Aix-en-Provence: Quietly Beautiful ✨
As the former capital of Provence, Aix flies under the radar—yet in A Year in Provence, Peter Mayle called it his favorite hidden gem. And oh, does it deliver! 🏰 Compact & Walkable: The historic center is tiny—you can explore it all in half a day. Don’t miss: Musée Granet: Picasso’s works hiding in plain sight. 🎨 Fountains & Romance: Watch couples whisper by Baroque water features. 💑 Local Life: Cafés buzz with students and artists, balancing tourist charm with Provençal authenticity. 🌶️ Unexpected Bonus: A shockingly authentic Sichuan boiled fish spot (yes, in France!). Spicy salvation! 🌶️🐟 Mini Guide (100 Words) 📍 Must-Dos: Cours Mirabeau – Sip coffee under plane trees. ☕ Morning Market (Place Richelme) – Lavender, olives, and people-watching. Atelier Cézanne – Peek into the painter’s world (€8). 🖼️ 🚗 Transport: Trains from Marseille (30min) or Avignon (1h). Skip the TGV—downtown’s station is closer! Aix doesn’t shout; it seduces. #AixEnProvence #ProvenceSecret #TravelGem 💜