avignon
by lostaussie
avignon is a pleasant little town that is probably best known as being the temporary home of the pope during the 14th century. it is a relatively short drive from aix.
a walk through the palais des papes and the surrounding gardens is a worthwhile investment of time. the more touristy little train ride looked little more exciting than horse riding in the local supermarket though.
a stroll through the alleyways in the town below is also quite pleasant with some nice old buildings and squares.
Cite du Livre
by rickyvilla81
Just off Avenue de l'Europe is the big library of Aix, the Cite du Livre. Here is not just a great collection of books and cds, but also a gallery and exhibition centre, where many famed people come and give talks or put on shows. Toni Morrison, author of Beloved and Tar Baby, held a three day festival here, which included readings, films, talks and discussions, plus more. Arthouse Films are regularly shown here from all over the world.
The great thing about this place though is the architecture - the building consists of huge classic French books, from Le Petit Prince to l'Etranger, leaning upon one another.
Eyes open and heads up in Aix.
by KnightScene
It's not so much off the beaten track as one would imagine; not in my oppinion. Walking through Aix is a wonderful experience as long as you enjoy old, rustic, decay (Yes, alot of it too!!!) and very narrow, very tall very secluded alleyways that ordinarily would scream warnings but here... seem to becon you in with a welcome atmosphere of calm and tranquility.
Many of the tourists I saw stuck to the usual Markets, shops and hard loud open squares. Nothing wrong woth that. But... a few paces to one side; walk down one of the tiny styreets and simply slip off left or right into one of those unassuming alleyways and find old aix in all its glory. Tall, narrow semi lit in a wonderful pastel sunshine that tries to get to the ground but only manages lighting the tops of the buildings. Thereafter everything is bathed in Ambers and peach light.
Its history can be seen down these walkways and many of them , quite unexpectedly, are painted. Wall Art I call it. Some just a three by three foot square. Some fifty feet wide by ten high. Massive murals on the plasterwork itself.
All types shapes and sizes, styles and colours. Some old masters, some 1950's replicas and, if you look really closely, all through the last century people painted these walls as you can see the old 1930 and 1945 adverts still on the walls here and there. Faded, just a ghost of what was, but still there.
Travel is NOT just about the statues and clocktowers. Its about atmosphere and getting in touch and just keeping your eyes open for more than the giant 'attractions'.
Aix is small enough to see in a day but big enough to miss all the best parts even after several months of walking through and round it.
Forum des Cardeurs
by rickyvilla81
Around the sloping cobbles of the Place de Forum des Cardeurs you will find a whole range of eateries, catering to all tastes. At the very foot of the square is the delightful Le P'tit Bistrot, which has a very special atmosphere to warm you up when the Mistral blows. Book ahead though - it's very popular. Further up, past the Creole restaurant is the Cote Soleil, never too busy but the service is very good. They have a great range of pizzas and salads for cheap prices. Next door at number 28 is Prima Pasta, which does great lunch deals and of course, a real Adriatic size menu of pastas. Further up are many more cafes and creperies, all opening out onto the street, shaded by the clocktower of the Hotel de Ville. At Prima Pasta I would recommend the Seafood Risotto - a deliciously tasty blend of mussels, shrimp, rice, tomato sauce, herbs and god knows what else. The gnocchi in four cheeses is a good choice, but even I could not finish it - the sauce is very thick, be warned!
See the Carousel on the Cours Mirabeau!
by ParisToo
I was in Aix in early Spring (late March/early April) and this, the most unique and fanciful carousel I'd ever seen, was operating at the far end of the Cours Mirabeau. I photographed it on a Sunday afternoon, when the young families were out in full force, enjoying the watery Spring sunshine. I couldn't believe the fantastical animals & contraptions presented for children to ride -- it makes our American merry-go-rounds seem quite tame in comparison!
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Former Halle aux Grains (Aix-en-Provence, France)
Vendors and their Wares
Boys on the wings of a bird, and a Flying Horse
Ghosts of What Was. Aix-en-Provence.
