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Arles was just as charming as I imagined. The Hotel d’Arlatan has changed so much since I began booking it nearly 30 years ago! It’s now artistically modern thanks to artist Jorge Pardo, but the townhouse dates to the Middle Ages. The artistic twist of this urban mansion is perfectly in line with the contemporary art on display at Luma Arles where I was a kid again, giggling as I twisted my way down the shiny, silver slide. Of course Arles has ancient history too. The Roman arena which is the center of the town not far from my hotel. I enjoyed Provencal meals at La Gueule du Loup (casual atmosphere with food that rivals Michelin restaurants) and Le Lion d’Arles (relaxed on the terrace after seeing the arena) for simple salad with a bull steak and fries.
I bid au revoir to Arles and took a short train ride to Marseille where I checked into NH Collection. The hotel was bustling and bright located in the La Joliette neighborhood, but I walked to the Old Port and enjoyed the views of the sea and a meal Le Roy Rene. The next day I hopped a train for Aix. Another Provencal town I had been sending clients to for 30 years.
As luck would have it, I arrived on a market day in Aix! I enjoyed shopping along the Cours Mirabeau. I sampled gourmet cheeses at the market and sipped wine at an outdoor café. After my feet were rested I experienced a custom made perfume workshop at Rose et Marius. Now whenever I give a little puff with my atomizer, I am transported to Provence. J’adore!!
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