What to do, where to eat while in Aix-en-Provence

Tags

28 a Aix, Aix en Provence, Antiques Michel Bianchi, Atelier Paul Cezanne, Hotel des Augustins, Hotel Negre Costes, Le papagayo, Le Passage, Les Fontaines d'Aix-en - Provence

I will say that this chic spa town encompasses the best of Provence gorgeous 17th- and 18th-century town houses, medieval streets, bustling markets, fine food, cafes, Roman baths, and former artist residents ( Cezanne & Zola)whose legacies have helped to shape France today. Once you have checked into your hotel you can easily spend the entire day wandering through the streets. The Cours Mirabeau is the main drag dotted with fountains, Rue Gaston- de- Saporta is crowded with shops, and the Manzarin quarter is the peaceful, grid-pattered district of Aix’s former bourgeoisie.

The fountains of Aix-En-Provence

The fountains des neuf canons on Rue Clemenceau marks the center of the Cours and dates from 1691. Water from the moss coated fountains on both rues de Nazareth and rue Laroque issues forth at a steaming 34c ( 93F). La Fountaine du Roi Rene ( Just before Place Forbin) is a 19th-century ode to good king Rene.

Where to stay and dine.

Grand Hotel Negre coste, Cours Mirabeau

This 17th-century townhouse is very popular with musicians who flock to Aix for the summer festivals. Rooms are excellent value and parking is available. http://www.hotelnegrecoste.com

Hotel des Augustins

Located in Cours Mirabeau. History lovers will enjoy this quirky hotel – First a 12th-century chapel, then an Auberge where Martin Luther stayed after his excommunication from Rome. (3 rue de La Masse). http://www.hotel-augustins.com

Le Papagayo

historic center. Cheap food and copious salads are served with a smile, on this bustling, sun filled square. Good place if you watch your wallet!. ( 22 place. Forum des Cardeurs) 04-42-23-98-35.

 Le Passage

This converted warehouse is Aix’s most fashionable address, combining fun designs with great food ( There is an organic menu too). Art exhibitions,Live music, and even cooking classes if you have time. http://www.le-passage.fr Lunch and dinner daily.

28 A Aix

Cours Mirabeau. This chic B&B , is set in an 18th-century Aix mansion, has charming rooms, richly infused with the decorations of Aix, a tea- room, art gallery and a decorating workshop. http://www.28-a-aix.com

Michel Bianchi Antiques

You never know what you will find in this very interesting store in the small antiques quarter of Aix. It will probably be from the 17th or 18th-century. Please check it out, it is worth the stop. ( 3 rue Granet) 4-42-21-60-23

Atelier Paul Cezanne

Bread at Le passage a restaurant in Aix

Located in a cottage on Les Lauves Hill, north of the city, looks pretty much as it did when the artist died in 1906. Some of the objects that appeared in his still-life paintings are scattered around with some memorabilia, his marriage certificate. There is an authenticity and intimacy to the atelier ( workshop).( 9 Avenue Paul Cezanne); 4-42-21-06-53

Beautiful Hotel in Aix en Provence. 28-a-aix

One bedroom at 28-a-Aix

The hallway at 28 -a-Aix

Entrance to the hotel

Michel Bianchi Antiques

Le Passage restaurant in Aix

Atelier Paul Cezanne

Atelier Paul Cezanne in Aix-en-Provence

Anne Suire

No Plans for Thanksgiving 2015? join us and celebrate in Provence.

Fall Provence Tours/ thanksgiving 2015

Les Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

Tags

Alain Ducasse, Chateau Arnoux St-Auban, Haute Provence, La Bastide de Moustiers, La bonne Etape, Les Gorges du Verdon, Relaix & Chateaux

Scanning the horizon as though still awaiting enemy attack, the citadels and fortresses of Haute-Provence testify to a turbulent past. Millions of years and history are studied and preserved at the Haute-Provence  Geological Reserve and at Quinson’s Museum of Prehistory with the Baume-Bonne grotto nearby. In the Gorges du verdon, that I have visited on occasion you can swim in crystal-clear lakes or tunnel your way through the rocks, armed with a torch. The plateau de Valensole is one of Provence‘s great lavender growing centers, while to the east, after Castellane, where the Alpes -Maritimes begin, you will notice that palm trees start to appear.

