I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to join another New York Times Journeys trip to the South of France as their featured expert.
I arrived into Marseille, France, a couple days before the tour’s departure. It’s a port city that fascinates me with its layers of history and multicultural influences. An unexpected highlight was when a family—complete strangers to me—waiting in line near me at a Tunisian restaurant— invited me to join them for lunch. I almost declined by reflex, but then my motto kicked in: If offered an invitation while traveling, say yes (as long as it feels safe). In my experience, interacting with locals almost always leads to the most memorable experiences of a trip. And that’s exactly what happened. It might sound grandiose but it felt as if we built a miniature bridge across cultures, made possible by their generous invitation and my willingness to open up to the opportunity it presented. All that over a bowl of lablabi (Tunisian chickpea soup).
The family that invited me to join them at Chez Yassine restaurant in Marseille
After a satisfying two days in Marseille, including an evening with friends in their artfully renovated home, I moved onward to Avignon. That’s where I met up with the New York Times Journeys group for the start of our Walk in Provence trip. There were 18 of us—a fun and friendly group!—eager to imbibe the sensory feast that is Provence. Our itinerary included hikes, guided tours, a cooking class, and lots of food and wine. We wended our way through Avignon, Gordes, Saint-Rémy, and Arles. Markets bedazzled with colorful displays and glimpses into the local culture. Rain early in the week didn’t dampen our spirits. I’m still unpacking and sorting through souvenirs of soaps, dish towels, desk calendars with images of Van Gogh paintings, and herbes de Provence. While the aromas and memories are fresh, I’ve put together a video of highlights to share with you. Follow along and, as always, I hope that you enjoy the journey! ~Marjorie
Related Posts:
Provence as Seen by (and with!) Martine Bertin-Peterson
Markets of Provence
32 comments. Leave new
For me a trip down memory lane. Really enjoyed your video! Was there a name for the hiking trail you took out of St. Remy?
The hiking trail is called “La Caume”–and I definitely recommend it. Thanks for watching the video and I’m glad that it brought back nice memories for you.
What a delightful video! And what a wonderful story of your serendipitous lunch in Marseille! Delighted that you had such a terrific trip to some of your cherished spots.
Thank you!
Marjorie, I loved seeing the sights! Thank you….though they made me home-sick for Provence….
It’s awaiting your return someday….
DIVINE!!! I just bought your book, Markets of Provence, thank you for writing this!
Merci
Debra
Thanks, Debra! Enjoy.
Hi, your trip brings me back to my Provence River Cruise of June 2017, which I took with my family to celebrate my retiring! We were in Arles, Gordes, Avignon. Sailed the Rhône River into Lyon. It was all lovely! A month from now, I leave for an ocean cruise into Marseille and Monaco, then to Florence, Pisa and Rome, Italy! It’s all wonderful!
Sounds like retirement is going well for you! I’m glad that this brought back nice memories, and I wish you a bon voyage for your next cruise.
Love the video, Marjorie! Looked like an amazing trip – made me feel like I was right there along with you! 🙂
Oh, I wish…. Maybe someday.
Wonderfully professional..music and great pics.
So pleased by your feedback…thank you!
An adventure in every offer. Great video.
Thank you!
Wonderful post and the movie tells such a rich story! Towards the end of the video, in Arles, is the modern-day Brasserie the same building as the one in that gorgeous yellow-ey VanGogh painting of the cafe terrace at night? Looks like you, and the tour, had a wonderful time.
There’s a resemblance, but that’s not the same café as painted by Van Gogh. I have a photo of that one, but it didn’t make the final video cut. Harsh taskmaster that video clock! Thanks for your feedback. We certainly did have a wonderful time.
Marjorie! Loved watching the video and seeing all the beauty and colors…. Thanks for sharing! wonderful memories.
Many echoes of our wonderful journey together in 2017!
Fabulous. I can see all the work that went into making this video. Appreciate it. Makes me want to go.
Thank you. GO! 🙂
Marjorie…were you able to connect with my aunt, Henriette Shattuck, in St. Remy while you were there? I know she’d like to hear about your adventures there since you met up in the past. Great short video. Bill Shattuck
Hi Bill. I wasn’t able to connect with Henriette because I was focused on the tour 24/7. But I will reach out to her. Thanks the kind words about the video.
magnique! merci de partager votre joie de vivre
Avec plaisir!
Having recently returned from Provence, I delighted in your vibrant & colorful video! The images evoke such happy memories for me.
You are so right about how stepping into the daily lives of people opens windows of new insights. A charming older gentleman from Arles who bikes each morning into Fontvieille initiated a conversation with me at a cafe. He shared wonderful stories. Over the course of two weeks, we chatted. My appreciation for French life deepened & my accent even improved!
Those are the best moments. Thanks for sharing your story. I can easily picture it and smile along…
Loved seeing the highlights of your Journey. Beautiful!
Thank you!
Wow what a fun movie! So many places I know and love. And others I’m longing to go to.
Thanks Marjorie! Lucky NYTimes walkers. I wish I’d been in their shoes.
Thanks, Carol! Your painting of the Arles market is a treasure. I have it in my office for continued exposure to the sun, warmth, and apricots of Provence 😉