Throughout my time studying abroad, I spent my days and nights exploring the streets of Aix-En-Provence, France. Famously known as “the city of a thousand fountains,” my hometown of study abroad had wells and fountains on almost every street corner. Some of them featured beautiful statues, plaques, and jets but each one was always filled with drinkable water.  

My first of countless sunsets painted across the Aix-En-Provence sky, out the window of my soon to be best friend’s apartment

La Fontaine de la Rotonde, the center of Aix-En-Provence. My favorite place to meet up with friends and walk past after class.

One of the hundreds of detailed and character filled fountains, with water so clear it matched the moped parked right next to it

The most famous of these fountains sitting in the center of town, Fontaine de la Rotonde. This is the largest and most photographed in the entire city, surrounded by 12 bronze sculptures of lions, sirens, and angels on the backs of swans. Every time I see “La Rotonde”, I am immediately reminded of my amazing experience abroad. I traveled up and down the streets of Aix always finding a new hidden treasure. Whether I was with friends, my host mother, or family from home, I always felt connected to the beautiful buildings and winding roads. My camera roll was filled with hundreds of photos from the breath-taking place that I was lucky enough to study in for a semester of college. I handpicked ten of my favorite visual memories to share the peacefulness of the south of France. 

Me and my CEA-CAPA group walking through the streets of Marseille on one of the many excursions led by our on-site team.

Every night the sun painted a beautiful portrait across the sky welcoming the night life to begin in Aix. It seemed only fitting to share my first of these beautiful sunsets from my four months abroad. I could never choose which was more beautiful, the clear perfectly shaded blue skies of the day, or the pink and orange sunsets every evening. When I was not gazing up toward the sky, I was focused on the intricate detailed buildings around me. With statues carved into the stone and clay, plants hanging out of windows and across streets, and detailed railings on every balcony, the buildings of Aix had so much character and personality. Even from far above, the city of Aix and its close relative, Marseille, were so alike yet so different. The bustling city along the coast shared the detailed buildings and fountains with more of an urban feel than the quiet and quaint Aix-En-Provence. Just a short bus ride away, I loved to compare the two must-see destinations.

Standing under a hidden archway in the depths of Aix, I couldn’t help but to ask my friend to take a picture

Overlooking the city of Marseille and beautiful coastline for the first of many times throughout my semester abroad

One of the bustling daily markets held in the heart of Aix-En-Provence. Selling spices, flowers, clothes, and so much more, I could never resist taking a walk on days like this

        Aside from the buildings and fountains, the most memorable part of Aix-En-Provence was the culture. Each local I met was kinder than the last and opened their doors to travelers from all over the world. Sharing a piece of their daily routine always made me feel welcome and special. One of my favorite parts was the packed markets in the center of town nearly every day. Local farmers, crafters, boutiques, and so many others came together to sell and buy the freshest and best quality items. I was lucky enough to walk through the daily food, flowers, and clothes markets. Just a finishing touch to this perfect town that I called home.  

The joy of finding a hidden shortcut through town and running into a firefighting crew

The view from my favorite study spot, featuring a beautifully carved statue on the side of a building