Provence 3: Marseilles and the Calanques

Finally, to Marseilles, the dirty maritime metropolis of Southern France.  Big, dirty, dangerous Marseilles: there's nothing to love about you, but you give so much to those who care to look, even if just for a moment.  Merely a big city, a collection of a million lost souls, you welcome with open arms those who only want a place to belong...

Provence 1: Aix-en-Provence to Avignon

Late winter/early spring called for a road trip through Provence, and there was no other choice but to get on a car and go.  Sure, it was far too early for lavender season, but Provence definitely does not and did not disappoint.  First was a drive through countryside roads lined with plane trees and dotted with castle ruins to the elegant and chic city of Aix-en-Provence...