Moustiers Ste-Marie

Cheerful little town scattered either side of a waterfall and surmounted by a 12th-century Lombard-style bell tower. The great star donated by Baron Blacas in gratitude for his safe return from the crusades, hangs on a chain suspended between two mountains. Moustiers has been associated with pottery since 1676, when the Clerissy brothers opened their faience factory. Delicate, glazed earthenware, handpainted with grotesques ( comical  fantasy figures) , has since achieved worldwide success. Visit the faience museum, it reveals a few trade secrets.

La Bastide-de-Moustiers

One of Alain Ducasse, 12-room Relais & Chateaux, a very haute-rustic hotel. Ducasse says that he wants to cook” just like my neighbor”, Ducasse is never here. The kitchen is on the first floor and open to guests, just as it would be in a residence. The cuisine is regional, cuisine du marche, and it is excellent, with vegetables and spit-roasted meats taking pride of place on the menu.The wine list is a very big surprise – very good wines for very reasonable prices- and the dining patio is gorgeous. It overlooks a small valley and is shaded by large white umbrellas and pollarded elm trees.There is a prefix menu!. If you want to eat at La Bastide de Moustiers, take the route Napoleon from Draguignan and then the D952 through the Gorges du Verdon. It is not the fastest route but the views are spectacular – especially the stretch through the Gorges. Chemin de Quinson ( on the D952 going toward Riez) ; 4-92-70-47-47. http://www.bastide-moustiers.com

Chateau Arnoux-St -Auban

The food is excellent and I am still wondering why this Relais & Chateaux only rates one Michelin star. La Bonne Etape whose receptionist is also the telephone operator- and incidentally the Chatelaine. Madame Gleize always appeared with perfect timing throughout the evening. The chef, son Gany comes into the bar with some workmen from whom hes is indistinguishable, and apologizes for his appearance by saying that he was fixing something in the restaurant. Some restaurants get by on fame and money some get by on dedication and that’s what La Bonne Etape is all about. The place is off the beaten track in the northwestern frontier of Provence, I will insist on you spending the night, you won’t regret it. Oh and there is a heated pool in the garden. The owner told me that many guests fly from Cannes and Monte-Carlo for lunch. Give it a try, this is a great place with great food and great service. Chemin du Lac;

Anne Suire

http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com

Fall Provence Tours/ thanksgiving 2015

Les Gorges du Verdon

Les Gorges du verdon

La Bastide de Moustiers

La Bastide de Moustiers.

La Bonne Etape

A room at Chateau Arnoux St-Auban

Anne@luxurytravelconsultant2.com

A few more places to explore in Marseille

Tags

Faience Figueres, Le palais Longchamp, Les Mets de Provence, Marseille

La Palais Longchamp

No other monument better expresses the ebullience of 19th-century Marseille – along with Chicago, the fastest growing city in the world for right now than  This grandiose complex  inaugurated in 1869. A massive neoclassical-style, horseshoe shaped colonnade with a triumphal arch at his center. In fact it is the greatest expression of Marseille 19th-century golden age.. ” what is essentially a water tower is embellished in palatial second empire style. Fountains, columns and animal sculptures evoke abundance and fertility. The central gallery is flanked by two ornate wings, home to the fine arts and natural history museums. Lush gardens stretch behind.( Open 10am -5pm Tuesday-Sunday).

Faience Figueres

This charming family owned and operated l’atelier has almost single- handedly revived faience and ceramic trompe-l’oeil centerpieces and decorative objects, a Marseille tradition that dates to the early 17th-century. If you look at the original designs you will notice that they reflect influences from Rouen, Spain, and Italy, but by 1750 the city had 15 factories  and had developed a decorative style of its own, characterized by  Chinese motifs, animals, landscapes and seascapes. 12 Avenue Lauzier. http://www.faiencerie-figueres.com

Where to eat? have you tried Les Mets De Provence?

