The Cézanne Route
The Cézanne Route was recommended to us by Jean, our stellar host at his Chambres d'Hôtes. This day trip was just what we were looking for - an exploration of the local geography, feeling some of the painter's vibes, connecting with previous visits to this region, and ending the day with a great meal in old Aix.
In this blog chapter, I will jump around a little, because I was so taken by the majesty of the Massif de Sainte Victoire, the mountain range in which this peak is so dominant.
Further west now, our road climbs higher. In the distance, up to the left, we can just make out the cross that we saw on the peak when we started our trip (photo 1). Okay, you don't see it ...
Now?
Finally, because we are in wine country we must buy wine.
We stopped for lunch at Sainte Maximine de la Baume (where Mary Magdalene's mummified head is on display in the cathedral), then at the Cave Dubaou for a refuel of sorts.
The marvelous ceramic in the photo is on the outside wall of the wine cellar/seller. The tiles are a work of art.
We purchased only the best on offer, also the highest priced, Cotes de Rhone AOP at 3.60 euros per litre - about $5 Canadian.
As can be seen in the photo (far left, detached hose) the wine filling station had run dry of this, the most popular amongst the locals, so we were compelled to buy in bulk - a bag-in-a-box, as the French call the bladder of wine in a cardboard box with a perfect spigot.
It was only available in a five litre size. Oh well ... C'est la vie.
A late afternoon espresso at the town of le Tholonet ends our road trip, then back to our comfortable rooms at La Ferme near Saint-Marc Jaumegarde for a much needed rest.
We wrapped up this very special day with a dinner in Aix-en-Provence at Bistrot des Philosophes, another great suggestion by Jean and his wife, Carol. For readers who find themselves in Aix at the dinner hour, looking for very good food, reasonably priced, super friendly husband and wife owner/servers, you will find this cozy restaurant at 20 Place des Cardeurs.
Once again, your photos a nice respite from cold, rainy Nanoose. Keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing journey along the trail and getting a feel for cezanne along the way. Your hosts sound lovely and full of good tips. Never a shortage of good food and wine either..
ReplyDeleteLe plus agréable. Mon appétit est piqué lorsque vous écrivez un bon vin et des restaurants confortables! Un voyage continu sûr et intrigant pour vous tous les deux
ReplyDeleteNow.....tell me again who Gary and Joanne are?...oh, right YellowsPoint. Just kidding. Great photos you two, a good wordsmith and you echo the flavours of the region nicely. Now tell us, por favour, how good the pome frites are, the sauces, the pinot gris and especially how many old Maseratis have you photographed? Drive on MacDuff. Barry Johnson, YellowsPoint.
ReplyDeletethe sad thing is that few people realize you are just scanning some cheesy postcards and inserting them in this blog. No one could create scenes like this, so I have just shamed you and your conspiracy. its 51 degrees and raining on my deck today...
ReplyDeleteIf those are postcards, then the mummy did it, but how could that be? Not even Jesus and his contemporaries could print those postcards, let alone take the photographs.
DeleteI'll match your 51 with my 71 (Fahrenheit, cause the comment comes from a non-metric person))
G
btw, the mummified head thing has me interested.
ReplyDelete