Mont Sainte Victoire

Yesterday, instead of studying for my last exam, I decided to climb Mont Sainte Victoire, the mountain that towers over Aix and was the subject of many of Paul Cezanne's paintings. It was not an easy hike, but it was a beautiful day (60 degrees a week before Christmas!), and we had a great time climbing up the rocks and having a nice French lunch complete with wine, cheese, and a baguette at the church at the top of the mountain.

 One of Cezanne's paintings...

... and the real thing!

The views as we were climbing and from the top were absolutely stunning. Looking down across the countryside reminded us of why we chose to study in the south of France. It doesn't get any better than this.

Katherine, Kristen, Wes and I were thoroughly tired when we stumbled back to the bus stop 5 hours after we had started from there, but we had fun, it is was a fantastic way to spend one of our last days in Aix. I will miss these guys, and all the beauty I have taken in this semester!