Aix Cathedral

A city of water and a city of Art, Aix en Provence perfectly embodies this Provencal lifestyle which is so praised around the world. It is the city of the painter Cézanne, whose campaign Aix has inspired some of the greatest impressionist masterpieces of all time. With boulevards shaded by majestic plane trees, the narrow streets lined with rich private mansions, the discreet squares adorned with lovely fountains, lined with welcoming café terraces, Aix invariably seduces those who take the time to linger. This is your opportunity to explore the culture and the history of this place, with the help of your knowledgeable guides. The beauty of Aix-en-Provence, city of art, is discovered while strolling. During your walks around the famous Cours Mirabeau, shaded by its vault of plane trees, you will admire a number of mansions and monuments. You will encounter sites such as City Hall, Old Archbishop's Palace, and Saint-Sauveur Cathedral. The squares decorated with fountains provide so many enchanting places to discover during your strolls. If you want to see another side of this city not mentioned here, simply mention it to your guide and they will take you there. Enjoy a personalized and scenic walking tour, and let yourself discover this wonderful city of Provence.

Take a walk on the Cours Mirabeau with its private old mansions. Go past the Rotunda and mossy fountains, enter the 17th century city by the covered narrow street called Passage Agard. Stroll among shops, architectural and religious sites, squares and fountains. Wander around the traditional stores and the famous Provençal market. Aix en Provence is also the birthplace of the painter Paul Cézanne. Discover the Cézanne studio that was built from his own plans, and where he used to work during the last years of his life. Finally, admire the upland "Painter's terrain" where Paul Cézanne used to paint "Sur le motif" (On the field).

You'll be picked up at your ship or hotel and head straight to Aix-en- Provence (about 30 minutes) to get a look at its lively morning markets with the typical french atmosphere. You’ll take a walking tour of the old town with its beautiful buildings of the 17th and 18th century. You'll visit Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, the history museum, and Cézanne’s workshop. Then you'll be taken a bit higher to the hilltop where Cézanne actually painted numerous paintings of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain. If time permits, you may like to do a bit of shopping or wine tasting. Then, you'll be driven back to your ship or hotel in Marseille.

First you'll be dropped at the highest point in Marseille, Notre Dame de la Garde, where you can enjoy spectacular 360° views of the city, coastline, and mountains. Discover the heart of the city by visiting The Old Port, the fish market which is the oldest district in France, and the Fort St. Jean. Then head to Aix-en-Provence to see its lively morning markets. Take a walking tour of the old town with its beautiful buildings, St. Sauveur Cathedral, and Cézanne's workshop. During the day, you'll have lunch in a typical Provencal restaurant for an optional additional charge.  On the way back, stop in Cassis to enjoy the staggering view from the second highest maritime cliff in Europe, the Cap Canaille. Drive along the Crest Road to join the city center of Cassis with its fishing and pleasure port. Conclude your day, with a boat ride to see the splendid rocky inlets called les Calanques.