Marcus Travel Journal
2023 - Spring in France
photo: mytravellinglens.com
Oh the colours and textures of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. We enjoyed our time in this area in 2022, and decided to return and soak up the atmospher and sights. Our base is the town of Vedène and there are numerous scenic towns to explore - such as ancient town of Chateauneuf-de-Gadagne with the beautiful shutters shown above.
France in the Spring
Prices this year are a shocker, with significant price increases for flights, car and accommodations.
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Our travels in France start with a week in Paris.
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Then we travel Paris to Marseille by TGV for our stay in the South of France. We have rented an apartment in Vedène, located very close to Avignon, and will explore the regions of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Occitanie.
photo: mytravellinglens.com
We will stay in one location and use Vedène as our base for drives through the Region(s).
photo: mytravellinglens.com
We are returning to the town of Vedène to stay at the Guesthouse we emjoyed in 2022. The house is very comfortable, we have a large private patio and pool just feet away from the door.
photo: mytravellinglens.com
Vedène is a commune located in the Vaucluse department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region. The old historic town, a five minute drive, is on a hill, as with most towns, where there is a portion of the old château at the top. It was built by the Raynouard Family in 1109. Ownership changed across several families over the centries that included the famous De Sade family. The Galleans, a family from Italy, came to the area when the Popes moved to Avignon. They acquired the seigneury of Vedène and became the Barons of Vedène and the Dukes of Gadagne. They kept the castle until the French Revolution. It was passed from person to person, and in 1969 Pierre and Jeanine Gaillard, parents of the current owner Robert, purchased the castle.
Today the château is partly occupied. Village houses cluster around the old building. The Château de Vedène, operated by Robert, who is an antiques expert, opened its two rooms for guests in 2010.
Most of the town has a more modern look, although I love the 18th Century clock tower with an wrought iron belfry that stands on the street below the château.
Paris
This year we stay in a different apartment in Paris. It has a good location in the Arts et Métiers-Temple District. A massive 12th-century structure – part church, part abbey – houses the Musée des Arts et Métiers (Museum of Arts and Trades) presided over by a miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty. Our apartment is located in what was formerly a printing press workspace. The layout looks great.
photo: mytravellinglens.com
photo: mytravellinglens.com
We are in an area of Paris where just walking the streets is enjoyable. From our previous apartment I would walk up through the 2nd Arrondissement to the Porte Saint-Denis, and then into the 10th Arrondissement. This year our apartment next to the 2nd Arrondissement
photo: mytravellinglens.com
Paris is always exciting. The Pont Alexandre II is a beautiful bridge at any time of the day, but at night it has a very special character.
Vedène
photo: mytravellinglens.com
We will return to the maison we rented last year, located just outside of Vedène. Peaceful and very comfortable. The pool, just a few feet from the door, was heaven. We have parking, inside a locked gate, so there is a good feeling of security. This will be our base to travel through the Region.
- Possible towns to visit in Provence - I have complied a page listing of towns that should be interesting, and are within a reasonable drive distance from our maison.
Provence Market Days
photo: mytravellinglens.com
It is a full time job to keep track of the market days in the many towns of Provence. Key is to get there early to find parking and the best "finds".
Vedène
photo: mytravellinglens.com
The old historic centre of Vedene is just a few minutes away from our maison. This 1750 clock tower was a favorite place. Located on Rue Roumpe Quieu, Vedène.
Marseille
We hope to spend a day in Marseille. A visit to Le Panier area would be one of the highlights.
Aix-en-Provence
photo: mytravellinglens.com
It is time to return to Aix-en-Provence. It is just over an hour's drive from Vedène (84 km). We stayed here on one of our first visits to France just after we were married.
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Aix Cathedral - foundation laid in the 5th Century. The Baptristery rotunda, one of the oldest in France, dates to 5th and 6th C. Cathedral has three Naves, most have one. The church has beautiful cloisters. I have my camera ready!
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Place de l'Hôtel, is the the main square in front of the city hall 15C.
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The city is known from its markets of which some operate every day. There are three distinct market areas. Antiques, crafts, food and flowers all have their place within the historic heart of the city.
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Food Market (Daily) situated in Place Richelme, a beautiful square near to the Town Hall. Surrounded by restaurants and bars, enjoy a coffee and croissant before browsing all the divine local produce. Open 365 days per year, even on Christmas day, from 8am to 1pm.
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Everything Market - operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. There will be sellers from all over the region. It stretches out through the neighbouring streets and snakes down the iconic boulevard, Cours Mirabeau. at the western end of Cours Mirabeau, by the large Rotonde fountain (the most well-known of all its fountains), the vibe turns distinctly flea market. Traders offer second-hand books, alongside antique chairs and furniture.
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Flower Market - in the beautiful Place de l’Hôtel de Ville every day of the week except the first Sunday of the month (when it’s the turns into a second-hand book market). It’s one of Aix-en-Provence’s most beautiful squares.
Avignon
We will, of course visit the town of Avignon, a short distance from our apartment. There is a market every day except Monday. In addition, every Thursday morning, in Place Charles David, market stalls sell everything you would want.
Villeneuve lez Avignon
photo: mytravellinglens.com
Located across the River from Avignon, and in the Occtania Region, this town has interesting sights and not the mass of tourists found in Avignon. It is an old medieval town, and one that grew in importance when the Popes lived in Avignon. Many of the Cardinals established their homes/estates in this town, across the river. A little more out of the eye of the Pope. The Chartreuse de Villeneuve lez Avignon convent is massive with large cloisters. The town itself is well worth a visit.
More on our possible drives...
There are many towns of interest, all within a reasonable drives. Additional information is found HERE
Castillion-au-Gard
photo: mytravellinglens.com
Beautiful morning light in the town of Castillion-au-Gard.
