Exploring Southern Europe – Tips and Highlights in Aix-en-Provence, Cassis & Barcelona… Another region of Europe to add to your travel list is southern France and northern Spain. We have highlighted three of our favorite spots in Provence, the French Rivieria, and the Catalonian region of Spain! Getting here was an easy, direct train ride from Paris. Exploring Southern Europe, including Provence, the French Riviera, and the Catalonian region in Europe is breathtaking in the summer. Here are some of our favorite experiences and recommendations for the area: Aix-en-Provence Highlights: Stroll the Cours Mirabeau: This main pedestrian street is perfect for a leisurely walk. The beautiful trees and historic buildings make it a delightful place to explore. Market Day (Tuesdays): Don’t miss the market in Aix! It’s full of wonderful stalls with fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious treats. Be sure to check out the many little shops and patisseries throughout town – they all have different specialties. Each town has a different market day, so be sure to check dates and times before heading out to surrounding towns. Taste of Provence Tour: This tour is great for first-time visitors. It’s a fun way to get to know the city, its shops, and its history. Home Base: We used Aix as our home base and it was perfect. Start your day with a morning coffee and pastry, then head out to explore the magic of southern France. We always pack strategically and leave room for unique items we find in our travels. Our packing essentials and travel style make packing simple. Day Trips: The lavender fields in the surrounding Luberon region are breathtaking when in full bloom in late June/early July. It’s a beautiful experience you shouldn’t miss. Cassis Highlights: Quaint Seaside Center: Cassis is a charming town with a lovely seaside center. We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and stunning views. There are some nice boutiques to explore and waterfront cafes to enjoy a relaxed meal by the sea. Hiking and Fjord Exploration: The fjords around Cassis are incredible. You can explore them by boat or on foot – both options offer amazing views and are a fantastic way to spend a day. Getting Around: When traveling in Europe, we highly recommend taking the train system, it’s fast, efficient and easy to navigate between cities. Although using the train is absolutely feasible in southern France, we chose to rent a car so we had a bit more flexibility exploring the region. From Aix we took the train direct to Barcelona. Barcelona Highlights: Las Ramblas: Walking along this famous shopping district is a must. The atmosphere is lively and there’s so much to see. La Boqueria Food Market: This market is a food lover’s paradise. We enjoyed the fresh produce, cheese, fish, and especially the chocolate strawberries! Park Guell: A relaxing walk through this beautiful park is a great way to spend a couple of hours in an afternoon. The views and architecture are stunning. La Sagrada Familia: Touring this incredible basilica was an absolute high point of our time in Spain. If you only go on one tour, this is absolutely the one we recommend in Barcelona. We have been to a lot of cathedrals throughout Europe and we can honestly say, this one is an absolute must see. The architecture is breathtaking. Whether you’re soaking in the charm of Aix-en-Provence, enjoying the seaside beauty of Cassis, or exploring the vibrant city of Barcelona, Exploring Southern Europe is an experience not to miss; it offers something for everyone. We never regret exploring new places – just go!
Adventures/Travel
Two Iconic Cities…
Traveling to London and Paris is a fantastic summer adventure! These two iconic cities are a must visit if you have never visited. We have provided just a few highlights and links to favorite activities from our travels to get you planning your own trip. From here, you can adjust your plans accordingly based on the time you have and the activities you prefer. London Recommendations: Black Cab Tour: We highly recommend starting your adventures in London with a drive around town. It’s a fantastic way to get familiar with the city and see key sights without the stress of navigating on your own. Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace: This iconic ceremony is a must-see. Arrive early to get a good spot! Tower of London and Crown Jewels: Grab tickets in advance to explore this historic fortress and marvel at the Crown Jewels. Sky Garden: Reserve your free entry three weeks in advance. The view from up there is stunning, and it’s a great spot for photos. We also had reservations at the Fenchurch Restaurant, and and enjoyed a delicious meal! Borough Market: This market is a food lover’s paradise. We loved exploring the variety of food stalls and sampling different treats. Covent Garden and Harrods are two great classic shopping destinations. When traveling via train, it helps to consolidate your bags, so moving with your luggage is easier. Remember to look at our summer packing guide for recommendations. If possible, we also recommend getting a first-class ticket for the Chunnel. It makes traveling between the cities an easy and enjoyable journey. You will be relaxed and ready to continue your adventure. https://shookhillsecret.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/78-Paris-Dior-museum.mp4 Paris Highlights: Strolling Along the Seine: Paris is getting ready for the Summer Olympics, and walking along the Seine offers fantastic views, interesting people watching opportunities all while taking in the vibrant city atmosphere. Shopping: this city is known for it’s shopping. You can find everything from top designer fashion to vintage markets to some of the best cooking and book stores. Research what interests you and make a city touring plan. People Watching on Rue Cler: This charming street is perfect for a leisurely stroll, shopping for some classic Parisian provisions and taking a break from touring at one of the many cafes. Museums: The Louvre is the most famous museum but there are plenty of options to choose from. Research the many options and pick one. We loved the Dior Museum. A must-visit for fashion enthusiasts. The exhibits are incredible and offer a deep dive into Dior’s legacy. The Eiffel Tower: The best nighttime views in Paris include the Eiffel Tower. Whether you choose to admire it from a café, picnic in the park or on a tour. It’s a must see! Both London and Paris are such iconic cities with so much to offer visitors; these highlights were some of our favorite experiences. Whether you’re planning your first trip or a return visit, London and Paris are sure to charm and delight you. Happy travels!
