Aix-en-Provence: the charming aristocrat

Nestled between the Montagnes Sainte-Victoire, the rivers Touloubre and Arc, the Durance Valley and the vineyards of Trévaresse, Aix-en-Provence is located. Its original name “Aquae Sextiae” (Water of Sextius), not only indicates its Roman origins, but also its abundant water resources.

Symbolic of this abundance of water are not only the numerous jets and fountains of the city, but also the Thermes Sextius, the thermal springs built in the middle of the 1st century AD, today a modern bathing complex with SPA area.

Not far from the historical springs, in the Roman part of the old town, our tour starts. The cathedral Saint-Sauveur impresses with its almost biblical age, its different architectural styles and its art treasures.

Passing the former episcopal see, famous for its summer classical open-air concerts, pretty shops with regional products invite us to browse and discover. Here we will find potpourris of Provençal herbs, colourful potteries, lavender soaps and Calissons, the famous confectionery speciality that seduced the city’s gourmets from the 16th century onward with its delicate orange and melon taste and its subtle sweetness.

Aix-en-Provence, former capital of Provence, later a centre of trade and seat of parliament, surprises with its architectural opulence, which is not only to be found in its town hall, but also in its aristocratic villas, city palaces and upscale town houses. We stroll past them and turn our attention to some historical highlights.

Soft pastel shades under an azure sky caress the senses and lead us to the plane tree lined Cours Mirabeau, with its enchanting cafés and restaurants, the summer fashion market and the three Graces guarding, the glittering fountains, on the Place de la Rotonde.

From 3 persons, maximum 20 persons

Group price on request

Duration: 3 – 4 hours

Tour price: 75 Euro / person

A trip, with a small electric vehicle (maximum 6-7 persons), can be organized on request.

Tips for the journey (bus, train, own car, limousine with a chauffeur etc.), when booking.