Darlene Foster's Blog

The first stop on our cruise was Marseilles, France. This was my very first visit to France! Another dream come true. We took a bus to Aix-en Provence as we had heard so many wonderful things about this charming place, the home of Cezanne. We were not disappointed. The only problem was that we wanted more time to explore. What we did see we loved, and promised to return.

Mont Sainte-Victoire, Cezanne´s favourite subject to paint, overlooks the city.

The bakeries and pastry shops are mouth watering.

A pleasant walk took us through the historic town centre with interesting architecture and stately houses

At the town hall we witnessed a wedding about to take place.

Carvings grace the outside of the impressive twelfth century St. Saviour´s Cathedral  built on the site of a former Roman forum

Inside the dome of the cathedral

Original frescos from the 12th century discovered in the cathedral

Not surprising that we stumbled upon an artists´market

Aix-en-Provence is famous for its many gorgeous fountains

Aix has a long and interesting history and has been an artistic centre and seat of learning since the twelfth century. We enjoyed a café au lait at one of the many outdoor cafés that Paul Cezanne, Emile Zola or Ernest Hemingway may well have frequented. My first visit to France was a favourable one and I can´t help but wonder why it took me so long to get there.

In light of recent events, I dedicate this post to the good citizens of France who are in my heart and in my prayers.