Wednesday was our first day in Aix. We had an amicable taxi driver from the Marseille airport who made me hit the ground running on conversing in French again. Since I didn't take any French classes in my last semester it'd been a while, but I was happy when he told me that I spoke well! Upon arriving in Aix we walked around and forced ourselves to stay awake as long as possible to get adjusted to being 6 hours ahead.

Thursday we spent the day exploring Aix. We walked up and down the Cours Mirabeau and got my sister situated with the city.

Sun-drenched Aix-en-Provence

Friday we took a day trip to Cassis, which I recount here because the beauty of this seaside town merits its own post!

Saturday was our final morning in lovely provincial France! We saw my sister off as she embarks on a summer-long adventure exploring southern France and immersing herself in the beautiful French language. After saying goodbye Emily and I were off for Part II of our French travels...off to Paris!

Paris will always be one my favorite destinations (this trip marks my 4th time visiting this beautiful city!) Emily and I stayed in a spacious apartment in the 1st arrondissement, a but 5 minute walk from the Louvre and the picturesque Jardin des Tuileries.

View off of our Airbnb balcony

Exploring the Jardin des Tuileries!

Sunday we took a trip out to Versailles. I first visited the chateau right after finishing my junior year of high school 5 years ago. I definitely got much more out of this visit so I was happy to go back! After majoring in French in college I definitely understand much more about French history which made this visit more meaningful.









We spent Monday and Tuesday exploring all of the typical Parisian tourist stops: The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, etcetera...

I got to see my French friend Tiphaine in Paris! I met her during my semester abroad in Nantes. It was SO GOOD to see her! Definitely a highlight of the trip for me!

Already dreaming of heading back!