Aix Cathedral

Are you: Eager to delve into Aix's rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine? Craving to explore unfamiliar streets and learn anecdotes from local celebrities like Cezanne? Wishing to meet and explore the city with a 7th Generational Local while getting insider tips and avoiding traps? If so, we have the perfect tour for you! Enjoy an educational and entertaining walk through the charming city, marveling at its numerous grand mansions, fountains and plazas. Learn the secret stories of the city's history, including: - The Roman foundation of the city. - The influence of religion during the medieval era. - Its rise as the "Paris of the South" during the Renaissance. - Its reputation as a "sleeping beauty" in the 19th century. - The liberation by the US Army and the French Connection. - Its current role as a leading area for the future of human science and technology. Also! Get a memorable photo taken at the stunning 'Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins'. Taste the local delicacy! Win gifts on the tour - and get discounts and tips at local restaurents. Wrap up your tour at the majestic Cathedral, nearby to Cezanne's Studio.

N.B : This excursion is exclusively provided for cruise ship passengers. Provide your Cruise ship name for the booking. Pick-up in the cruise port of Marseille to begin your journey. In Aix-en-Provence, take a leisurely stroll along the Cours Mirabeau, lined with 17th- and 18th-century private mansions, where the large plane trees provide welcome shade on hot summer days. The old town is brimming with charming shops, architectural and religious landmarks, lively squares, and refreshing fountains. Explore one of the many markets that take place daily in the heart of the city. Enjoy free time for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, head to Cassis, an ancient fishing port with a stunning harbor that is considered one of the most picturesque in the region. The Crests roads will lead you to the outstanding site of Cape Canaille from where you will enjoy the exceptional view on the bay. Cassis is a very ancient fishing port and the harbour is probably the most beautiful part of the village. You will have the possibility to board on a 1 hour boat trip (ticket not included - to buy on spot) to discover 3 Calanques, secluded coves with steep cliffs, hidden harbors, and beautiful beaches. Then, head back to Marseille, where you'll be taken to the cruise port. Enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean views as you conclude this wonderful day. Note : The order of the visits can change.

N.B : This excursion is exclusively provided for cruise ship passengers. Provide your Cruise ship name for the booking. Pick-up in the cruise port of Marseille to begin your journey. Drive to Aix en Provence to discover the Cours Mirabeau lined with 17th and 18th century private mansions. See the Four Dolphins Fountain and other amazing sights in the vibrant city like the City Hall and the Cathedral Saint Sauveur. The old town is packed with shops, architectural and religious sites, bustling squares and refreshing fountains. Free time for lunch (not included) on your own. Panoramic tour of the city of Marseille on the way back, including a photo stop at Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica. Enjoy a breathtakingview on the Phocaeancity, the Frioulislands and If Castle. Drive on the Corniche Road, a symbol of holiday and outward sign of wealth for merchants and bourgeois from the 19th century who built magnificent houses with many ostentatious splendid features. You will then reach Saint-Victor Abbey that guards the entry of the Vieux-Port. Then, head back to Marseille cruise port. Note : The order of the visits can change.

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.

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.

This guided tour offers you a complete immersion in the heart of Provence, at the crossroads of Mediterranean landscapes and picturesque villages. From Marseille, a thousand-year-old city by the sea, to Aix-en-Provence, a city of art and light, via Allauch, a little jewel perched in the hills, each stop will transport you to an authentic Provence full of charm. Your discovery begins in Aix-en-Provence, a city of timeless charm and the birthplace of the famous painter Paul Cézanne. We'll delve into the city's rich history as we wander its cobbled streets, admire the many fountains that have earned it the nickname "City of a Thousand Fountains", and visit iconic monuments such as the Cathedral Saint-Sauveur, a fascinating blend of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. You'll also have the chance to discover Cézanne's studio, where the artist painted some of his major works, and imagine Provence through his eyes. After Aix-en-Provence, head for Allauch, a charming hilltop village overlooking the town and offering exceptional panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Let yourself be enchanted by the peaceful atmosphere of this typically Provencal village, with its narrow streets lined with ancient houses, its windmills and its green hills. Allauch is a haven of peace where time seems to stand still. A stroll along its garrigue-scented paths will take you to magnificent vantage points overlooking the surrounding countryside. The village is also home to the church of Sainte-Trophime, a jewel of simplicity, and centuries-old traditions such as the living nativity scene at Christmas. Finally, we're off to Marseille, a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. We'll start at the Old Port, symbol of the city, where fishing boats rub shoulders with modern yachts, before climbing the hill to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, protector of sailors and locals alike, from where you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire bay of Marseille and the Frioul islands. On the way back down, we'll explore the historic Panier district, the city's oldest. Its narrow, colorful streets, street-art facades and shady squares offer a timeless interlude. You'll also discover hidden treasures, such as the Vieille Charité, a former baroque hospice now a cultural center. This day is a veritable ode to Provence, combining the bustle of the city, the calm of the hilltop villages, and the artistic and cultural history that permeates every street and landscape. Through these three destinations, you'll get to know the soul of the region and its rich heritage.

Enjoy a guided tour in Aix-en-Provence, Cassis and Marseille to discover the hidden treasures of these emblematic cities of Provence. Let yourself be guided through the picturesque streets of Aix-en-Provence, visit the calanques of Cassis and explore the historic sites of Marseille. With an experienced guide, you can learn about the history, culture and gastronomy of the region. Book your guided tour now for an unforgettable experience in English! Remember that all of our tours can be customized to meet your specific needs. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of these lands and experience an adventure that will remain engraved in your memory forever.