Sud-Est de la France

The sunshine sparkled on the Mediterranean Sea, illuminating the brilliant turquoise water. My eyes were hungry for nature. The fresh salty breeze, vegetation, the Alps, and spring weather were quite a contrast to Paris. I say this with no negativity, for both the southeastern region of France, La Provence, and Paris are beautiful places in completely different ways.

I find it very interesting that Provence is the first province that the Romans conquered outside of Italy during the 2nd century B.C. to the 5th century A.D. In Provence, we visited Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Cassis, Baux de Provence, and Avignon.

For three lovely days we stayed in Aix-en-Provence, a small city with medieval architecture known as the birthplace and home of artist Paul Cézanne. We visited Cézanne’s studio, a house with red tile roofs and shutters. The museum inside has conserved all of the painter’s belongings, including paint brushes, easels, and the vases and bowls that modeled his most famous paintings of apples. We also walked around his garden filled with Cyprus trees.

Marseille is the second largest city in France after Paris. We first visited the harbor, or Le Vieux Port, and there was a boardwalk with fishermen selling live catches. It was interesting to see the crowded outdoor markets, something that it has not yet been warm enough for in Paris. Next, we climbed up the San Francisco-like hills in our tour bus towards the church “Our Lady of the Guard,” a place of worship that has been known to bless the city of Marseille since 1214. Inside of the Basilica there is a statue of Mary and numerous mosaics and marble. The church is known for its diverse influences since over the years the pilgrims of Marseille have brought their own unique touch. The view from the hill—miles of beach and mountains circling around the Mediterranean architecture of Marseille was breathtaking.

My favorite visit was by far Cassis, where I walked on the beach looking onto the Mediterranean Sea during sunset. Oui c’était très picturesque ce n’est pas? I felt so calm walking on the beach and hunting for beach glass, a hobby for me since my childhood on the beaches of Santa Barbara. I felt so at home and comfortable in Provence because it was so similar to California in climate and landscape. I did not expect to see Palm trees in France—more like mustaches, small cars, and baguettes—and there’s plenty in Paris.

I am happy with my choice to study in Paris. It is the metropolitan lifestyle that I wanted to experience, but Provence is truly a special place that I recommend visiting. I hope to see the Provincial culture, Mediterranean Sea, and quaint towns again. ENCORE!