This wonderful old-fashioned , second floor dining room, located in the heart of Marseille, was founded in 1936 by Mauric Brun. The kitchen proudly perpetuates the traditional cooking of Provence with recipes that may have come from the pages of La cuisine Provencal, the bible of Provencal cooking. There is a big rotisserie in the fireplace, Large vases of flowers and tables set in a pretty home-style. There is no printed menu: the owner will recite the daily offer, wine included. Ask for the table next to the window over-looking the vieux port. If you look up you will notice that there is no ceiling, so you can see how the tile roof was laid onto the massive old beams. 18 Quai de Rive Neuve; 4-91-33-35-38

Le Palais Longchamp, Marseille

Le Palais Longchamp

Faience Figueres, Marseille

Faience Figueres

Restaurant, Les Mets de Provence in the heart of Marseille

The restaurant, Les Mets de Provence in Marseille…

Le Palais Longchamp

Anne Suire

Fall Provence Tours/ thanksgiving 2015 http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com /

I love Paris in the Fall

Tags

Anouschka, Chanel, high end clothing, Paris shopping, personal shopper, Yves Saint Laurent

Besides doing travel, Anne Suire is also a personal shopper, born and raised in Paris she is still in the know about the city of lights. For $ 1,500 a day, she will take you and your friends to the chic boutiques of Paris and make sure that you get the best treatment from the snooty sales assistants that your hard-earned greenbacks deserve. Just in case  you don’t have an extra few thousand to unload, here are some good advice.

• Never wear sneakers. Definitely a giveaway that you are a tourist and invite inferior service.
• It maybe silly but carry a designer’s shopping bag with you, even if you have to borrow one from a friend. It will probably give you shopping credibility. On the off chance that you buy something, have the store send it to your hotel.
• If you don’t speak French , a ” Bonjour madame”, and a friendly smile should help because they will think that you mean business.
• If by any chance you run out of steam in the middle of the afternoon, head out to a designer store such as Chanel, Prada or Yves Saint-Laurent, they usually oblige!.
• Parisian store keepers usually work reasonable hours. They shut their stores at 7PM every weeknight and are closed all day Sunday.
• Finally, for an only-in-Paris shopping experience , try to snag an appointment at
  

  Anouschka in Paris.

  

  Anouschka high end Antique clothing.

  Anouschka  (

  

  Anne Suire.

  33-1-48-74-37-00). Located in the 9th district, if you like high-end vintage fans, you have come to the right place. Address is : 6 Avenue du coq, 75009. Paris– Metro Trinite or Saint Lazare.

• Anne also takes clients to The Paris Flea Markets as well as Provence and all over France.
• For more information email her at : anne@luxurytravelconsultant2.com

Eygalieres in Les Alpilles

Tags

Chapel St-Sixte, Coteaux d'Aix en Provence-les -Baux, Le Bistro d'Eygalieres chez bru, Le Mas dou Pastre, Les Alpilles, Mas de La Brune

The lower slopes of Les Alpilles are covered with vineyards producing Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence-les-Baux, a wine with a very good reputation. In the heart of the Alpilles, the tiny village east of Eygalieres is really too pretty for its own good, now filled with overpriced interior, design shops and restaurants. However its delightful 12th- century chapel St-Sixte, which dominates a luminous hillside speckled with olive and almond trees lifts the spirits. Pagan rites were performed on the hill.Pagan rites involving spring water from les Alpilles were performed on the hills. One still remains: on the day of a couple’s engagement the future husband drinks spring water from his fiance’s hands. If they don’t marry within a year he dies.

Eygalieres is host to the elite, before it was St Tropez, now they have all moved here. This sleepy, tiny village has always been home to artists, but now it has become the Hamptons of Provence.

Le Mas de La Brune

I really liked this place and was delighted by its owner , Marie de LaRouziere  whose property spreads over 5 hectares of newly landscaped gardens surrounded by Lavender, chestnut trees, and roses. The 16th-century Mas ( farmhouse), was built by the mayor of Eygalieres. The decor in the rooms is not the best, but if you make the best of it you can have a wonderful time during your stay. The mas only serves breakfast.( About 2 kilometers north of Eygalieres toward Route St-Remy). Phone number is 4-90-95-90-77

Le Mas dou Pastre

This very simple, 18th-century stone farmhouse B&B has 12 rooms, all decorated in the Provencal style- sunny ochers and apricots, cornflowers blue. When I went there quite a few years ago, no English was spoken there. Albine Roumanille, her husband Maurice and sister Joelle, were extremely gracious. The breakfast was wonderful, coffee, freshly squeeze orange juice, homemade jams and breads , all was wonderful!. The rooms were affordable price wise and I would recommend it to anyone  who does not want to break their bank account. Quartier Saint Sixte ; 4-90-95-92-61

 

Swimming pool at Le Mas dou Pastre

Le Mas de La Brune

Le Bistrot d’Eygalieres Chez Bru

Exquisite Food at Le Bistrot d’Eygalieres

Le Bistrot d’Eygalieres.

