Aix-en-Provence is a quiet provincial town. Aix-en-Provence

Attractions

Aix-en-Provence is called the “city of a thousand fountains”. Particularly interesting Big fountain on the Rotunda (1860) in the city center, a fountain connected to a hot spring (1734), the Fountain of the Four Dauphins (1667) and the Fountain of the Good King René, built in the 19th century. Even if you decide to see all the sights, you will miss many of them during a tour of the ancient center of this entertaining city.

Cours Mirabeau is a wide avenue dividing the city into old and new, to the north of it there is a labyrinth of ancient streets and ancient buildings. This is the direction we should go. The site of a Roman settlement is Bourg Saint Sauveur, which stretches from the Cathedral of Our Savior to the Italian-style town hall in the picturesque City Hall Square. The cathedral "summarizes" the history of Aix in one single building. Erected in the 5th century. on a Roman foundation, this magnificent building was completed over many centuries in three different styles - Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque, and only in the 18th century the work was stopped. The Archbishop's Palace dates back to the 6th-17th centuries, and now houses the Tapestry Museum and Cultural Center.

Other attractions include the clock tower, a former 16th-century bell tower built on Roman foundations: high above the street is an astronomical clock with four wooden statues, and the Fountain of the Four Seasons, which features a Roman column. The square and the Hotel d'Alberta were built by a distinguished family, natives of Aix, in the 18th century and are truly enchanting (the fountain was erected later).

Best time to visit

In June - for the free street music festival or in July for the city's lyrical arts festival - the weather is dry and hot, but the breeze brings a coolness.

What to see

• In the cathedral there is a magnificent triptych “The Burning Bush”, painted around 1476 for King René. Admire the wooden carvings. The Church of St. Mary Magdalene is a former 13th-century monastery, rebuilt around 1700. It is now a museum housing works by local artists.
• A simple and at the same time very beautiful fountain of the 15th century. Espeluk, moved to the square near the Archbishop's Palace in 1756
• Aix's famous patisserie "De Garcon" was built in 1792 - ask to see Ernest Hemingway or Paul Cézanne's table.

The baths at the Aix hot springs were built in 1705, but here you can also see the ruins of original Roman baths.

Beaches Cote d'Azur, ski resorts, many attractions, aromatic wine and excellent cuisine. This is just a small list of what awaits a tourist who gets off the plane landing at a French airport.

Introductory information about France

France is made up of many regions, each of which has its own unique history, set of attractions and unique dishes. local cuisine. You can relax here both in winter and summer. In the hot season, the Cote d'Azur awaits tourists, and in frosty weather resorts invite French Alps. Conventionally, France can be divided into two zones – excursion and resort:

• The first includes almost the entire Ile-de-France region, the well-known Loire Valley, as well as many cities, among which Paris, Strasbourg, Le Havre, Orleans, Rouen and dozens of others stand out.
• Leadership among beach resorts occupies the Cote d'Azur, followed by the island of Corsica and the Atlantic coast. In winter they mainly go to the Three Valleys and Portes du Soleil.

Aix en Provence

If you look at the climate map of French cities, you will notice that the climate is mostly temperate-marine. In the eastern regions it gives way to continental, and on the coast Mediterranean Sea– subtropical. Therefore, the weather varies in the regions - it is better to go to Paris in May or October, and June or September is suitable for visiting the French Riviera.

You can vacation in Corsica from May to October, but in August it will be quite hot. On Alpine resorts skiing starts in November, but the most snow here is in February.

Note! Ideal time for excursion trip In the cities of France it is high season, when all tourists travel to the Cote d'Azur. Yes, on coastal resorts there’s not a lot of crowds, but provincial hotels are almost empty, so getting a room will be very easy

By the way, about prices in French cities - the algorithm for their formation defies any logic. And this applies to both real estate and products. Having bought a loaf of bread in one store and going to another one across the street, you can see a completely different price. There is no use in bargaining; this is only possible in the market. But this article will examine the nuances of recreation not in the entire country, but only in one city called Aix-en-Provence (France).

