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Vue de Sainte-Victoire
Destination

10 reasons to come

1. Come face to face with Cézanne and the settings for his greatest paintings

Paul Cézanne, the father of modern painting, was born here in Aix-en-Provence. His name is known in each of the five continents, and his paintings are acclaimed in the most prestigious museums in the world. You’ve seen his works, but have you seen the light and the places which brought out his artistic talent, inspired him to start painting and offered him his masterpieces?

+ Paul Cézanne, Cézanne and his sites

2. Admire our scenery

Prepare to be amazed. Just like Cézanne, you’ll fall in love heart and soul with the eternal beauty of Sainte-Victoire Mountain, listed as a Grand Site de France, with the white limestone of its high ridge contrasting sharply against the bright red clay at its foot. At the top of this stunning mountain are more nature sites to explore in the Aix region.

+ Sainte-Victoire Mountain, themed tours and trails

3. Gaze at our collections

Cloaked in the splendour of baroque architecture, the museums in Aix are home to an eclectic array of wonders. Ranging from dinosaur eggs to contemporary works and from great historical painters to national arts and crafts treasures, there’s plenty to see and enjoy!

+ museums and art centres

4. Walk through our history and discover how it was built

As soon as you see the splendour of the pale-stone architecture in Aix-en-Provence, you’ll be captivated. Our wonderful heritage is there for everyone to see just by walking around, and a guided tour will reveal the secrets of its history in every detail.

+ guided tours

5. Explore the winemaker’s art

Between Luberon, Alpilles, Étoile and Sainte-Victoire, the Aix vineyards run across the hills and down the slopes, soaking up the sunshine. An excellent terroir with many different nuances, where five Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée (the famous AOC symbol of quality) and the Vignobles & Découvertes (Vineyards & Discoveries) label will delight the wine tourists amongst you.

+ on the wine trail,

6. Taste the sunshine

Have you ever tried the Aix calisson? First, a slight crunch of royal icing by way of welcome, then the creamy blend of fresh candied melon, sharp orange zest and the subtle flavour of finely ground almonds, and finally, the wafer at the bottom. The entire Provencal way of life all wrapped up in one mouthful.

+ discovering the calisson

7. Enjoy the natural surroundings

Sainte-Victoire, the Arbois plateau, the Côtes mountain range, the Pilon du Roi stone, the Massif du Concors… From mountain peaks to farming plains, dry-stone walls to vineyards, and the garrigue to the woodlands, the Aix Region offers you an endless supply of walks guaranteed to stir your emotions.

+ 10 walks and rambles in the Aix Region

8. Relax

In the heart of the Aix Region irrigated with rivers and canals, Aix-en-Provence has been a spa town since Roman times. It was the Romans who founded it near the abundant hot and cold springs from the surrounding mountains. Offering you a whole host of pleasures and benefits, our water will recharge your batteries for a truly relaxing holiday.

+ Sextius spa

9. Be thrilled by our festivals

In Aix-en-Provence and the Aix Region, there’s no such thing as a festival season…we have festivals all year round! Arts, music, comic strips, film…an excellent eclectic mix in dream locations. Which ones will you be going to when you visit?

+ events calendar

10. Discover our expertise

Tributes to trades which have disappeared, the living heritage of our arts and crafts, cutting-edge industries…Why not discover the work of our ancestors, of people today and of people in the future?

+ terroirs & expertise