Aix-en-Provence.....

Our two full days in Aix were excellent.... We meandered leafy tree lined avenues, taking advantage of some much needed downtime after the last few weeks of full on seeing people and places.... Not much to do but relax and have a nice time.... Window shop.... Browse the market stalls and take in the aromas of the local produce, especially the fresh fruit.....

They say that Aix is like a mini Paris and the pavement cafe's certainly made you feel like lingering over a cafe au lait or even two.... And when you are coffee'd out.... how about a little of the local vin rose?

A delightful find was Hotel de Gallifet, a leafy artists courtyard, down a tiny back street, serving a small selection of wines..... 52 rue Cardinale if you go looking..... Worthy of a small diversion even if you don't .....

Our last evening in Chez Maxime, aperitifs of RanQuinQuin al la peche, thanks to an educational in Le Jardin..... followed by delicious local cuisine of cassoulet de boeuf.....

..... That'd be beef stew if we were back home but it sounds a lot more exotic when the French say it..... and tastes even better than that....

Our waiter talked us into a bottle of local wine straight from the vineyards of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie... Not just a beautiful bottle on all fronts, but if Brad trod those grapes personally, I would happily consider washing his socks!!