Post by Kim on Feb 14, 2002 0:14:31 GMT -5
13 February
Aix-en-Provance, France
Hi all,
Occured to me after I sent my last note that I am getting quite lazy these days I fear. Have fallen down on my 'description' mode, so will take a few moments here to rectify that.
Nice......How lovely is this town? It is situated on a very large half moon bay, named the Bay of the Angels. The beach is not sand, but small white pebbles and just above it is a large promenade which runs most of the length of the shore. It is lined with palms of all shapes, sizes and heights, and of course the Italian Cyprus trees which I have come to adore. I am not much good at judging distances, but I would venture a guess that the entire length is three miles or more. The water of course is the most remarkable Mediterranian aquamarine blue and clear as can be. On the eastern end of the bay is a rather high outcrop, topped by a lovely park which affords a spectacular view all down the coast. There is an artificial waterfall there which can be seen from the town. Just behind the promenade heading back into the old town is a stretch of street that is one huge flea market of sorts, filled with anything and everything imaginable! And that is flanked by one outdoor cafe after another. On the other side of the outcrop is the port, actually not very large at all, no huge tanker could use this, but man oh man the yachts surely can and there are tons of them. Look like mini ocean liners!
The area of the old town is mostly from the 17th century, full of the typical narrow winding streets, most now occupied by oh so chic shops and cafes. The overriding architectural feature is baroque, with loads of beautifully done iron railings and gates. And the ever present gargoyles, capitals, and curly cues. While the newer more modern side of the town has very large boulevards and is chock full of parks. In fact the whole town has many parks, some with the most fantastic fountains! And everywhere of course lots of palms and trees and flower gardens. It is really beautiful. There are loads and loads of cafes, bars, restaurants, shops....it is a busy place and I saw lots of younger travelers while I was there. It is a bit less expensive than Cannes and way less than Monaco, but both are just a half hour or less by train, so this makes a good base for exploring. There are a few museums, nothing special, and a couple of churchs, again, not any big draw. The draw here is the coast and the area, and the weather of course!
Left there and went to Aix-en-Provance and have been here since yesterday morning. Again, a lovely town but it is the area that is the draw I think. In summer this is a huge lavender growing area, and I wish I were here at that time. Hundreds of postcards showing fields and fields of purple. Must be spectacular indeed! At present the entire city seems to be one huge construction zone, with the main street being town up on both sides! Constant jack hammer noise, which serves to lessen the enjoyment considerable.
They average 300 days of sunshine here per year, so guess I need not comment on the weather? The one thing about this town that stands out to me is the fountains! For a city this size they have about double the norm, or more. And some are quite spectacular indeed, with many spouts, sprays, statues and falls. Only in Rome have I thus far seen so many and of such beauty. Again, no church or museum of any special note to be found here, but more cafes than you could imagine. I have spent most of this morning wandering from one to the next, sipping cafe au lait's and people watching. Sadly, these coffees, while good, can not compare to the cappucinos of Italy, which I shall miss forever more now!
Going to head off toward Avignon tomorrow and continue from there toward the east, Atlantic coast in the days to come. I had not really planned on spending much time in France, so had done little prior research. So am more or less winging it along and trusting on my Lonely Planet for suggestions. I am dreading like hell moving back north I have to say! The weather has been so divine for the past few weeks and the thought of having to break out my heavy coat again brings shudders! I am positively spoiled by the sun!
Hope all is well,
ging
Aix-en-Provance, France
Hi all,
Occured to me after I sent my last note that I am getting quite lazy these days I fear. Have fallen down on my 'description' mode, so will take a few moments here to rectify that.
Nice......How lovely is this town? It is situated on a very large half moon bay, named the Bay of the Angels. The beach is not sand, but small white pebbles and just above it is a large promenade which runs most of the length of the shore. It is lined with palms of all shapes, sizes and heights, and of course the Italian Cyprus trees which I have come to adore. I am not much good at judging distances, but I would venture a guess that the entire length is three miles or more. The water of course is the most remarkable Mediterranian aquamarine blue and clear as can be. On the eastern end of the bay is a rather high outcrop, topped by a lovely park which affords a spectacular view all down the coast. There is an artificial waterfall there which can be seen from the town. Just behind the promenade heading back into the old town is a stretch of street that is one huge flea market of sorts, filled with anything and everything imaginable! And that is flanked by one outdoor cafe after another. On the other side of the outcrop is the port, actually not very large at all, no huge tanker could use this, but man oh man the yachts surely can and there are tons of them. Look like mini ocean liners!
The area of the old town is mostly from the 17th century, full of the typical narrow winding streets, most now occupied by oh so chic shops and cafes. The overriding architectural feature is baroque, with loads of beautifully done iron railings and gates. And the ever present gargoyles, capitals, and curly cues. While the newer more modern side of the town has very large boulevards and is chock full of parks. In fact the whole town has many parks, some with the most fantastic fountains! And everywhere of course lots of palms and trees and flower gardens. It is really beautiful. There are loads and loads of cafes, bars, restaurants, shops....it is a busy place and I saw lots of younger travelers while I was there. It is a bit less expensive than Cannes and way less than Monaco, but both are just a half hour or less by train, so this makes a good base for exploring. There are a few museums, nothing special, and a couple of churchs, again, not any big draw. The draw here is the coast and the area, and the weather of course!
Left there and went to Aix-en-Provance and have been here since yesterday morning. Again, a lovely town but it is the area that is the draw I think. In summer this is a huge lavender growing area, and I wish I were here at that time. Hundreds of postcards showing fields and fields of purple. Must be spectacular indeed! At present the entire city seems to be one huge construction zone, with the main street being town up on both sides! Constant jack hammer noise, which serves to lessen the enjoyment considerable.
They average 300 days of sunshine here per year, so guess I need not comment on the weather? The one thing about this town that stands out to me is the fountains! For a city this size they have about double the norm, or more. And some are quite spectacular indeed, with many spouts, sprays, statues and falls. Only in Rome have I thus far seen so many and of such beauty. Again, no church or museum of any special note to be found here, but more cafes than you could imagine. I have spent most of this morning wandering from one to the next, sipping cafe au lait's and people watching. Sadly, these coffees, while good, can not compare to the cappucinos of Italy, which I shall miss forever more now!Going to head off toward Avignon tomorrow and continue from there toward the east, Atlantic coast in the days to come. I had not really planned on spending much time in France, so had done little prior research. So am more or less winging it along and trusting on my Lonely Planet for suggestions. I am dreading like hell moving back north I have to say! The weather has been so divine for the past few weeks and the thought of having to break out my heavy coat again brings shudders! I am positively spoiled by the sun!
Hope all is well,
ging