Provence - a jewel in the French crown

Not sure what we expected of Provence but in many respects it turned out quite different. More mountainous and rugged than we expected.

The main street of Cours Mirabeau in Aix en Provence.

Just an interesting photo outside an antique shop in Aix.

Street market every day at Place Richelme in Aix en Provence.

Fresh colouful fruit and vegetables.

And even the odd sunflower.

Aix En Provence is famous as the home of Cezanne. We visited his studio where he was actively painting at the beginning of the 20th century. A wonderful experience. Internal photos of the studio were not permitted but some of the pieces that he included in his still paintings were still in the studio. Here are a couple of external shots at his studio.

Garden surrounding the studio.

We were in Aix on Bastille day, 14th July, and like most places in France celebrations occured.

The main street of Aix with all the services parading at 5pm on Bastille Day.

And then at night the mandatory fireworks.

Restaurants in Aix were excellent. Food superb.

Here we are with the chef/owner of Le Formal restaurant in Aix situated at Rue Espariat

The country outside Aix en Provence is a combination of mountains and valleys with rugged outcrops.

Of course, the lavender fields near the "lavender town" of Sault are beautiful.

Just coming into full bloom.

Many interesting towns in Provence. This one is Monts de Vaucluse.

This town has an amazing spring which is reputed to be one of the most powerful springs in the world.

The spring emerges at the foot of a cliff and from this a beautiful river with cold crystal clear water emerges. The spring comes from a number of mountainous sources covering over 1100 square kilometres and this is the only outlet for those sources.

The spring emerging as a river in the town.

Town centre with the crystal clear spring waters.

Up near the source of the river.

This is where the spring emerges from the mountain. Divers have gone into the caves behind to try to determine the source routes of the spring with good success.

Another interesting town was Rousillon which is surrounded by Ochre hills, a colour typical of the region. This area was mined until more recent times. It is now a conservation area. Brilliant colour.

Another town was Beaux which was an old fortified town that was the military centre of the region for some time. Old turrets, and military equipment still exist.

Well, that's all on Provence.

Amore e baci a tutti.

Carolyna e Alan.