Vegetables in Provence

Provencal Food

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Le Bistrot d’Eygalieres Chez Bru

Belgian born owner chef Wout Bru‘s dishes, are all densely flavored poached prawns with a compote of tomatoes; seared foie gras in a Balsamic reduction or a tart of sweet, delicate sardines; roast pigeon with shallot confit and Tarragon essence; also a rich and flaky caramelized apple tart was out of this world. The owner has expanded so the place looks very different and the colors are as bland as the restaurant decor. Rue de La Republique ; 4-90-90-60-34

Visit us online at http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com Fall Provence Tours/ thanksgiving 2015

Anne Suire

A few more ideas if you visit Marseille

Tags

L'Escale, Les Goudes, Marseille, Musee de la Faience

Le Musee de la Faience

Really worth to visit this museum just to look at the building it occupies, the 19th-century chateau Pastre. It was built for a wealthy shipowner who filled it with carved plasterwork, frescoes and carrara marble staircases. Within its display areas, set out in 19 rooms over a total of 4 levels, are more than 1,500 amazing pieces of rare faience, a ceramic of molded clay covered with an enamel shell with engraved or painted designs and finally glazed to a light sheen. The tour of this chateau begins with ca.5000 bc vase fragment, found near Marseille. when you visit room by room you will see all the famous names are here. Blue and white Clerissy, some period Moustiers, 18th-century Fauchier and up to 20-century Art Nouveau. The Chateau has spectacular views of the sea. ( 157 Avenue de Montredon), about a 20 minutes drive from downtown;

Les Goudes

This little fishing village is only 15 minutes from Central Marseille. Many of the locals have not gone into the city of Marseille in years. A good place to have lunch is L’Escale and the fish on the menu depends on the fresh cash of the day, the owner is  a former fishmonger and the food is quite good. Besides, the spacious seaside terrace is the perfect accompaniment. ( 2, Boulevard Alexandre Delabre)

Anne Suire

http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com

Faience at the Chateau Pastre

Chateau Pastre, a 19th-century…

Fish Stew at l’Escale in Goudes…

Restaurant, L’Escale in Goudes…

Small house in the village of Goudes.

Fall Provence Tours/ thanksgiving 2015

Ousteau de Baumaniere and La Cabro d’Or

Tags

Anne Suire, BAUX VAL D'ENFER, La Cabro d'Or, LE MANOIR, Les Baux de Provence., Luxury Travel Consultant2, Ousteau de Baumaniere, PROVENCAL

The local cuisine at L’Ousteau de Baumaniere

The cuisine at l’Ousteau

l’Oustau de Baumaniere

I could not believe that the tiny town of Les Baux was on the verge of extinction after world war two, when its population was 150. Now it has become a luxury lifestyle capital, largely due to the two star restaurant, Ousteau de Baumaniere. It consists of three buildings ( 22 rooms total) : the main building ( six rooms and 2 suites), which is attached to the restaurant; and the two residences, La Guigou ( two rooms and three suites) and Le Manoir  ( five rooms and four suites).

In the main building the rooms are done in a French traditional style. In one room is an enormous fireplace and a canopy bed and a fireplace in another room ( add room service ravioli de truffes to complete the setting). A beautiful terrace for lunch, a large pool and the village of Les Baux above.

Le Manoir is tucked into the corner of the Cabro d’Or hotel. It offers a 110-yard walk to La Cabro d’or pool or a half mile drive to the one at Baumaniere.And on top of it, no staff on the promises which bring the prices down;

The Ousteau de Baumaniere restaurant serves a mixes the rusticity of fresh vegetables and other local produce and offers very sophisticated takes on Provencal cuisine. http://www.ousteaubaumaniere.com

THANKSGIVING IN PROVENCE. http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com Fall Provence Tours/ thanksgiving 2015

La Cabro d’Or

The Cabro d’Or got a new look and its rooms have been brightened with Provencal colors and local antiques, and the standards of the starred restaurant significantly raised. You will taste vivid versions of local classics. The reasons to stay at La Cabro d’Or include cheaper prices and the gardens.Outside Baux in Val D’Enfer.

