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Have you ever dreamed of experiencing the true flavor of French? Have you ever dreamed of being in field of lavender in spring time? If, yes, it is time for you to go to the south of France and most expecially Aix-en-Provence which charm you in the best possible way with all it has to offer.
Natural beauty, arts, history, friendliness. Aix en Provence is a nest of treasures waiting for you to discover each of them. Each season brings it happiness to the city: spring with its gorgeous plum trees, summer with memorable scented lavender, fall and its celebration in the vineyards. There is so much to see and enjoy in Aix en Provence. Wandering through the streets, you will be amazed with the rich history that hides behind each ancient door, square, and fountains. Aix n Provence is so rich in ancient Roman history you will feel like truly reviving the Roman lifestyle. One of the major avenue in Aix en Provence is Cours Mirabeau with its incredibly well sculpted fountains.
Strolling through the streets you will notice different architectural styles on houses, squares, and fountains. Cours Mirabeau is the grandest avenue in town, decorative fountains mark both ends and sycamore trees give shade during the summer.
In the Old town the Chatédrale St.-Sauveur and the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville attract the most visitors. Other popular photo motifs include Saint-Sauveur church, famous for its intricate carvings on the doors, and Saint-Jean-de-Malte, the oldest church in the Provence region.
In numerous museums you can see sculptures and paintings of great European and unknown French artists. The number one artist in town is undoubtedly Paul Cézanne who spent his whole life in Aix-en-Provence and featured it in many of his paintings. There are five different trails leading from the city center to some of his motifs. Signs mark the way and help explain the sights to those who are less familiar with his work. One trail is dedicated to the various stations of his life, including his studio which is open to the public and regularly houses art nights during which light and sound installations help illustrate Cézanne’s life and work.
One of the artist’s most popular motifs was Montagne Sainte-Victoire, a set of rugged mountains rising from the soft Provence hills, peaking at roughly 3200 ft. On the hike up you will pass wild lavender and rosemary and cross dense pine forests before reaching the famous Provence Cross. The 57 ft cross marks the end of a two hour hike, the reward for which is a stunning view over Aix-en-Provence and the Mediterranean Sea. To this day you will meet hobby artists trying to capture this breathtaking view on canvas.
Taking your rental car along the A51 highway you will reach Marseille in almost no time. The oldest town in France has lost nothing of its charm, and watching the fishermen bring in the day’s catch in the old harbor is still a great experience.
Another 12 mi to the east you will get to Cassis, a small fishing village. The highest cliffs in the country rise almost 1300 ft above the sea and the village. You can take a car up the cliffs, though the best viewing spots are only reachable by foot. From up there you have a stunning view over the rugged gorges reaching inland, the azure water, white beaches and pine forests. Unfortunately there is no trekking in the woods in the area during the summer due to the risk of fire. |
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