Region Ile-de-France

A few words about hotels in Provence

This city is also simply called Aix (France). Provence is a popular region among tourists, so there are quite a lot of hotels here, but only a few are particularly popular:

• The true spirit of Provence can be felt at Villa Gallici. There is a real homely feeling here, the service is at the highest level, and the dishes prepared by the chef are beyond all praise. Despite the fact that the hotel is located in the city center, there is no noise or bustle of the city. The cheapest room as of September 2018 costs 300 euros* per night.
• The best advertisement for Le Pigonnet is its guests. IN different time P. Picasso, L. Kravitz, K. Eastwood and Catherine Deneuve stayed here. There is everything for a luxurious holiday, and the highlight is the huge park. The minimum room price is 150 euros.
• The art hotel Aparthotel Adagio Aix-en-Provence Center is not as luxurious as the five-star hotels presented above, but it fully deserves its 4 stars. The room here is a fully equipped apartment with a bathroom and a kitchen where you can prepare meals. In the morning, the guest will be offered breakfast. The cost of the apartment is 100 euros.

Note! Another popular art hotel in Aix-en-Provence is the Appart’hotel Odalys Atrium. The cost for one night is 80 euros.

Among other worthy hotels in Provence, the five-star Renaissance Aix-en-Provence and the four-star Les Lodges Sainte-Victoire and Hôtel de Gantès are mentioned.

Five-star Renaissance Aix-en-Provence

Tourist route around the city of Aix-en-Provence

Tourists visiting Aix-en-Provence (France) will be offered several route options for an introductory tour.

• A number of historical routes.
• A route related to the life and work of Paul Cézanne and his family.
• Visit to the mansion, workshop and places where Cezanne painted.
• Tour of the suburbs of Aix-en-Provence.

Note! The first three routes of the city of Aix-en-Provence can be either on foot or by transport. The latter is carried out only by car.

Aix-en-Provence attractions worth visiting

You should start your walk around Provence from the so-called Old Town, located to the north main square, and Mirabeau Boulevard. Here stands the Church of Sainte-Madeleine, which was painted by Van Lo and Rubens, as well as the preserved façade of the medieval town hall and the Cathedral of Saint Savior, which was painted by Nicolas Froment himself in the 15th century.

Continuing your journey, you should look into the archbishop's palace of Ancier-Archeves, where the Museum of Tapestries created in Beauviers and the Museum of the Old Town are located.

Note! Saint-Jean-de-Malte is the first church in Provence built in the Gothic style. Previously it belonged to the Order of the Hospitallers.

After seeing the sights of the Old Town, you can return to Mirabeau Boulevard, where there is also a lot of interesting things. For example, the creations of the sculptor Pierre-Jean David D’Angers, who lived in the 19th century. Its statue of King René the Good is a real decoration of the square. An equally interesting creation is the Rotunda fountain.

To the south of the boulevard is the Mazaran quarter, where four centuries ago there were elite houses of aristocrats. Going to Place Saint-Jean-de-Malte, you can get to the Granet Museum, where among the many exhibits you can find objects from the city of Entremont - the capital of the Ligurians and paintings by Marius Granet, after whom the museum is named.

Cultural center La Cité du livre

In Cézanne's former workshop there is an Atelier where you can see the tools the master used, as well as unfinished canvases. But the most impressive thing is the atmosphere in the room: it seems that the artist himself will come in now and continue working on his next masterpiece.

Upon completion of the inspection of the workshop, you should look at la Place d’Albertas, after which you can safely go to the unique architectural museum complex, the Vasarely Foundation. The exhibition, assembled by Victor Vasarely, included his own works, thanks to which a new architectural and graphic style was developed.

All lovers of contemporary art should visit the cultural center La Cité du livre of Provence - this is a media complex located in an abandoned but reconstructed match factory. Fans of modern cinema and literature from all over France flock here to discuss new works. In addition, they conduct various exhibitions, performances, film screenings, lectures. In mid-autumn, the traditional festival la Fête du livre is held. But this is not the end of the walk around the sights and interesting places Aix-en-Provence, because the outskirts of the city remained unexplored, about which we'll talk below.

