Aix En Provence

Atelier de Cezanne,

Paul Cezanne’s house and studio, is a must while in Aix. Cezanne was born in Aix in 1839 and he always considered Aix to be his home and a place of profound inspiration.

The visit to the studio is perfect for a late afternoon excursion and doesn’t require much time at all. The Museé Granet in Aix has a vast collection of Cezanne and impressionists as well, if you have time.

Bibliotèque Mejanes

is a wonderful library in Aix founded in 1810 with a facade made of giant books! The library holds a lot of interesting history and it makes for a perfect photo opp!

Cours Mirabeau

is the iconic tree lined boulevard in Aix with shops, restaurants, open air markets, and beautiful fountains. Bring your wallet! This is the perfect place to find those lovely table cloths in the traditional floral prints of the Provence region.

Foundation Vasarely Museum 

is among the most fun you may have in Aix! Victor Vasarely was a Hungarian and French painter best known for starting the movement of Op Art. His optical illusions were often painted on extremely large surfaces and when given options of where to build the museum for his works, he chose the cultural center of Aix. He designed the structure in hexagone pods to mirror his paintings.

The foundation opened in the mid 70’s and the building stands out as an Op Art structure itself. Wander through the spaces, sit down on couches, get close, back up, and basically play while you are there. The paintings are colorful, fun, and vibrate as you look at them. 

Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque…

is a unique and perfect choice for viewing lavender and finding sunflowers along the way! The Abbey is only one hour from Aix and is filled with a rich history and meditative vibe.

Cistercian Monks

This Abbey is a living/working farm for monks of the Cistercian order. This group of monks have lived and operated the Abbey since the 12th Century. Their lives are dedicated to prayer and labor. They actually pray seven times daily and tend to all of the lavender and olive groves. The sales from the oils and products, and use of the Abbey for monastic retreats help to support the Abbey and the monks.

Arrive early in the day to roam the fields and surroundings freely. That way you can take photos without feeling disrespectful. Take time to sit in the chapel built in the 1100’s. Busloads of visitors may arrive later, so get your pics done early! This is a must during your 5 days in the south of France.

Citadelle De Sisteron

Another one hour drive from Aix is the charming medieval village of Sisteron, home of the citadelle, built in the 12th century.

The citadel is tucked into the rocky cliffs on the banks of the Durance river. It was used for many purposes during many wars since the 16th century. The original ramparts, parapet, and drawbridges still exist, as well as a chapel with stained glass from the 15th century.

You can walk or shuttle up to the citadel. I recommend the walk, if you can do it! The views are extraordinary because you see the rocky mountain, the river bed, and the red rooftops of the village.

Cassis

This is the delightful Mediterranean fishing port in the Côte D’Azure. Just a 45 minute drive from Aix.

The water is deliciously gorgeous. Lay on the beach, swim in the Mediterranean, and relax! Hike along the coast in the calanques, or steep cliffs, if the weather allows. It’s really a French Riviera dream!

The public parking lots fill up, so arrive early in the day.

Avignon

Avignon is one hour from Aix, and was the seat of the Catholic Popes from 1309 to 1377. Famous for the Palais des Papes and the Basilique Saint-Pierre, feats of medieval architecture with gilded choir, walnut carvings, and Renaissance and Baroque paintings, Avignon has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is a fortified, walled city on the water.  The palace sits on a main square next to streets filled with a plethora of tourist shopping.

You can tour the Palais and Basilique if you have time. The Palais is the largest gothic fortress in the world!

Pont D’Avignon

Avignon is also known also for summer theater troupes performing in the main square, and, of course, the famous bridge – Pont D’Avignon! Originally built in the late 12th century, the bridge had 22 arches!

Parking on the street may be impossible, so plan on parking in the parking structure at the palace.

Pont Du Gard

This is an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge built in the first century AD to carry water over 50 km to the Roman colony of Nemausus. It crosses the river Gardon near the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard in southern France.

For 7 euro, you can buy tickets to walk on top of the bridge and see the museum and exhibitions.

Bring your bathing suit! Visitors are swimming and kayaking in the water below the aqueduct. Add this to your 5 days in the south of France.