Things to do in Aix-en-Provence

Fontaine de la Rotonde

Fontaine de la Rotonde is located in the city center of Aix-en-Provence and is one of the larger fountains in the city. This 12m high fountain was built in 1860, and the three marble statues standing on it were designed by three different sculptors. Each of these statues has a different meaning: the one facing the boulevard represents Justice, the one facing Avignon represents Art, and the one facing Marseille represents Agriculture. It is a fountain of special significance.

Cours Mirabeau

In Aix, the capital of Provence in Roman times, the Mirabeau Avenue in the city center is a very fascinating area and is recognized as the most beautiful avenue in France. This boulevard has been built since 1650. It stretches eastward with Place Charles de Gaulle as the center, with a total length of about 500 meters. The two sides are covered with leafy plane trees, and many exquisite and elegant medieval buildings and statues are hidden in it. According to Leonardo da Vinci's aesthetic theory, the width of the street is roughly equal to the height of the buildings on both sides of the road, thus giving a particularly dignified visual impression. In addition, there are many exquisite fountains in the major squares near the avenue, as well as elegant and leisurely open-air cafes, tea restaurants and specialty shops. The "Two Brothers" cafe located on the north side of the avenue has a history of more than 200 years. It has always been a place for artists and literati to meet and learn. Aix is the hometown of the French painter Paul Cezanne, known as the "father of modern art". The city is rich in water resources and numerous fountains, and is also a famous "spring city". In addition to the obligatory avenues of Mirabeau, rich Roman ruins, medieval Gothic and Renaissance-style buildings, you can also hear the unique Provencal dialect of the city of Aix here.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Provence

Old Port of Marseille

Old Harbor (La Darse) is the heart and soul of the entire Marseille area, not only because it is the birthplace of Marseille, but also because it was the third-largest port in the world 200 years ago. Old Harbor (La Darse) is surrounded by many historic sites, including Fort Saint-Jean and Fort Saint-Nicolas, which were built during the era of Louis XIV. In addition, Old Harbor (La Darse) is also the center of life and entertainment for the people of Marseille. The area around Old Harbor (La Darse) is a famous dining district, and most of the restaurants at the port serve a famous Marseille delicacy—bouillabaisse. "Old Harbor (La Darse)" is actually not old; it was rebuilt after World War II. However, locals still call it "Old Harbor (La Darse)," likely out of habit and a sense of historical sentiment. Every morning, the fish market here is bustling, and the pier is filled with small fishing boats and yachts, filling the entire harbor with the leisurely atmosphere unique to the south of France. Old Port mirror pavilion IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes's master plan was jointly undertaken by Foster + Partners and French landscape architect Michel Desvigne. A massive, mirror-like viewing pavilion measuring 46 × 22 meters was built here, supported by 8 slender columns, with the edges of the mirror pavilion gradually thinned to reduce visual weight. The polished stainless steel mirror ceiling reflects the surrounding scenery of the old port, as well as the faces of thousands of visitors stopping to admire it, creating a strange beauty. This not only provides a place for visitors to stop and take shelter from the rain or sun, but also allows visitors to become part of the landscape while enjoying the scenery of IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes.

Hotel de Caumont

Hotel de Caumont is full of exploration delights. In addition to rotating seasonal exhibitions, you can watch the film "Cézanne in Aix-en-Provence" about Paul Cézanne in a small screening room. After your visit, relax at the café, restaurant, or souvenir shop chapel. After touring the French-style rooms, step into the beautiful outdoor garden for fresh air. In summer, bask in the sun on a bench while listening to cheerful birdsong and breathing in the lavender-scented air. Even in winter, the evergreen trees stand tall and strong.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Marseille

Palais Longchamp

Palais Longchamp is a historic building complex that combines commemorative significance, architectural artistic value, and public leisure functions, and is also one of the representative urban landmarks of Marseille. The building not only reflects the significant achievements of urban infrastructure construction at that time, but also demonstrates, through its magnificent design, the importance placed on water resources and urban development. It is notable for its central monumental fountain and the buildings on either side: the fountain is decorated with a group of sculptures themed around water sources, agriculture, and natural abundance, with vivid sculptural figures that complement the arcades, colonnades, and ornate building facades, creating a solemn and artistic overall landscape. The two wings of the building house the Museum of Fine Arts of Marseille and the Natural History Museum, respectively, collecting and displaying artworks, natural specimens, and related historical materials, providing visitors with a rich cultural visiting experience.

Urban Jump Aix-en-Provence

Musée Granet

Founded in 1838, Musée Granet is named after the famous 19th-century landscape painter François Granet, as it houses his renowned paintings. In addition to works by Granet himself, it also features many art masterpieces from the 14th to the 20th centuries that he donated, as well as famous paintings from France, Italy, and the Netherlands, and several works by Cézanne. This building was once a Maltese palace. The entire museum is elegantly decorated and has a rich artistic atmosphere. It is one of the most beautiful museums in France and an important local museum.

Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence

Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence is a cathedral renowned for its beautiful cloister and the masterpiece "The Burning Bush" by 15th-century painter Nicolas Froment. Inside Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence, classical architecture and statues from the medieval period can be seen everywhere, and the Gothic exterior and cloister are major highlights of Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence.

Pasino Grand

Place des Cardeurs