Other places in Aix-en-Provence worth mentioning

There are no less attractions in the vicinity of Aix-en-Provence (France). Among the main ones, the following should be mentioned:

• Mount Saint-Victoire, which Cézanne called his muse.
• 14th century castle in Vauvenargues, where Pablo Picasso's grave is located.
• The 12th century Torone Monastery is located near the city of Kars.
• Entrecasteaux is a village that seems to have come out of the Middle Ages. The whole of it is a monument to the historical and architectural landscape of the 11th century.

Those wishing to try black truffles should visit the town of Ops, and the Var department welcomes fans of eco-tourism. In a word, Provence has entertainment for every taste, so traveling through its lands is guaranteed to bring a lot of pleasure and unforgettable impressions.

*Prices are current as of October 2018.

Aix-en-Provence has long been famous for its stunning beauty and healing climate. The city is considered conservative, quiet and cozy.

For example, there is much more sun in Marseille than in Aix-en-Provence - the weather is not subject to sharp fluctuations, you can have a good rest here at any time of the year. At the very beginning of May average temperature reaches 28-30°C.

The climate is moderately warm and healing. The weather forecast for the week is always necessary for tourists flying to France on holiday.

The city has many irreplaceable places for a walk, where you can take a photo as a souvenir. Boulevard Mirabeau is named after the famous political figure, participant french revolution. During the excursion, tourists get acquainted with the Rotunda fountain and the statue of King René the Good, sculpted by David d'Angers.

The Church of the Madeleine is of greatest interest. At the end of the boulevard there is a well-preserved cathedral Cathedral of the Holy Savior. Returning to Old city, tourists pay attention to another attraction - Paul Cezanne's workshop. France is proud of the works of a prominent representative of post-impressionism. The works exhibited in the hall testify to the greatness of the artist.

To get to the workshop in Aix-Provence, you need to take city bus number 5.

The gallery hosts group and individual excursions. The Tapestry Museum is located in the Bishop's Palace. It is designed in Romanesque and Gothic styles and has an amazing courtyard design. The paintings are in perfect harmony with the overall style and color of the room.

Markets of Provence.

A city of many, and often the best, markets in Provence.

The most famous and main one, of course, on the square Place Richelme . It is located among ancient houses in the shade of plane trees, and is easily recognizable from photographs on the Internet. Although, even out of sight, it will attract you with its smells: ... To list what is sold here, you will need a complete encyclopedia of Provençal cuisine. And to list what can be prepared - a book. Despite its popularity, it has all the attributes and spirit of a regular market in Provence - in a good way. An interesting detail: prices here are written in chalk on signs, rather than with a marker on paper. And they look better this way. Almost the only one in Provence, it is open daily from 8-00 to 13-00.

Aix is ​​a very bookish city (and this is what completely charmed me). In a widely known center of Citedulivre Meetings, presentations and literary festivals. And the book market is located on Place de l'Hotel de Ville .

Bonus: in any markets, shops and cafes, do not pass by Callisons . These are branded "Eksovskie" small diamond-shaped delicacies made from almond crumbs and dried fruits. On top they are covered with chocolate (white or black) glaze. By the way, every first Sunday of September is the day of distribution of calissons - free throughout Aix.

Aix-en-Provence and Paul Cezanne.

I miss Ax. When I'm not there, everything is in vain... - Cezanne lived in Provence and lived in Provence. In the city walking route "in the footsteps of Cezanne" is marked by large nails driven into the asphalt with the letter "C".

Pablo Picasso, in adulthood, purchased the 14th-century Chateau de Vauvenargues near Aix. " I just bought myself Cezanne mountains", said Picasso. It's about grief Sainte-Victoire. She was a real inspiration for Paul Cézanne and is featured in many of his paintings. One of his favorite routes was Bibemu area. Carrières de Bibémus – about 13 km from the city center. From there you have a breathtaking view of the mountain. And no tourists around!

Aix-en-Provence mercilessly exploits the memory of Cézanne. “He was born here, he ate here, he smoked there. He walked through this place twice, and lay down on a bench over there”... With all respect and admiration, do not let yourself be completely immersed in the life and past of the great artist.

Sights of Aix. What is this?

We did not post a list of attractions for the hundredth time. Moreover, there is a very good website of the Aix-en-Provence Tourism Office, and in Russian as well.

