Hospitality Exchange for Women in Aix-en-Provence

Solo travel

Aix was a wonderful place for a quaint, peaceful trip. Shopping was excellent with stores like Ralph Lauren, Intimissimi, Hermes, and local boutiques (definitely try out the shoe store in the town center). Amenities where readily available with Monoprix being a convenient walk away for anything from clothing to groceries. The wine tasting was amazing as well. Businesses from wine cellars to the Sephora in town are located within centuries old buildings, like walking through caves! The best massage experience I’ve ever had was with Manon des Sens…try this if you have the chance. Picking up some French prior to arriving is especially useful here. Locals are super friendly as long as you say Bonjour, but they will switch to English if they know it and cannot understand your French (this is typical in France). The restaurants were amazing. Anything you find in town will be good. Try the fromagerie (my pasta is shown in one of my photos) or Angelina for a lovely meal nestled within the walkway. Everywhere I went, the ingredients were fresh and made for delightful meals. And absolutely try the madeleines…they are divine. You will find their stand open in the mornings in one of the streets circling the town center. There is a large emphasis on Paul Cezanne, and you will find historical grounds in relation to him all over town. If you are a fit person, you will love walks to his studio, around town, and adjoining streets. Just walk into the center and there are tons of things to see. There are markers on certain days (just ask a local) if you are interested in seeing fresh flowers, produce, and clothing goods/artwork/accessories. The main drawbacks were run-ins I had with men. Aix is generally a very safe place, but please be careful while walking alone. There are quite a few homeless men in the streets and many catcallers. I had one follow me until I found a group of tourists that helped me deter him. Another got offended when I ignored his catcall and stopped me in my tracks (literally stood in front of me) to say that I “shouldn’t ignore people.” I wouldn’t stay here for longer than a week or two, as it can get monotonous. This place is not too upbeat or thrill-seeking. It is a place to enjoy sunny, slow French living. I’ll admit, it’s better with friends. During the time I was there, there was a music festival with lots of house music. It was fun and very young, but nightlife is not quite my cup of tea here. I go to St Tropez, Monaco, or Cannes for that. Should I travel there once more I would definitely do a hot air balloon ride over lavender fields. Overall, I would visit again to show some friends around, but likely not alone.