Anne Suire

La Cabro d’Or

The pool at La Cabro d’Or

Where to have a bite to eat in Les Baux de Provence

Tags

La Petite France, Le bistro du Paradou, Les Baux de Provence., Moulin Jean Marie Cornille Olive oil.

About Les Baux-de-Provence

Emerging dramatically from its crag on the edge of the Alpilles hills. Les Baux was one of the finest courts in medieval Provence. Abandoned for centuries, the ruined castle and labyrinthine streets now throb on tourists every summer. The site remains majestic, the atmosphere very lively and the views over mountains and plains quite breathtaking. This village is one of the most fortified villages and the chateau des Baux, whose walls date from the 10th -century  and the church has 20th-century stained- glass windows.

Le Bistro du Paradou

The restaurant is located in Le Paradou, just outside Les Baux. I was taken by the bustling ambiance and the simple set menu, which changes daily. Le bistro du Paradou has become famous and spoiled by success the waits between courses were quite long, and the food did not taste as good . September through July open for lunch and dinner and October through June open for lunch only; 57 Avenue de la Vallee des Baux.

La Petite France

The ambiance of this dining room in which thick wood ceiling beams play off beige stone walls, both from the 17th-century. The food is both robust and elegant, if they still serve it, try the eggplant terrine with a concentrated tomato coulis. 55 Avenue de La Vallee des Baux in Le Paradou, 3 kms south of Les Baux. ( Closed all day on Wednesday as well as Thursday Lunch. Phone # 4-90-54-91

Cooperative Oleicole de la Vallee des Baux

The olive oil from La Vallee des Baux is supposed to be the best in France as well as the best in the valley – the one sought out by top chefs in Paris. comes from Moulin Jean-Marie Cornille, cooperative Oleicole de La Vallee des Baux. The olive oil is made the old fashion way by combining the 5 olive varieties, crushing them in granite mills, pressing once, then leaving them to settle for 4 to 5 months for natural decantation. The result is a thick, fruity and sweet olive oil. Rue Charloun Rieux In Maussane Les Alpilles. ( http://www.moulin-cornille.com)

Anne Suire

http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com

La Petite France

La Petite France restaurant

Cafe Le Paradou.

Cooperative de Moulin Jean Marie Cornille

The best Olive oil de Moulin Jean Marie Cornille.

Special Offer from LTC2

St. -Remy-de -Provence, where to stay and what to do while on vacation

Tags

candied fruits, Chateau des Alpilles, Domaine de Valmouriane, Lilamand, St Paul de Mausole Monastery, St Remy

Le Domaine de Valmouriane

Is the best game in town. The grounds are truly beautiful, the exterior is perfect , and the 14 rooms are well decorated in rustic style – Although some are better than others. If you stay there go with Pagnol , it has very beautiful wood ceiling beams, a decorative white stone fireplace, and a few local antiques. Petite rue des Baux, Les baux de Provence. Phone number is : 4-90-92-44-62, the Fax # is 4-90-92-37-32

Le Chateau des Alpilles…

Le Domaine de Valmouriane

The former Chapel at Le chateau des Alpilles converted farmhouses with very cozy rooms

St Paul de Mausole monastery

St Paul de Mausole Monastery where Van Gogh resided afetr cutting his ear

Le Chateau des Alpilles

Built in the 19th-century in St- Remy, the chateau belongs to a prominent Arles family. Service standards and cuisine rate highly, and the rooms in the castle, the former chapel and adjoining converted farmhouses are very cozy. http://www.chateaudesalpilles.com

St-Paul de Mausole monastery

Is a place to visit if you like art and history.Van Gogh’s presence is felt here, he resided from 1889 to 1890 and produced more than 150 paintings. He convalesced after cutting his ear in Avignon. Some of his canvases were painted here, because from the window of the cell you can still see the fields – the very landscape that appears in so many of his work. Alle St-Paul , off Avenue Van Gogh.

Make a stop at Lilamand

If you have a sweet tooth you will enjoy the fine candied fruits; they are the specialty of Lilamand. 5 Avenue Albert Schweitzer,St Remy.

Lilamand Confiseur

Candied fruits at Lilamand

Anne Suire

http://www.luxurytravelconsultant2.com Fall Provence Tours/ thanksgiving 2015

from the window

from the window of his cell

More ideas, things to do when you visit Marseille on your vacation

More ideas, things to do when you visit Marseille on your vacation.