After a self-serve breakfast in the Vendome Hotel dining room, it is time to board the mini bus (Our tours do not take more than 12 guests) and we head off to Grasse.
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Grasse Street
Image - Courtesy Google Images |
Grasse has had a prospering perfume industry since the end of the 18th century. It is the centre of the French perfume industry and is known as the world's perfume capital.
Many "Noses" (Experts who create perfumes) are trained or have spent time in Grasse to distinguish over 2,000 kinds
of scents.
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Testing the various fragrances
Image - Courtesy Fragonard |
Grasse produces over two-thirds of France's natural aromas. Its particular micro climate encouraged the flower farming industry. It is warm and sufficiently
inland to be sheltered from the sea air and enjoys an abundance of water.
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| Grasse Perfume Distillery |
Jasmine; a key ingredient of many perfumes, was brought to southern France by the Moors
in the 16th century. Twenty-seven tonnes of jasmine are now harvested
in Grasse annually. There are numerous old 'parfumeries' in Grasse, such
as Molinard, Fragonard and Galimard; each with tours and a museum.
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| Fragonard Perfumery in Grasse |
After a tour of one of the parfumeries and a walk through the city streets, we're off to Castellane for lunch.
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| The Town Square at Castellane |
Castellane is the gateway to the Gorges du Verdon. The Rock, or Notre Dame overlooking the city is 184 meters above the city. Its population of around 2000 people in the off season expands to about 20,000 during July and August. It is a quaint little place with many cafés and restaurants and the ideal spot for a lunch break.
We have chosen the Hotel du Roc Restaurant at the Place de l'Eglise near the town centre for our lunch, a charming little place with a great menu and a friendly atmosphere.
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| Notre Dame on the Rock overlooking Castellane |
After lunch, we head to Moustiers Sainte Marie and drive through the spectacular Gorges du Verdon. The Gorge is considered to be one of Europe's most beautiful. It is
about 25 kilometres long and up to 700 metres deep. It was formed by the Verdon River named that way for its amazing turquoise-green colour. The most impressive part of the gorge lies between Castellane and Moustiers Sainte Marie, where the river has cut a ravine to a depth of 700 metres through the limestone mass. At the end of the canyon, the Verdon River flows into the artificial Lake of Sainte Croix..
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a lovely village, in an absolute gorgeous setting. The main activity at Moustiers is its beautiful, "Faïence" ceramics and the village is packed full of "Faïenceries" shops.
There are many terrace cafés for
relaxing and a fair number of restaurants.
The sound of the river, and the running fountains all over the village,
give Moustiers the feeling of an Alpine village.
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| The Bell Tower at Moustiers | |
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| One of the many Faience Shops in Moustiers |
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| Restaurant Overlooking the Stream in Moustiers |
Our final destination for the day is Aix en Provence and the Hotel Aquabella where we spend the next 3 nights . Aix-en-Provence is
the city of art, and a city of light and activity. Aix is also a home
of art schools and several universities, attracting a youthful population that sparks the atmosphere.
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| A Street in the Old Part of Aix |
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| Aix Central Fountain by the Cours Mirabeau |
The centre of Aix is the old town (vieille ville), ringed by a circle of
boulevards and squares. The Cours Mirabeau; the heart of Aix is a beautiful avenue, with one side
lined with wonderful terrace cafés and bookshops. Some of the more famous cafés are: Le Grillon, Les
Deux Garçons, La Belle Époque and Le Café du Cours. The old town of Aix is packed with shops, markets, museums, religious, architectural and historical sites as well as numerous fountains.
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| Aix Central Fountain by the Cours Mirabeau |
The famous French painter Paul Cézanne was born, raised, studied, lived and eventually died in Aix-en-Provence. He was one of the many famous clients of the café Les Deux Garçons
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| French Painter Paul Cézanne |
Nina Simone bought a house just south of Aix-en-Provence, in the winter of 1992.
The house was destroyed by fire in June of the following year, but she
remained in the area until her death in April 2003.
After settling in our rooms at the Aquabella Hotel and a quick freshen-up, it is time to explore the old part of Aix and head to "Chez Grand-Mère" for dinner. This restaurant in the heart of the Old city offers inside as well as terrace dining by a gorgeous fountain. The tantalising menu is packed with specialties from Provence; all made with the freshest local ingredients and the emphasis on the highest possible quality. You are guaranteed to enjoy this meal.
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| Restaurant Chez Grand Mère |
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| Outdoor dining at Chez Grand Mère Restaurant |
Time for a well-earned rest and a good night sleep at the Aquabella in anticipation of tomorrow's adventure.
