France snapshots: Aix-en-Provence
As the (pop cult) saying goes, “Winter is coming”, but not yet: the month of November may be gloomy and rainy for part of the world, but it also provides us with an excellent opportunity to remember happy sunny days and plan for our next vacation, so here are a couple of France snapshots: Aix-en-Provence.
France is the most visited country in the world, receiving an average of 80 million visitors annually. And of all the beautiful places you can be in France, probably none can equal the wild beauty of the ever-green pastures and rich valleys of the mountainous region of Provence.
And at the heart of Provence, there are some wonderful towns we suggest you put on your list if you are looking to appreciate the traditions, cuisine and landscapes of rural France. Aix-en-Provence has been an established settlement ever since ancient times (being founded in the first century BC). The town center is a lively place, with amazing varied architecture, old churches (the Aix Cathedral is a must-see) and relics of the old Roman Empire. Apart from this, there are countless chic restaurants, bars and brasseries (the coolest of which is the famous Deux Garcons, where Paul Cezanne, Emile Zola and Ernest Hemingway used to hover.
Outside the town, you can visit Montagne Sainte-Victoire, part of the Alpine Mountain chain. Measuring 1011 meters, it was the place of residence of the old Provence counts. Chateau of Vauvenargues is the old castle in question. It was acquired by Spanish painter Pablo Picasso in 1958 and today is open to the public.
Just 30 short kilometres away, you can visit the great city of Marseilles, to or from which you can easily get transportation (a Marseilles private transfer is our first suggestion, though there are also other options to explore). Visit the most beautiful places in France!
