Where? Aix is in Easter Provence, West of Nice.
This is a unique private discovery of a very rich in history and architecture city in Provence, once a Capital of the kingdom of Provence, and now the Capital of students and arts from all over the world. It is such a fascinating city so fashionable and bursting with creativity and style of the South of France.
We shall depart from your hotel to Aix en Provence by highway which is only 1.30 hour drive from Nice.
When reaching the town, we will enjoy a walking tour to discover its nook and crannies and also some of its amazing 120 fountains along medieval alleyways from the 12th to the 16th century.
On Tuesdays and on Saturdays, a magnificent Provencal market invades every street, major boulevard and square of Aix. It is not to be missed!
After visiting the old bourg St Sauveur named after its cathedral dating back to the 4th century AD, enjoy a stroll marveling at its numbers magnificent “Hotels Particuliers » or Private Mansions showing the richness of its parliamentarians or juges when Aix was the Capital of Provence.
I will be sure to point out some of the most incredible of its 120 fountains along the way. Then enjoy lunch in one of these private mansions in the district Mazarin.
In the afternoon, another stroll will make enjoy the new district from the 17th century, built under Louis the 14th by his Cardinal and his brother, Michel Mazarin. Among the elegant streets, we can learn more about the two main artists born in Aix, Paul Cézanne and Emile Zola who started their friendship at the primary school there.
Possibility of visiting famous museums or modern foundations dedicated to modern painting if you wish.
On the way back to your hotel, I recommend a wonderful stop at a unique vineyard in the heart of Provence for tasting local Rosé, Red and White wines made in the vineyards all around it. You can also taste and buy there their local bread and cheese for your dinner with their wine of course.
Please note:
This tour will last approximately 9/10 hours leaving from Nice. It is so beautiful that you will not see the day passing by
During the walking tour, make sure to have comfortable shoes but there will not be any stairs, the city is quite flat
You may wear shorts and casual clothes even for the Cathedrale
The entrance fees of museums and the wine tasting will be at your own expense
Many interesting info about history, art and architecture will be delivered to you that day in a fun way
This will be an great opportunity to enjoy some Provencal cuisine in Aix