On a recent visit to Marseilles in southern France, we took a day trip by train to Aix-en-Provence. It was a pleasant 50 or so minute ride in a clean, comfortable and modern carriage, and the passing scenery of Provence was very pleasing on the eyes.
After alighting from the train it was only a short 12 minute walk to the centre of town, which is the main thoroughfare called the Cours Mirabeau. This is like a small version of the Champs Elysees with fashionable shops, boutiques and cafes. Once we did the regulatory tourist bits we wandered into the back streets and found a maze of little alleyways and squares.
This is where we came across this cobble stone square with its old water fountain, the autumn colors on the trees and this bike parked against a light pole. I stood there for a couple of minutes taking it all in and thought “well how French can you get?!”. The camera agreed and caught the moment. Now if only the bakery was still open I could have bought a baguette and sat there with some wine and cheese and really become part of the scene…..c’est la vie!
Draws me in…and back to my days in Provence, too many years ago. Thanks for the reminder of France’s southern beauty.
Aix is a favorite with us, even though we’ve spent only limited time there…but long enough to have posted a Picture of the Day featuring the local market, not far from the scene of your picture…it’s really a great walking town.
You sure captured France!
An evocative image, Islandman, and no — I can’t think of any place this could be but France.
Thanks for sharing the photo and the story behind it!