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 Granet Museum, in the heart of the historic Mazarin quarter of Aix-en-Provence, has an impressive permanent collection which includes Rembrandt, Cézanne, Ingres, Giacometti, Picasso, and Mondrian, along with changing special exhibitions. The museum offers guided tours with special consideration for those with disabilities. Special events include brunch in the garden, drawing sessions, and occasional evenings at the museum.
Three recently renovated halls in this theater are dedicated to film arts. Operating under the leadership of the program director, Jean Chenu, it offers quality programs of films in their original language and films d'auteur. See previews of French and foreign fringe films and meet producers and actors. These cinematographic meetings are valued just as much as the Short Film Festival, usually scheduled for December, which offers a good general overview of the art of the short film.
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.
The Hall Du Forum is part of the Forum des Jeunes et de la Culture, which is a venue that takes care of the cultural enhancement of the youth in Berre l'Etang. At this hall, there are many events conducted to make sure that the youth of the city are aware of their surroundings. Events such as plays, concerts, exhibitions and more take place here. To know more about this place, do visit their website.
Mont Puget is a magnificent mountain situated in the charming city of Marseille in France. This rugged beauty is one of the most prominent landmarks of Massif des Calanques, which stretches from Marseille to Cassis. It has a height of 563 meters (1,847 feet), and derives its name from Pierre Puget, who was a renowned French painter, sculptor and architect. The summit of the mountain is shrouded with limestone, and is known to provide sweeping panoramic views of the neighboring areas.
Enjoy a captivating tour of the stunning vistas of the Provence region of France with Discover Provence-Day Tours. The company organizes group tours, private tours as well as customized excursions of the region with a team of knowledgeable guides. It is highly acclaimed especially by ace TV personality and travel expert Rick Steves. You can choose from a range of walking tours, day trips and 3-day tours to get to know the area well.