Aix en Provence

I cannot even begin 

to express what the past 

four days was like..

or what it meant to me.

I should start by thanking my 

awesome husband for holding down 

the fort so I can do these yearly

trips.

:)

And also to my equally awesome

daughter for being his 

"right hand man" here.

I've always said that Hannah is 

like a second mother to Griffin.

But she's more than that.

She does it all.

Merci ma belle fille.

I should also mention how 

very blessed I am to take these 

trips. It's my second time traveling alone..

my first trip last year

here.

Last year

I was anxious to travel alone..

now I crave it!

My train left out of Paris'

Gare de Lyon

early Thursday and 3 hours later

I arrived in Aix en Provence.

A quick cab ride to my hotel..

checked in and off I went to see Aix.

I started, most likely where most tourists do here..

on the Cours Mirabeau..

a street compared to the Champs-Elysees.

The fountain at the top of the street is one of 

many in Aix. 

(really wish the truck wasn't in this..)

With the fountain behind me..

this is the view looking down 

Cours Mirabeau.

Shopping and cafe's

and great people watching.

But my favorite's were the 

beautiful and perfectly lined 

Plane trees..

similar to Sycamore's...

and the shutters.

Oh..the chippy, blue/gray shutters!

I took too many pictures of the shutters

in Provence and Cassis.

I must return next time with a car

so I can bring some back.

There are many side streets 

winding up and all around

the village.

It was fun getting lost here!

Thursday and Friday were days

filled with wandering and exploring 

this gorgeous town of Aix

along with quiet meals alone with 

my book or journal.

I love how clear headed I come home

after a few days away.

I'll post about

Saturday and Sunday

another day!