We left Cassis and headed 20 min east to check out a smaller town on the Mediterranean coast that was not as touristy…well not yet… La Ciotat. There was a small farmer’s market along the wharf where we bought a nice Rose from a vendor that only sells organic products. We asked him for a suggestion as to where to eat and off we went for a delicious lunch at L’ Office ‘In http://www.lofficein-restaurant-laciotat.fr/ and just relaxed by the harbour. TIP: If someone has a ‘good vibe’ about them and seem to care about food and/or drink, why not ask them for their opinion. 90% of the time, people will open up more, engage with you and break down the social wall between strangers.
Our Airbnb for the next month is about 15 minutes north west of Aix en Provence centre- most folks just say Aix- pronounced like ‘axe’. It is the cultural hub of southern France- founded by the Romans in 123 BC who believed in the healing power of its thermal springs. I can’t wait to check out the spa that is still on the same site. http://www.thermes-sextius.com/
We arrived at our Airbnb which is set up on a hill above Aix with a lovely view of Cezanne’s favorite mountain, Mont Sainte-Victoire and the town below. There are wineries within 5 minutes and a super market in less than 10. Our hosts left a bottle of olive oil and a chilled Rose for us from the local vineyard, http://www.domainepeyblanc.com/ which we can practically walk to. I think we will be very comfortable here.
Our hosts may be thinking that Americans grill meat all the time since this seems to be a daily activity for Douglas (see photo above).
There is a market every day in Aix! The French focus their meals on fresh fruit and vegetables that are in season. Right now the markets are full of strawberries, apricots, cantaloupes, eggplant, and tomatoes. There is also a clothing market along the main drag, the Cours Mirabeau, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The street markets are usually folded up and gone by 2pm, sometimes earlier. TIP: Sunday and Mondays, lots of stores will be closed. Other days, most smaller stores will be closed from 2pm until 4pm. Your mileage may vary.
Did I mention this is our view from the jacuzzi? Feeling so blessed and grateful to experience Aix as our touch down spot in Provence.
