You know how when you’ve heard about someone or maybe only spoken to them over the phone, you unwittingly create a picture in your head as to how they look? But you only realise that if you meet them in person and then get a surprise because how they look doesn’t at all match the picture in your head? Aix-en-Provence was that someone for me today. The picture of “Aix” in my head, I realised this morning, was of never-ending lavender fields, sunshiney skies, little market stalls selling lavender-smelling things and sweet little open-air cafes where the staff were most likely wearing “we’ve just come off from working on our lavender fields” type clothing. And everyone is happy. And everything smells of lavender. I’m not sure where this picture came from. I mean, I know that they grow lavender in Provence, right? I didn’t even know I had created it this picture, until we arrived this morning in the real Aix-en-Provence.

There was a teeny bit of lavender amongst the weedy plants on the roundabout islands, but that was it.

And after an hour and forty-five minute drive, I really, really needed the loo. It took us another hour to find a public toilet that was actually open. Whew!

And then we saw lightning, and then heard thunder, and then it started to rain.

But then we regrouped, jumped on that little train behind us and listened to the audio guide tell us about a whole lot of interesting historical places as we were shuttled along the bustling streets. Bit hard to take photos, juggling ear piece, umbrella and camera. So we walked through some of the streets ourselves afterwards and took a few pics.

There’s a heap of history here and some really lovely-looking eateries. And a lot of shops – VERY expensive shops.

By the way, the wee white blouse in the Tommy Hilfiger shop window (above) – 300 euros. I say again, euros.

A lovely lady in Valence had recommended the madeleines in Aix, particuarly the ones from Madeleines de Christophe on 4 Rue Gaston de Saporta. We found the tiny shop and bought some to try. They were so yum.

Even though I don’t think we saw this city in its best light today, we definitely enjoyed walking through the old town streets. I imagine on a sunny day it is truly delightful.

We had stopped at a store on the way to Aix this morning. It was probably a bit more up my alley.

This evening we strolled around the lanes of Rochefort-du-Gard, where we are staying. It’s lovely.