I took a walk yesterday to clear my mind. I’ve had a lot of bad news this week and needed to process it all. That news coupled with the tragedies happening in the world, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas, it’s left me with a heavy heart. As I walked I felt the sunlight on my face and despite all the sadness I felt appreciation in that moment for the beauty of the changing season.
It reminded me of my walks through Provence when I was there a few weeks ago. I stayed in Aix-en-Provence for a few days, taking little day trips to Cassis, Avignon, and the Pont du Gard. While staying in Aix-en-Provence, I had the immense pleasure of strolling the streets and shopping the markets Aix is so famous for.
Aix-en-Provence is a sensory city, filled with savory food and rich warm color around every turn. On a sunny autumn day, the dappled sunlight filters through the plane trees planted throughout the region. I loved my short time there and soaked it all in, the architecture, the people, the sights, the sounds, and the colors.
Many of the buildings share this lovely mellowed yellow, one I’ll forever associate with Aix. My home in California is the same soft shade of yellow which gives me joy, as if I share something special with this magical place.
I love to snap pictures of beautiful wood doors in Europe, this set stopped me in my tracks, such amazing detail.
Flower shops are another favorite thing I love to photograph, especially little boutiques that place their botanicals in bags or pots just outside their front door, to inspire the locals to purchase them and bring them home.
In Aix-en-Provence, the one thing you absolutely don’t want to miss are the markets that take place three times a week. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, the streets come alive with markets along in the main areas of town. This was definitely a highlight during my stay, and it was a dream just to walk among them for a few hours, savoring all the soaps, jams, flowers, produce, linens, and ceramics.
I put together a 90 second video to give you a glimpse of what it’s like to walk the streets and markets of Aix-en-Provence. It may make you hungry :) Watch it below or on my YouTube channel. Enjoy!
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P.S. Some of you asked me about my travel camera. I have a new one that I use for both video and photos. I keep my larger DSLR Nikon at home for styling or interior shots or local photography, but for long distance travel I’m really loving this smaller Canon Powershot G7.
I used this camera to capture all my video and take all my pictures in France. The quality is fantastic and the camera is so compact that it’s easy to store in my favorite travel backpack. I love it!
Thank you for sharing y our photos and videos! I was there 10 years ago and it reminded me of that wonderful trip and those great markets in Aix.
So beautiful – I think you may have just inspired our next Girls’ Trip!
I hope that you bought some of that gorgeous fabric!
I am packing my bags tonight after seeing your video. Would you like to go again Kate? Everything looks wonderful and your music is so fun and uplifting! Those linens are gorgeous and the fresh flowers, well everything!! I am so sorry you’ve had bad news this week Kate. Thinking of you. ❤️
Very kind thank you Allison, and yes, LET’S GO! This was one of those places I simply cannot wait to return to. :)
Oh Kate! I went there in May for a week and have not been able to get the lifestyle & beauty of that place out of my heart & mind. Thank you for sharing this!!
Right? SO beautiful, it’s like you leave a piece of your heart there.
Thank you for sharing these beautiful, calming photos of stunning architecture and gorgeous colours. I think we all needed a touch of this, this week. I hope your weekend provides some rejuvenation.
Agreed, and thank you. :)
Can you do a recap of your trip for us? Did you take the train and or rent a car? Hope you will post more on the trip. The photos of Aix and the markets were great reminders of my time there. So civilized and perfect!
The video and photos are so beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing.
Wonderful pictures – very colurful and lively! Thank you for sharing them with us.
Amazing photos. So beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
What a beautiful post Kate! I’ve never visited Provence, but it looks gorgeous, so thank you for sharing these images.
I especilly love the ones of the flower shops, I’d buy some of those plant pots haha!
I’m sorry you’ve had some bad news, I hope things start looking up for your very soon.
This was such a great post! A walk in the nature or admiring some beautiful architecture, in a far away city where nobody knows you, can simply be the best medicine against anything! Thanks for the post, it put a smile on my face!