Was a quintessential Frenchman's home
Proud, though fragile, faded splendour
In this city warm and tender.
Sparkling fountains cool the air
Shady plane trees everywhere
Cafés crowded, smiling faces
Lavender in - unlikely places.
Aix – small in size but big on Art
Saint Sauveur at its Roman heart
Stained-glass that visitors admire
Five centuries gaze from lofty spire!
Down narrow, flagstone streets, cute shops:
Soaps, olive oil and flowers in pots
While markets buzz in morning light
Kaleidoscopes of fruit delight!
The sound of church bells, laughing voices
Provence cuisine means tempting choices
Café crème or rosé wine
Carafes of water when you dine.
September heat, hats still a must
Dappled sunshine - warm at dusk
Then Cézanne's city, like a hive
With swarms of tourists comes alive!
King René's students study law;
Extensive roadworks are a bore
Re-routing means in time there'll be
Electric buses – diesel-free!
Musée Granet: Roman finds
Bold paintings from medieval times
Three fountains grace Cours Mirabeau
Where once fine carriages would go...
Reflections on a bygone age
With Louis XIV centre stage.
Now in Gothic chapel – there's Picasso!
So sad the traffic's such a hassle ...
(c) Poet in the woods 2018
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