Hotels in Aix en Provence
What to see by foot: Aix en Provence
 
Aix-en-Provence is a university town of great beauty and vibrant atmosphere, famous
for its delicious olives and almonds from the countryside. Its red-tiled roofs,
sun-dappled vineyards and hillsides of wild thyme and lavender have been inspirational
to many great writers and artists such as Guigou, Zola and Mistral. Paul Cezanne's
inspiration for some of his masterpieces came from the Provence countryside as
well.
The town is home to some brilliant architectural pieces which have been well
preserved and carefully restored. Take a leisurely wander down the Cours Mirabeau
and rue Gaston de Saporta to feast your eyes on the sculpted doors and windows,
as well as the intricate ironwork balcony railings that embellish private mansions.
Cours Mirabeau divides the old town in half and is lined with leafy trees and
charming cafés.
North of Cours Mirabeau, in the heart of the old town, is the ancient Cathedral
of Saint Sauveur, the baptistery of which dates back as far as the 4th or 5th
centuries. The other elements of the cathedral were constructed in later eras,
and the end result is a magnificent combination of Roman, early Christian, Gothic,
Romanesque and Renaissance styles.
The painting studio of Impressionist master Cezanne is today known as the Musée-Atelier
de Paul Cezanne. It is in almost the same state as he left it at the time of
his death in 1906. Scattered around are his pipe, clothes and other personal
effects, giving the visitor an intimate glimpse into the life of the artist.
The town is home to a number of interesting museums. The Tapestry Museum is
located in the plush former palace of the archbishop; it contains modern textiles
as well as a gorgeous collection of rich tapestries and rare furnishings dating
back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Musée Granet, featuring 16th to 20th century work by French, Dutch,
Flemish and Italian artists, acts as both an archaeological and fine arts museum.
The museum is situated in the former building of the Priory of the Knights of
Malta.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Holiday Inn Aix en Provence | | Comfort Hotel and Suites Floridianes | |
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full list of hotels and online booking
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