Paul Cézanne was devoted to his hometown of Aix-en-Provence, in southern France, and it's easy to see why. More than a hundred years after the great artist's time, it's still a lovely, livable city. “When you're born here,” Cézanne said, “nothing else is good enough.” He was fascinated by the light of Provence and painted the region's landscapes over and over—some 60 versions of Mt. St. ... Read Full Article
EuropeUpClose Picks for Best Cities in Europe for Canoodling
Looking for romantic Europe? From the cozy canals of Venice, to sophisticated Paris, to mysterious Valencia, Spain, Europe offers romance around every corner. You can find romance anywhere, but these cities are our favorites for finding that special spot for canoodling. Venice, Italy The city of quiet canals and music is our choice for the best city in Europe for canoodling. What is more ... Read Full Article
Five Places to Stay in Aix-en-Provence
In charming, lively Aix-en-Provence, lodgings abound for every taste and budget. This civilized, cultured, fountain-filled city in southern France has been a popular tourist destination for a very long time. Here are five hospitable choices in the historic center, close to the famous main boulevard, Cours Mirabeau: Hotel Cezanne 4-Star Hotel Cezanne, named for Aix's most famous ... Read Full Article
Favorite Towns of Provence and the Cote d’ Azur
Mmmm...imagine sunshine, the scent of lavender and rosemary, parasol pines, olive groves, sunflowers, and the Mediterranean...you are experiencing the South of France. But Provence and the Cote d'Azur offer much more than that. Think of hill towns, charming markets, art galleries, sailing, scuba diving, star-gazing (movie star, that is), swimming and soaking up the sun, and of course, fine French ... Read Full Article
Where to Stay in Aix en Provence, France
An ideal base for exploring Provence, Aix en Provence supplies a good selection of 3-star and 4-star accommodations, and, though it is short on 5-star and budget hotels, our list of ‘where to stay’ options includes an assortment of both. As always, our ‘where to stay’ choices have given preference to hotels with modern conveniences, especially free WiFi. Because Provence is best explored ... Read Full Article
Provence Weather, Wines and Culture
Provence, in the south of France, is a fabulous place to visit to enjoy the weather, the culture and, of course, the wine! Provence Weather and Le Mistral Even in December, the southern French region of Provence maintains lovely temperatures in the 50s and 60s. This is due in part to a cold, dry wind called “le Mistral.” Le Mistral is the result of an atmospheric phenomenon that occurs ... Read Full Article
France’s Southern Alps Snow Train
Touristic trains are a great way to discover non-mainstream France. During the ski season, they take you to relatively lesser-known ski destinations—which means shorter lines at the ski lift. Every week-end from mid-January to mid-March the Train des Neiges, Alpes-Sud proposes to take skiers to 24 different resorts. The train travels from the Provence countryside to the foothills of the Alps ... Read Full Article
Aix en Provence France: Cézanne’s Home
Aix en Provence, a beautiful old Roman town, was built on the ruins of Entremont in the year 122 B.C. The area had hot and cold springs and was thus named Aquae Sextiae. In the Middle Ages, after it was abandoned by the Romans, Aix became the center of trade in the region and the home of the Sovereign Counts of Provence. Today, with a population of 137,000 (including 40,000 university ... Read Full Article