We have been so fortunate with our guides this Fall. Today’s guide, Simon, from “Simon Says Tours in Provence” is an absolute gem. He met us at the ship promptly at 10:00 a.m. and we headed off to Aix en Provence in a light drizzle. Simon and Tim joked about the lack of sunshine in the sunny South of France.

 

 

Simon took us on a walking tour that included both the new city and old town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We really enjoyed the market. I bought some crusty fig bread and resisted the cheese.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simon also introduced Tim to his favorite candy.

 

 

 

We visited a lavender shop and saw several lovely squares.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We ran into a couple from Serenity in front of this church, Simon used to work for their guide. The guides exchanged pleasantries and we were on our way to Cassis.

 

 

 

 

 

As we were leaving Aix en Provence the drizzle stopped and we posed for a photo in front of this lovely fountain.

The drive to Cassis was beautiful as we were driving towards brightening skies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We walked along the waterfront, admiring the boats in the basin. Although not as large as the ones in Monaco, I prefer the working fishing boats.

 

 

Simon chose a sweet and lively restaurant for lunch:  L’Oustau de la Mar. We decided on a  lovely white wine – Blanc du Blanc from Domaine  Paternel. It is crisp and mineraly, no doubt due to the limestone in the terroir (soil). After the wine discussion we ordered lunch.

 

 

ITimmy ordered a petite salad which turned out to be large, I enjoyed a thick fish broth served with crostini, shredded cheese and a yummy garlic mayonnaise.

My main course was sea bass in an olive oil sauce with seasonal veggies and potatoes. Timmy had grilled beef with rosemary french fries. Simon had an entire fish, which he de-boned like a pro.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                  Dessert= chocolate gelato.

Completing lunch we continued our walk along the waterfront taking these photos.

 

 

Soon we were driving up a steep mountainside. We parked the car and hiked to the top. We were rewarded with stunning vistas and tremendous wind.

 

 

 

 

The hike back down was easier than going up. We are grateful to Simon for a super day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simon’s Mercedes van was very comfortable

 

Back in our cabin I snapped this from our balcony.

 

Timmy’s napping, I’m writing here and we have black tie optional night to look forward to.

 

 

We enjoyed a lovely dinner. Modern style caviar for me, oysters for Timmy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Because lunch was so filling, I opted for the veal and crab salad. Tim had the roast pheasant with baby vegetables. Timmy’s dessert = chocolate bomb…because he didn’t have enough chocolate at lunch. Mine=Kir Royale sorbet.