Let’s Go To France
Sep 25th, 2021, 01:23 AM
#81
Original Poster
Aix en Provence
Our car rental return couldn’t have been any easier. Our car had navigation but I also used my phone. Sometimes the car would want us to go on some very small roads or even someone’s driveway.
We took the number 40 bus from the train station to the city center. A 20 minute ride for 6€/person. There were only four people on the bus and everyone was wearing a mask.
We lugged everything from the bus station to the hotel and gratefully left everything there until our room was ready. Les Quatre Dauphins is a small hotel that is in the historical center.
There were so many people out and about. The weather sunny and just the right temperature to eat outside. A beautiful salad with chicken and a glass of wine.
A breakfast at the hotel and I tasted the best croissant to date. I have been reading a book, recommended by fellow Fodorite Underhill, called One More Croissant For The Road. So, I have been grading my croissants. This one with the laminated layers, crunchy outside and soft inside make it a winner. Add to that fresh orange juice and coffee and I am set for the morning.
Our first stop is a walled garden that is so peaceful and I feel myself breathe. In a city it is really nice to have this space. After some pictures and sitting at the bench we go back to the main fountain and look for the tourist train.
Yes, we took the train. At 10€ apiece for a 45 minute ride it was a great way to learn a little more of the city and rest our feet. Funnily, we have walked almost every part of the train ride. It did give us a chance to look up and notice different things. My favorite is the big men that are holding up a balcony. I realize then that two others are also holding one up at the house in the garden we saw earlier.
A leisurely lunch in a small square with a fountain and a cold drink revive me for some shopping. I found a small linen store and buy a really pretty blue throw. I love the vivid color but not sure if it will be a gift for my dil or myself. Running out of suitcase space makes me limit my shopping bit. There are some really nice small stores with ceramics and artworks. I couldn’t bring myself to spend 100€ on a dress for my grand niece.
In the evening we set out with a purpose to find a building my dh saw earlier in the day. After a bit of time weaving and passing more fountains we decide it just will not be found and head to dinner. On a Friday evening, everyone is out and about but we do find a quite relaxing corner to people watch while we have chicken and frites with a bottle of red wine. I did end up ordering some chocolate mousse that had some fresh berries on top. A great way to end our last night in Aix en Provence.
Earlier bedtime as we have a train to Paris tomorrow.
Our car rental return couldn’t have been any easier. Our car had navigation but I also used my phone. Sometimes the car would want us to go on some very small roads or even someone’s driveway.
We took the number 40 bus from the train station to the city center. A 20 minute ride for 6€/person. There were only four people on the bus and everyone was wearing a mask.
We lugged everything from the bus station to the hotel and gratefully left everything there until our room was ready. Les Quatre Dauphins is a small hotel that is in the historical center.
There were so many people out and about. The weather sunny and just the right temperature to eat outside. A beautiful salad with chicken and a glass of wine.
A breakfast at the hotel and I tasted the best croissant to date. I have been reading a book, recommended by fellow Fodorite Underhill, called One More Croissant For The Road. So, I have been grading my croissants. This one with the laminated layers, crunchy outside and soft inside make it a winner. Add to that fresh orange juice and coffee and I am set for the morning.
Our first stop is a walled garden that is so peaceful and I feel myself breathe. In a city it is really nice to have this space. After some pictures and sitting at the bench we go back to the main fountain and look for the tourist train.
Yes, we took the train. At 10€ apiece for a 45 minute ride it was a great way to learn a little more of the city and rest our feet. Funnily, we have walked almost every part of the train ride. It did give us a chance to look up and notice different things. My favorite is the big men that are holding up a balcony. I realize then that two others are also holding one up at the house in the garden we saw earlier.
A leisurely lunch in a small square with a fountain and a cold drink revive me for some shopping. I found a small linen store and buy a really pretty blue throw. I love the vivid color but not sure if it will be a gift for my dil or myself. Running out of suitcase space makes me limit my shopping bit. There are some really nice small stores with ceramics and artworks. I couldn’t bring myself to spend 100€ on a dress for my grand niece.
