Just got back from a wonderful vacation in Provence. After flying to Paris and on to Marseille I spent 2 1/2 days in Aix-en-Provence. The hotel was The Grand Hotel Roi Rene. Loved this place. Talk about location-location-location! Step out the door and start walking to wherever you wanted to go. Plus, my room was beautiful and there was a restaurant and bar! Perfect!

The plan was for 2 nights at the hotel and then we would be taken to meet our Viking ship, Hermod, in Avignon to start a cruise on the Rhone River to Lyon. When we arrived at the hotel there was a Viking representative to greet us and fill us in on the schedule. For that first day we could settle in and then he would take us on a “walk about”. For dinner we were on our own. The next day we had a scheduled tour. Both days were great. we got to see a lot including a street market, the building where Paul Cezane spent many years, and the Cathedrale Saint-Sauveur. We just drank in the beauty of Aix-en-Provence! And of course, I discovered two concept shops that carried local artist’s creations. At one I loved a multicolor drop earring. I thought they were mismatched earrings and I love that! When I told the salesperson what I wanted she said that is 2 pair of earrings. I expressed my disappointment and she paused then and said OK and let me have one from each pair. She thought it was a good idea!

The next day we drove to Avignon to board the ship. We stopped for a “photo op” at Gordes, Fabulous views. We arrived at the ship in time for cocktails and dinner. The ship cruised to Arles. The day started with a 3-hour walking tour. Here we got to see the Roman-era structures in Arles. Les Arenes Amphitheater is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The arena dominating Old Arles was built in the first century AD. There were chariot races, gladiator contests (I kept looking for Russell Crowe!) and bull fights!! Arles is a famous Provencal market and the sunlight here inspired Vincent van Gogh.

Aix-en-Provence

GORDES

ARLES

Les Baux & Carrieres de Lumieres

LOCK ON RHONE RIVER AND SUNSET