, followed by gelato at Phillipe Faur. For coffee, I recommend Mana Espresso (so good!), as well as Cafeism and La Garde Manger. For snacks, we enjoyed Maison Nosh, Pizza Capri and Le Bidule. A definite highlight were the markets (Place Richelme, Place des Prêcheurs), and they are not to be missed!  It was a feast for the senses, ogling and sampling stall after stall. In the evenings, we chose restaurants at random, but we loved everywhere we ate. Le 18, Contrepoint and La Familia are all near one another, and it is a great neighborhood filled with great spots. La Familia had amazing pizza, salads and profiteroles – we thoroughly enjoyed that meal! Another area to try is the Place des Cardeurs – a lively square filled with restaurants and bars, with plenty of outdoor seating. There are casual spots (like La Maison du Hamburger, where we ate), and more traditional spots like L’Épicurien. A really fun atmosphere, too!

Until next time, Aix-en-Provence!

Lauren