Bonjour from Aix-en-Provence, France — a town that becomes even more delightful if, as you explore its charming old center, you are armed with a little extra information. I’m here at Place d’Albertas with my Provence & the French Riviera guidebook, making sure our self-guided town walk is accurate and easy to follow. Standing in this simple square, I’m inspired by how its namesake, Monsieur d’Albertas, met a Doctor Zhivago-style fate. (The spirit of Revolutionary France is alive here today: taxes are high, and formerly aristocratic families must now share, like good citizens.)
Teaming up with my guidebook co-author, Steve Smith, every day it’s a different city: Lyon, Aix, Marseille, Avignon, Arles. It’s all day in the streets and each evening in the restaurants. Our reward: a nice dinner at 10 p.m. And then, we do it again tomorrow! I love this work.
(You can pick up your own copy of Rick’s Provence & the French Riviera guidebook at https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/provence-guidebook.)
