Last Updated on June 21, 2019 by Makayla Newman
It is hard to believe that we’ve already been in Grenoble for a month! It both seems like we’ve been here forever and that we’ve only just arrived. I am learning something new every day and I didn’t think it was possible for me to love France more than I already did. At least, until we went on an AIFS weekend trip to Provence.
The beautiful Provençal countryside won me over from the start. It is difficult to not be wooed by the gently rolling hills and the clear blue sky, the flavorful and unique foods, and the lovely scent of lavender soap. I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to go to Les Baux-de-Provence and look over all of Provence, all the way to Marseille and the Mediterranean, and to have tasted lavender honey and local tapenade and lavender ice cream.
Although I’m not much of city girl, I thoroughly enjoyed our little tours of Avignon, Arles, and Aix-en-Provence. My favorite, however, was Arles. We toured the Roman amphitheater, the adorable Arles market, and of course the yellow cafe that inspired Van Gogh’s “Cafe Terrace at Night” painting. All of Provence seems to be a perfect setting for a painting, with the warmth of the sunlight and the vivacious cities and the enchanting countryside.
If one day I’ve run away from home, I suspect you’ll find me in Provence under the warm sun amidst the lavender fields and vineyards and olive trees, either smiling or mouth agape with awe. I’ve been romanced by the beauty of Provence, and I’m afraid it’ll forever have my heart.
This post was contributed by Makayla Newman, who is spending her fall semester studying abroad with AIFS in Grenoble, France.