In the evening we set out with a purpose to find a building my dh saw earlier in the day. After a bit of time weaving and passing more fountains we decide it just will not be found and head to dinner. On a Friday evening, everyone is out and about but we do find a quite relaxing corner to people watch while we have chicken and frites with a bottle of red wine. I did end up ordering some chocolate mousse that had some fresh berries on top. A great way to end our last night in Aix en Provence.
Earlier bedtime as we have a train to Paris tomorrow.
Sep 27th, 2021, 10:13 AM
#88
Original Poster
Glad you are all liking the photos.
We have had rain, thunderstorms and beautiful blue skies for the past couple of days.
A ton of walking and then some bus rides to relieve our feet. The magnificence of the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe are really jaw dropping.
Kerouac posted two beautiful photos of the Arc in the Photos of France feed. I especially like the one at night. I really thought I would be disappointed that the Arc was wrapped but it really is something incredible. We even saw guys rappelling down it today.
Here are some photos of the past few days.
We have had rain, thunderstorms and beautiful blue skies for the past couple of days.
A ton of walking and then some bus rides to relieve our feet. The magnificence of the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe are really jaw dropping.
Kerouac posted two beautiful photos of the Arc in the Photos of France feed. I especially like the one at night. I really thought I would be disappointed that the Arc was wrapped but it really is something incredible. We even saw guys rappelling down it today.
Here are some photos of the past few days.
Sep 27th, 2021, 10:29 AM
#89
Original Poster
Scallop potatoes were incredible.
A walk through Jardin des Tuileries
I love all the flowers blooming
There was a big race through this s area. We got to see lots of runners along with people cheering them on.
By the time we got to Notre Dame I needed a break.
I got my own pot of hot chocolate at our hotel. The breakfast was great.
Lots of looking at the Le Grand Epicurie. What an amazing store.
Honey anyone?
I love the wonderful window displays
Le Jardin du Luxembourg
Shortly after this is started raining really hard.
The Arc
Luxor Obelisk
Sep 28th, 2021, 02:34 AM
#92
Original Poster
mille2112- We stayed at La Petite Chomel. I really like the area. The hotel and staff are wonderful. I booked the room through Booking.com almost 18 months ago. They were so very nice about changing the dates of our stay. It does have a small lift so you don’t have to take your luggage upstairs.
https://www.lepetitchomel.com/en
https://www.lepetitchomel.com/en
Sep 28th, 2021, 02:39 AM
#93
Original Poster
Tdudette- Ohhh I think there are pros and cons about everyplace we stayed. My two favorite small towns in Provence are Roussillon and Eygalières. Paris I have loved especially the parks. I loved the size of Beaune too.
Sep 28th, 2021, 03:23 AM
#94
Thanks so much for your marvellous TR, Paqngo. I stumbled across it quite by chance and have just had a wonderful vicarious wander around in your footsteps. I’m really enjoying your descriptive writing & am quite sure I’ve stacked on a few kgs, just savouring some of your meals!
Love the photos! Thanks again & I’m looking forward to the next chapters.
Love the photos! Thanks again & I’m looking forward to the next chapters.
Sep 28th, 2021, 04:23 AM
#96
Thanks for taking the time to post all those photos.
Your journey through France was oh so interesting. You hit so many of our favorite spots
but also got us interested in some places we haven’t been to. Hopefully we’ll return in 2022.
Your journey through France was oh so interesting. You hit so many of our favorite spots
but also got us interested in some places we haven’t been to. Hopefully we’ll return in 2022.
Sep 28th, 2021, 06:18 AM
#97
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,528
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What a wonderful TR and fabulous pictures! Your trip covered many of the places we visited during a big family vacation in 2018 and it brought back such happy memories. Thanks again for taking us along with you, much appreciated 👍
Sep 28th, 2021, 04:44 PM
#98
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you so much for your trip report. It was fun following along on your journey. I especially loved your apparent sweet tooth (or maybe I was projecting mine), and the views of sweets and patisseries along the way.
