Aaron Lener ’27 documents his travels during the CAS 200: Mapping Strasbourg study tour part of Strasbourg Center orientation.
Traveling with sixty strangers through one of France’s most beautiful regions sounds like the premise for a novel of twists and turns—and, in many ways, it was: full of close friendships, budding acquaintances, adventures and personal growth.
After a few days in Strasbourg, exploring the city with our peers, the cohort boarded a double-decker train and headed off to Aix-en-Provence. Situated to the south, a mere forty-five minutes from the Mediterranean, this quiet city winds through narrow corridors and streets of cobblestone reminiscent of an ancient fortress.
Upon our arrival, we stored our belongings in our hotel rooms and departed for a brief walking tour of the city. As I strolled through Aix with my newfound friends, I was overcome by a sensation of tranquility. The sun was setting, the church bells were ringing, and the breeze felt light. Aix exudes peace.
The next day, we left Aix early for a trip to Marseille. If Aix is steeped in deep legacy and intention, Marseille is its foil: the city is large, bustling, and full of contemporary life.
First, we visited Cathédrale la Major, which is built with beautiful white stone and boasts striking dark stripes that draw the attention of every passerby. We then made our way over to the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilization. This building, of recent construction, houses several exhibits exploring the deep connection of Marseille and France to the rest of the Mediterranean. Prominently featured were multiple displays discussing North Africa, a central, but often forgotten, player in the birth of Mediterranean societies.
Conveniently adjacent to the museum is Fort Saint-Jean, dating to the 17th century. Nestled within the structure’s walls is an extensive spiral staircase leading to some of the best views of the city’s harbor. This journey is not for the weak, however—my friends and I almost fell a few times from dizziness!
After lunch, we discovered a different side of Marseille. Wandering around the city with no exact destination, we uncovered incredible street art, a student cafe with rich character, and a gallery showcasing local artwork. These boundary-pushing spaces remind visitors that Marseille stands as a center of new ideas and experimental thinking.
We also came across many soap shops and received an informative history of soap in Marseille (which is surprisingly extensive) from a local vendor and soap maker!
Our last excursion in Marseille was a journey aboard a petite tourist trolley that haphazardly climbed up to Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, which sits atop a large hill overlooking the city. The beautiful structure is the most imposing in all of Marseille and houses a breathtaking gilded interior.
I was so moved by the basilica and its location that I felt compelled to buy a souvenir, which took the form of lavender oil, for which Provence is famous.
The following day, the cohort rediscovered their spirit of outdoor adventure while hiking in the Calanques. Guided by wonderful experts, we climbed steep, rocky grades to enjoy a series of spectacular views, catching sight of the Mediterranean and the small housing settlements buried deep in the Calanques ravines.
Once we had been thoroughly exhausted by hiking, we ventured to Cassis, a picturesque port on the Mediterranean. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation in southern France by the water, Cassis would be your destination! I must warn you, however, that finding an espresso midafternoon on a January weekday might prove a bit difficult, as it did for me.
Our final day in the region was spent exploring Aix, the city we were staying in. The morning was occupied by Calisson tasting, a specialty of Aix. The small treat traditionally contains almond paste and candied fruit, topped with a light coat of hardened sugar. Calissons come in many flavors, and I tried the basic almond version, raspberry, lavender, and rose.
We spent the afternoon exploring a small art museum, featuring Rembrandt’s self-portrait and Giacometti’s slender sculptures, as well as a former chapel with works from Picasso and Monet. These slow and intentional visits left space for reflection and appreciation, inviting the cohort to find meaning in each piece.
Our early departure the following day was bittersweet: my friends and I were sad to leave the sunny, idyllic Aix, but excited to open a new chapter of adventure in Strasbourg. Confident in the knowledge that our beautiful novel had just begun, we boarded the train to continue our story up north and said goodbye to seventeen-degree weather.
Aaron Lener ’27
Syracuse Strasbourg Spring 2026
International Relations major, Maxwell A&S