This astonishing and beautiful mountain rises up outside the village of Tholonet when one goes towards the Côte d'Azur. Most famously it appears in the paintings of Cézanne. The mountain dominates the Aix countryside, a great limestone barrier that refracts the light of the setting sun and perfumes the air with the scents from its wild scrubland and whose way-marked footpaths attract walkers from all over the world who come to marvel at the views over the Rhône and the Esterel.
In the heart of the pedestrian center lies Place des Quatre Dauphins (Plaza of the Four Dolphins) and the fountain of the same name, erected in 1667 and designed by Rambot. Four dolphins, each looking around a mysteriously inscribed obelisk, leap above a small circular pond filled with clear water. The romantic setting reminds one of those old cloak and dagger films. A stroll in this square under the shade of the plane trees to the sound of fresh running water is very pleasant indeed, particularly on sultry summer days.
Built in 1745, this square is identical to the Parisian squares of that era. There has been a fountain here since 1912, which gives it an air of Commedia Dell Arte. The atmosphere is unbelievable; it is easy to imagine a carriage emerging from the Rue Espariat or a lady of the Court appearing on the balcony of one of these splendid palaces. Each summer during the Festival of Lyric Arts, the brightness of the moon floods this crowded square filled with party-goers costumed in 17th-century attire.
The Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur embraces all architectural styles from the 5th to the 17th Century. It has been formally established that Christianity has existed in Aix-en-Provence since the 4th century. The main testimony to this is Saint-Mitre's white marble sarcophagus, which can be viewed in one of the three naves, erected in three different eras. The Roman nave, Provencal in style, dates from the 12th Century; the Gothic nave was built between 1285 and 1290 and shelters the famous triptych by Froment, and the "Buisson Ardent" ordered by King René, depicts Queen Jeanne. And lastly, the Baroque nave dating back to 1695 is an impressive display of architectural richness of sensibility.
La Place de l'Hôtel de Ville is the center of beauty and history in Aix-en-Provence. It is flanked by the many architectural wonders that were built around the mid 1600s. It includes the La Tour de l'Horloge (Clock Tower) with its original structure built in 1510. The tower itself underwent many changes and additions and also served as a military outpost. It is fitted with both a bell and a modern astronomical clock and four imposing wooden figurines depicting each season. At the foot of the tower lies L’Hôtel de Ville (City Hall). This classic building overlooks the square and to date is the center of city's activities such as flower markets, parades, and feasts. Lastly, the square is adorned with the La Fontaine de l'Hôtel de Ville (Fountain of City Hall) sculpted by Jean Chastel Pancras that marks the exquisite beauty of the era. Altogether this town square continues to be the heart of the magic and a must-see in Aix-en-Provence.
Erected in 1860 at the entrance of the present Cours Mirabeau, this fountain is one of the distinctive features of this town. Recently renovated and cleaned after years of neglect, the bronze lions with their striking manes and the three pale and elegant statues all sparkle once again. Swans ridden by stone cherubs verse fresh water gently from their beaks. The water comes from the town's abundant underground source. At nightfall, this square is beautifully lit and allows both visitors and locals to enjoy its peace and beauty.
Although the original building no longer stands, this abbey in Marseilles dates its foundation back to 1225. It played an important role in the past and hence is a popular tourist destination especially among historians. Today, Couvent Dominicain de Marseilles is still thriving and portions of the buildings can be visited by the general public.
Eglise de la Trinité-La Pelud, consecrated in 1829, is a former convent. Today it serves the Catholic community of Marseille, and occasionally stages classical and choral concerts.
Built in patronage of Saint Marguerite, the Eglise Sainte-Marguerite is truly spectacular. Offering religious services this magnificent building is part of the Southern parish. They also have concerts here. So for a rich spiritual feeling come down to this magnificent church.
This vast area of parkland is situated 24km east of Marseilles between the village of Gémenos and Mount Sainte-Baume, at the base of a small wooded valley. It offers many lovely walks. Take one of its many paths through crowds of beech, ash, spruce and maple trees and encounter the cool, refreshing atmosphere around the waterfall. After about twenty minutes walking, you'll come across an abbey dating back to the 12th century, which was home to a community of Cistercian monks. Concerts of religious music are now held here throughout the summer, and they're free!
"I was born in the village of Aubagne, beneath the Garlaban mountain scattered with goats, at the time of the last goatherds. Garlaban, a towering mass of blue-grey rock that stands on the edge of Plan d'Aigle, an immense rocky plateau dominating the green valley of the Huveanne." These are the opening lines of La Gloire de mon Père (My Father's Glory), the charming novel by writer/film-maker Marcel Pagnol, which epitomises the spirit of this rocky fortress, soaring over the town of Aubagne at an altitude of 600m. Indeed, this designated nature reserve has provided the scenic backdrop to several of Pagnol's films; nature's own film set that can still be visited today. Pathways swathed in the aromas of rosemary and thyme criss-cross the mountain slopes on the eastern outskirts of Marseilles. The Tourist Information Office in Aubagne organises themed walks which give you the chance to uncover and discover this everlasting heritage.
In this small village north of Aix en Provence, on the borders of the Alpes de Haute Provence, this property produces an excellent Château vintage: young wines which quench your thirst and burst with fruit. The Grands Vins vintage offers wines to keep, prepared and matured in oak barrels according to tradition. Powerful and tannic, their strong temperament is in perfect keeping with the passionate character of the region. These wines go nicely with red meat or game.