Aix-en-Provence was the capital city of Provence in the 15th century: rich merchants and notables made it the Florence of Provence as we know it today.
Private mansions with their sculpted windows are densely gathered around the cours Mirabeau and Gaston de Saporta street. Aix is a true open-air museum: bourgeois’ mansions, squares of blossoming flowers, private mansions, antique fountains, shady back alleys…
The famous names of the local literature or paintings are inspired by the charm of the town : Guigou, Stendhal, Mistral, Zola and Cézanne.
Listed as a Historic Monument, the Hôtel de Caumont is one of the most beautiful private mansions in Aix-en-Provence dating from the 18th century. It is an art center which offers very prestigious temporary exhibitions. It is also a place of relaxation with its restaurant - tea room and its gardens, in the heart of the Mazarin district, sheltered from the bustle of the city.
It is here, on the hill of Lauves, among the objects that were dear to him, the models of his ultimate still lifes, his furniture, his work equipment, that you will feel the presence of the painter most intensely. From 1902 to his death in 1906, Cezanne worked every morning in this workshop of light and silence, the cradle of dozens of works today preserved in the great museums of the world, including the last Great Bathers.
Saint-Sauveur Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in rue Gaston de Saporta in Aix-en-Provence. This building, built on the site of the ancient forum and, according to legend, on the foundations of an ancient temple dedicated to the god Apollo, brings together a multitude of architectural styles, due to the many alterations it undergoes over the centuries.
The Granet Museum is an art museum located at Place Saint-Jean de Malte in Aix-en-Provence. It has a permanent collection of paintings and sculptures, and also exhibits temporary collections. Since 2013, the chapel of the White Penitents, houses an annex to the museum, under the name "Granet XXe", including many major modern works from the Jean Planque collection, including paintings by Picasso, Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet or even Jean Dubuffet.
The flower market in front of the Aix Town Hall is a testament to the vitality of our city. You can see the belfry also called the Clock Tower.
The Pavillon de Vendôme, was built on the orders of Louis de Mercoeur Duke of Vendôme to house his passionate love affairs with Lucrèce de Forbin Solliès known as "La Belle du Canet". Surrounded by a sumptuous French garden, the main facade of the pavilion superimposes the three classical orders and is adorned with superb Baroque Atlanteans, garlands of fruit and a mascaron which is said to have the features of Belle du Canet.
You will also find a multitude of information on the website of the Aix en Provence tourist office, in particular for wine tours, excursions or guided tours...
Symbol of Provence, the Sainte-Victoire Mountain is the pride of all Aixois. It culminates at 1011 m, it is a high place for walking, on foot or by mountain bike, especially up to the Croix de Provence. To punctuate your walk, you can visit the Sainte-Victoire priory or the Saint-Ser Hermitage.
