TOULON, FRANCE  Cruised into port past many Navy ships--60% of France's Navy is here. Docked at Quai Fournel with great views of the sailboats in the busy harbor. Very pretty setting with the mountains looming above the city.

AIX-en-Provence Excursion 5-hr tour. Bus ride was about 1.5 hr with guide Lily talking about the area's history as we passed a few of Toulon's landmarks: walls from 16th century, old Library, Place de la Liberte  with the impressive France Var Toulon fountain and statue, DeGalle Aircraft Carrier's home, forts on top of mountain, and then through the Provence forested hills.

AIX  -  nicknamed the “City of a Thousand Fountains"  
Bus drop off was by the Grand Hotel Roi Rene where we began the Guided Walking Tour through Old Town's narrow lanes paved with cobblestones:
Rue du Quatre Septembre street to Place des Quatre Dauphins square with its Fountain of four dolphins spurting water around an obelisk topped by a pine cone. This is where Cardinale crosses with rue du Quatre Septembre.
Rue Cardinale street; great views of Église Saint Jean de Malte (Church of St. John of Malta).

Cours Mirabeau - supposedly one of the most beautiful streets in France with its wide sidewalks lined with "plane" trees. Many interesting statues and, of course, fountains.


The town's most notable fountain. Fontaine de la Rotonde, makes up the roundabout at the end of the street with 3 statues on top representing Justice, Agriculture, Fine Arts.  

Less than an hour for time on our own. Lunch at Chez Jo for wood-fire pizza; excellent! The inside of Randy's tennis shoes are falling apart. Would you believe there is a Footlocker here. Bought inserts that should work perfect.

Along the walk back to the bus were interesting old mansions and nice views of Parc Jourdan.  Aix was enjoyable but quite crowded and much larger than anticipated.

Bus trip back along same route with views of a high cliff, Bay of Cassis, village church on top of hill. 

Back in Toulon around 2:00. It's very Hot--96 degrees so we didn't feel like walking around the city. Went back to the ship and managed to get the clothes washing chore completed. Joined the group for afternoon Trivia.
In hindsight, would rather have explored Toulon instead of the Aix trip excursion.