"For an Impressionist to paint from nature is not to paint the subject, but to realize sensations." ― Paul Cezanne
Bonjour from Aix-en-Provence! Today my small group of four other American travel advisors continue our journey discovering hidden gems and local insider tips through the South of France as invited guests of Key 2 Business, who represent and help market incredible, French Relais & Châteaux hotels including several where we're staying this week. 580 luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants make up the Relais & Châteaux collection around the world, and while countless hoteliers apply to become part of Relais & Châteaux, only six are added each year! These are independently-owned properties all with the highest standards for their culinary offerings and customer care, and they have a distinctive, locally authentic charm where you feel like you've been warmly invited to stay in someone's home.
I'm writing this right now from Villa Gallici, a Relais & Châteaux hotel a quick walk away from the center of Aix-en-Provence, and it's one of the most beautiful places I've ever stayed. View some of my own photos of Villa Gallici on Nine Muses Travel's Instagram and Facebook, and you can also see what last week looked like through Tuscany because I have a lot of new places there to recommend, like Peccioli and Lajatico, two towns that are like open air museums with contemporary art around every corner. There's a lot more to say about Tuscany, so definitely think beyond Florence for your next Tuscan trip.
I flew to France on Saturday and so far visited the Luberon villages Gordes, Roussillon, and Goult and had a walking tour of Aix; I visited the factories and stores for L'Occitaine and the delicious Forcalquier biscuit maker, shopped in a village street market, ate the picnic lunch (in my photo above) in a vineyard and goat farm, and mixed my own room diffuser scent at the Rose et Marius perfume shop. I'm glad to get in my steps because the farm-to-table meals we're experiencing are out of this world. All my senses are alive with the wonder of each bite, each vista, each moment I say to myself, "What is my life right now?!" I'm filled with gratitude for opportunities like this to walk the walk as your travel advisor.
Next up on our South of France adventure are Marseilles, Cassis, Corsica, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Please like and follow Nine Muses Travel's Instagram and/or Facebook because the posts help tell the story of the places we tour, foods we taste, scents we breathe, beds we sleep in, and the wonderful artisans, chefs, and guides we're meeting. I will dream forever of these two weeks in Tuscany and the South of France, and marvel at my good fortune in life. I'd love so much to help you feel this way too.
Start planning inspired travel and read more about me and what I can do for you!
Nine Muses Travel designs journeys to inspire artists, arts lovers and the culturally curious.
Danielle Dybiec
Founder & President
WHY USE A TRAVEL ADVISOR?
Nine Muses Travel offers a premium experience with flights, guides, drivers, rental vehicles, and the best accommodations to maximize your time, with expert advice on how to get the most out of any destination. We INCLUDE amenities for you at the world's finest hotels, the BEST OF THE BEST!
Complimentary room upgrades at check-in, subject to availability
Complimentary daily breakfast
Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
And more!
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Expert guides: artists, historians, naturalists, unique locals with insider tips & insights
Flexibility with your touring - See and do as much, or as little, as you prefer!
Custom-designed routings
Exclusive experiences
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