Aix-en-Provence: Visiting God in France

In Germany we have a saying to “live like God in France”. But what does that mean? And why in France? And what is this God doing there all day long? Last September I headed out in order to find the answers. I actually found them in city called Aix-en-Provence.

There is hardly anything better than spending a few days in southern France – or a week or a month. Or even better: to live there. For example, in Aix-en-Provence, a beautiful old town in the heart of a region called Provence. This place is special. It’s a conglomeration of all the beautiful things that make life worth living, and that surprise the visitors behind every corner again and again.

Be it the little gourmet shop with selected cheeses, exquisite olive oil and conscientious advice, or the old-established bakery, that is famous for its Calissons, a sweet temptation of almonds and candied melons and oranges similar to marzipan and baked after a recipe that is kept like a big secret since centuries.

Not to mention the numerous weekly markets in Aix-en-provence on every tiny square that bring so much hustle and bustle, but in an unusually pleasant, almost soothing atmosphere.

Aix-en-Provence has an almost irresistible attraction to those who like beautiful, tasteful and perhaps somewhat superfluous things. It is the ideal place to simply live from day to day. That’s what Savoir vivre is all about.

And then there are a lot of street musicians, which are found around every second corner. Just like this elderly man, that I ran into close to Place d’Albertas on a bright, warm autumn afternoon, as I walked down random streets. Introverted, he played an old violin in the middle of the sidewalk. And although I approached him from behind, he immediately turned around, as if he expected me and gave me the most charming smile. And it suddenly felt like he was playing just for me. There he stood: with his perfectly white shirt and these short, stubby legs. Some moments remain imprinted on your memory.

Whenever I think back to that beautiful September day in Aix-en-provence, I’m a little envious of the town’s inhabitants who have the privilege to be enchanted every single day.

HARD FACTS
City: Aix-en-Provence / Country: France / Continent: Europe
Best time to visit Aix-en-Provence: Late Summer with warm 23 °C
How to get to Aix-en-Provence: Flight to Marseille, then it takes a 30-45 min drive to Aix-en-Provence
Quick tip: Maintain the speed limits! In France the penalty charges are very high, and they will collect it in your home country for sure! (And I speak from experience…)

Have you been to Aix-en-Provence? What’s your idea of “God in France”? Leave a comment!

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