The main attraction is its charm. To see Cezanne, you have to look at Sainte-Victoire. To see Aix-en-Provence, look around. Even if you just spend half a day in some cafe, in some small square, “under the plane tree by the fountain,” you will already see the main thing. And, of course, students. In a strange way, youth has taken over this antique city. Attractions include each of the nearly thousand fountains. This is Cours Mirabeau, "the most beautiful street in France." Squares in front of universities and lyceums.

Just streets.

Just Provence.

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. But we advise you to pay attention to a small point on the map - the town of Aix-en-Provence.

How to get there from Marseille?It’s convenient to make a long trip around France with stops in many cities by car (you can rent a car in France from Rentalcars right from home). If this is not possible, travel by train or taxi. For example, a train from Marseille to Aix-en-Provence (not to be confused with the Aix-en-Provence TGV station, it is located away from the center) leaves daily and costs 8 €, and a transfer in the same direction by car is availableorderand in advance,

via this link.

A little history Founded by the Romans, Aix-en-Provence was famous even then thermal springs

. It was named “Sextian Waters” in honor of the Roman consul Sextius (Latin “Aquae sextiae”), and the modern name of the city is the same “waters”, converted over 2 millennia into the French way.

Aix-en-Provence is truly a city of water, a city of a thousand fountains, as it is called. From the largest historical ones to drinking fountains, they can be used as reference points for outings during festivities. Some are hundreds of years old, and the mossy carpet makes them look like natural boulders with flowing water. This is the fountain Moussue, which means “moss”.

The most famous fountain is the Rotunda Fountain (Fontaine de la Rotonde). It is located on the square where Mirabeau Boulevard begins. Life is in full swing here: tourists and residents stroll leisurely, musicians play; Hiding under the shade of plane trees, there are street benches and cafes. Having reached the statue of King René, you can turn right and enter the exquisite Mazarans district, built up with Baroque mansions - the habitat of the 17th century aristocracy. Here is located Art Museum Granet, and next to it is an attractive fountain of four dolphins.

Turn left you will see narrow streets old town. They will lead to cathedral Holy Savior (St. Sauveur) - a unique building that incorporates features of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture. Another church dedicated to Saint John of Malta is considered the tallest building in Aix - its tower is 67 meters high.

Moving towards the Cathedral of St. Sauveur, you won't miss the little Place Albert. It is paved with mossy cobblestones, has a fountain in the center, and is surrounded on three sides by Baroque buildings. Free Museum nearby is the Musee du Vieil Aix, where you can see many interesting exhibits on the history of the region.

In the old part of the city you can admire the ancient town hall, which attracts attention with its clock tower. Wooden figures representing the seasons appear from behind the dial every hour. On the town hall square there is an ancient fountain and a street market with fruits, sweets, olive oil and local herbs, of which lavender is in the first place.

Cezanne's atelier is located somewhat away from the historical part of the city, but the great artist's studio is a must-visit for those who want to learn more about his work. And those who want to get acquainted with Cezanne's most famous model should definitely come to the Painters' Park - from here you can see the view of Mount Sainte-Victoire.

Starting in June, Aix becomes the region's true cultural capital. One festival follows another, all stages of the city are open, and at open concert venues the music doesn't stop.

Provence cuisine

There is no shortage of places to eat in Aix-en-Provence, both on the main streets and further afield. tourist routes. One of the oldest restaurants serving local cuisine - “ Les Deux Garçons" ("Two Waiters") on Boulevard Mirabeau, its famous visitors were once Paul Cézanne and Emile Zola.

Dishes of Provence include meat with herbs, stewed in red wine, and Provencal-style snails with aioli sauce. This is nothing more than a prototype of our mayonnaise - a sauce made from olive oil and egg yolks with the addition of garlic. Here you can’t help but try the “city treasure” of Aix - calissons almond cakes (Calissons d’Aix). The townspeople once believed that they helped get rid of the plague, and to this day, in September, a day of distribution of calissons is held here.

Perhaps the only drawback of the city of Aix-en-Provence is the mistral - cold North wind which blows constantly in winter and in early spring. Even though he causes a lot of trouble local residents, apparently, they have learned to look at this phenomenon as an inevitability that they have to come to terms with. How else can you explain that one of the nightclubs is named briefly and simply - Le Mistral?

Have a nice trip!