Settling in: Aix en Provence

We have now settled into Aix en Provence, having been here for just over two weeks. It is an attractive, vibrant centre famous for its fountains and sculptures, with narrow streets to wander through. A university town, the population has many young gorgeous things, with a hip atmosphere combined with compelling Roman history. Lots of bars and restaurants with great shopping, there is always somewhere new to explore. It has a strong association with the artist Paul Cezanne, and boasts its appeal to many past and present artists because of the southern provincial light and its fascinating subject matter.

Our apartment has a very convenient location; we are only one street away from the Cours Mirabeau (the main street). We are on the second floor and only have two flights of stairs! Bill has his daily trip to the boulangerie (baker), while Tonia is delighted there is an English book cafe in our street called the "Book in Bar".

The "big" markets, where all manner of goodies are sold such as antiques, clothes, pottery and jewellery, are held three times a week and are only 400 metres away, whilst the daily market (for fresh food including fruit and vegetables, cheese, poultry, seafood and spices) is also located close by.

Tonia has been doing a bit of cooking and has had some great successes (coq-au-vin pictured). Of course, the pleasure (and sense of achievement) is from shopping at the markets, buying very fresh produce and cooking that day. Why is it that Tonia can't cook an omelette to save herself at home, but here she has produced restaurant quality results? It must be true what they say – the fresher the ingredients, the better cook one becomes.

Bill has a delightful French language tutor named Juliette. They meet daily and as Bill is keen to impress, his French is progressing well!

Aix itself has a great regional location and allows us to visit many surrounding towns/villages with ease. Some of the towns we have already been to include: St Remy de Provence, Bonnieux, Gordes, Arles, Nice, Forcalquier, and L'isle sur la Sorgue. All beautiful in their own way.

Bill's brother John also visited us at the end of his UK holiday and we took the opportunity to show him some of the surrounding attractions such as the Pont du Gard, near Nimes.

The journey to each of these towns is always an experience in itself, as we often make unscheduled stops at the odd vineyard or come across an unexpected small village via the 'scenic' route - all the time appreciating the innovative driving style of the French!