AIX EN PROVENCE

Aix-en-Provence, a university and spa town and political hub of Provence, about half an hour's drive from Marseille.

As we arrived in Aix, we are introduced to its sophisticated atmosphere with a walk around the romantic streets of the city centre, amidst aristocratic residences dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Our walking tour began on the Cours Mirabeau, a splendid, tree-lined avenue in the heart of the city that boasts beautiful fountains and numerous outdoor cafés.

From here we made our way to the Mazarin Quarter, the district designed by the Archbishop Michel Mazarin, brother of the famous Cardinal. Created in 1646, it was built according to a grid plan which was the typical style of urban planning in the 17th-century.

Staying in this area, we stoped to admire the “Place des Quatre Dauphins” (Square of the Four Dolphins) with its handsome fountain featuring a sculpture with four dolphins, and Saint Sauveur Cathedral, the city's cathedral, with its multiple architectural styles dating from the 5th to the 17th century.

At the end of our guided tour, we had some free time to explore the local fruit and vegetable market and relax in the square.