Day 1 – Aix-en-Provence and the Hilltop Charm of Gordes
As summer slowly came to an end, I wanted to make the most of the last golden days in the South of France. My journey began in Aix-en-Provence, the so-called City of a Thousand Fountains. To be honest, the nickname felt a little exaggerated, but the soft murmur of the fountains I stumbled upon made for a soothing soundtrack as I wandered through the city. Among them, the Place d’Albertas fountain and the grand Fontaine de la Rotonde at the end of Cours Mirabeau stood out the most.
Often described as the Paris of the South, Aix was once the capital of Provence, and it still radiates elegance with its boutique shops, leafy squares, and sunlit terraces. Strolling through the charming streets, I could see why Cézanne, who was born here, found endless inspiration. Aix doesn’t dazzle with blockbuster landmarks, but its postcard-perfect squares and daily markets create a vibrant rhythm that drew me in immediately.
At the Place Richelme market, I browsed stalls overflowing with local produce—glossy olives, creamy cheeses, lavender honey, and herbs that carried the essence of Provence. On Thursday evening, with a glass of rosé in my hand, I paused along the Cours Mirabeau, watching as the street filled with the lively buzz of conversations, the clinking of glasses, and the warm glow of summer lights
Later, I walked uphill to Atelier Cézanne, the painter’s final studio. Preserved almost exactly as it was when he worked there, the room offered a quiet, almost intimate glimpse into his world. It had been closed for a while, but fortunately reopened in August 2025—just in time for my visit.
By the afternoon, I set off toward Gordes, one of Provence’s most beloved hilltop villages. Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop, it’s no wonder artists like Marc Chagall and Victor Vasarely once lived here. Wandering its steep cobbled streets, I discovered the Palais Saint-Firmin caves, a labyrinth once used to store olive oil, wine, and grain—a cool escape from the heat of the day.
Just a short drive away, I found one of the most magical spots of the trip: the Abbaye de Sénanque. Nestled in a peaceful valley and founded in 1148, this Cistercian abbey is surrounded by lavender fields that bloom in breathtaking purple waves during summer. Even without the flowers, the serenity of the place was unforgettable. Knowing that monks still live and work here made the visit even more special.
By evening, I was back in Aix, where I tucked into dinner at TITA, a cozy spot on Rue des Bernardines. Their mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern street food flavors was the perfect way to end a long day. I lingered over a final glass of Provence rosé, savoring the last light before heading to bed, already excited for what the next day in Provence would bring.