In which I bake like pizza under the Provencal sun, visit the home of Paul Cezanne, and have a magical late-night encounter that reminds me of the important things in life.
‘The light in the studio is soft and magical, mostly due to the dove-grey walls, painted a shade that Cézanne chose specifically to absorb the sunlight coming through the windows.’ Absolutely wonderful - thank you for sharing. There’s something very special about seeing inside artists’ studios and writers’ rooms.
I used to while away every summer at my family’s house in the South of France, so loved reading this. And I can still remember visiting my sister when she was at uni in Aix-en-Provence. Such an evocative part of the world. Completely unique. ✨
Oooh, I am so envious. I can’t see us ever getting back to France, and you have told such a wonderful story today. And I can’t get over those candied fruits, they are so difficult to obtain here other than some peaches, pineapple, apricots and cherries. Possibly a few others, but never as delicious looking as those in your photo, and by the way your photos are fabulous. I’m so happy after reading about where you are I just had to subscribe, thank you.
Thank you for this beautiful blog! I just stumbled upon it today and subscribed. We love vacationing in this part of the country (we live in Belgium). We do prefer it before the summer as it’s less hot and crowded, but to be honest- I’ll be happy to be there every single day of the year. Thanks again!
Jodi, every time I read your travelogue, I mentally remark to myself that this MUST be put into a book form for travelers! You bring any region to life, and your observations make the reader feel as if they are sitting there with you, observing the important parts of the experience. As one who knows I'll never make the journey, I'm so privileged to experience these regions through your excellent writings! Oh, and you had me at "used bookstore." I am sure I would be there still, leafing through antique volumes!
I love that - thank you for always leaving the nicest comments, Jim!! I suspect if you ever went (or ever go!) to Europe, you would have a hard time leaving...so many fascinating things to see and do!
I did my university studies in the southwest of France (Toulouse). One of my favorite memories of Arles is eating aïoli under the sycamores on a little square during a hot summer afternoon, while on our way to Corsica. Delightful!
Agree with you there! My husband is from Aix and we never buy the ones you show in the photo, it's not a local brand at all. The good local ones are Roy René & Puyricard although I haven't seen Puyricard for awhile (maybe they've retired a few years ago)
I did try the ones from Lilamand, too - these were just the ones I took a photo of! But if I'm ever lucky enough to be back, I'll look for those two brands. :)
Such a wonderful and well written article. I’ve never been but really need to go now! The northern part of France & Paris in particular have been my stomping ground for several years. Time to change it up!
I love Provence! And spent a lovely day in Arles. I lived for a month in Montpellier and a month in Menerbes. The markets, the stone, the lavender, the (melancholy) sunlight--I love it all! Except the heat. Thank you for this lovely stroll down memory lane. :)
It seems ridiculous that I stayed for a month in Arles and never made it to Montepellier...but it seemed like the train was always canceled! I'm so glad the post brought back happy memories!
Having just traveled through Yellowstone longing to see a bear—no luck!), I adored this story, along with the lavender fairy tale and your entire wonderful piece, Jodi! You’re a gifted writer, managing to paint a scene as vividly as an artist, describe it like a poet and awaken every other sense. Of course, now I really, really want to visit Arles and Aix.
Feel like I am there in Provence with you. A great read. Thank you. All the best.
Thank you for the kind comment!
Ohh, just wonderful.
‘The light in the studio is soft and magical, mostly due to the dove-grey walls, painted a shade that Cézanne chose specifically to absorb the sunlight coming through the windows.’ Absolutely wonderful - thank you for sharing. There’s something very special about seeing inside artists’ studios and writers’ rooms.
I used to while away every summer at my family’s house in the South of France, so loved reading this. And I can still remember visiting my sister when she was at uni in Aix-en-Provence. Such an evocative part of the world. Completely unique. ✨
Oooh, I am so envious. I can’t see us ever getting back to France, and you have told such a wonderful story today. And I can’t get over those candied fruits, they are so difficult to obtain here other than some peaches, pineapple, apricots and cherries. Possibly a few others, but never as delicious looking as those in your photo, and by the way your photos are fabulous. I’m so happy after reading about where you are I just had to subscribe, thank you.
Thank you for this beautiful blog! I just stumbled upon it today and subscribed. We love vacationing in this part of the country (we live in Belgium). We do prefer it before the summer as it’s less hot and crowded, but to be honest- I’ll be happy to be there every single day of the year. Thanks again!
Thank you so much for the nice comment, and for subscribing!
Jodi, every time I read your travelogue, I mentally remark to myself that this MUST be put into a book form for travelers! You bring any region to life, and your observations make the reader feel as if they are sitting there with you, observing the important parts of the experience. As one who knows I'll never make the journey, I'm so privileged to experience these regions through your excellent writings! Oh, and you had me at "used bookstore." I am sure I would be there still, leafing through antique volumes!
I love that - thank you for always leaving the nicest comments, Jim!! I suspect if you ever went (or ever go!) to Europe, you would have a hard time leaving...so many fascinating things to see and do!
Such a well-written travel blog about two towns we will be visiting in October. This was saved to our must-see/ must-do list. Thank you!
BTW your photos are superb!
Thank you so much - I hope you have a wonderful time!!
Beyond beautiful! I long to go back and explore more of that region!
Thank you, McKenzie!
I did my university studies in the southwest of France (Toulouse). One of my favorite memories of Arles is eating aïoli under the sycamores on a little square during a hot summer afternoon, while on our way to Corsica. Delightful!
My French husband introduced me to calissons and I love them, but good ones are quite pricey.
Agree with you there! My husband is from Aix and we never buy the ones you show in the photo, it's not a local brand at all. The good local ones are Roy René & Puyricard although I haven't seen Puyricard for awhile (maybe they've retired a few years ago)
I did try the ones from Lilamand, too - these were just the ones I took a photo of! But if I'm ever lucky enough to be back, I'll look for those two brands. :)
I didn't show them in a photo, the writer did. Reply threads can get confusing ...😉
Yes I'm referring to the writer of the post.
Such a wonderful and well written article. I’ve never been but really need to go now! The northern part of France & Paris in particular have been my stomping ground for several years. Time to change it up!
I love Provence! And spent a lovely day in Arles. I lived for a month in Montpellier and a month in Menerbes. The markets, the stone, the lavender, the (melancholy) sunlight--I love it all! Except the heat. Thank you for this lovely stroll down memory lane. :)
It seems ridiculous that I stayed for a month in Arles and never made it to Montepellier...but it seemed like the train was always canceled! I'm so glad the post brought back happy memories!
The books in that Aix market!!
I know! I totally regret not buying the Mistral with the cicada on the spine.
Ah, such regrets!
Mesmerized by your words and your rounded edge photos. 🍋💫🌾🍑. Stunning!!
Having just traveled through Yellowstone longing to see a bear—no luck!), I adored this story, along with the lavender fairy tale and your entire wonderful piece, Jodi! You’re a gifted writer, managing to paint a scene as vividly as an artist, describe it like a poet and awaken every other sense. Of course, now I really, really want to visit Arles and Aix.
Where do all those bears at Yellowstone keep themselves?! Thank you so, so much for your kind words, Ruth - they made my day! 💕
You’ve sold it to me. Sounds glorious and what wonderful photos too. Thank you for this piece of joy.