This full day
Marseille shore trip starts with a visit to Aix en Provence, a favorite for many tourists. In the afternoon you drive through the Provencal countryside to the medieval hilltop town of Les Baux de Provence, known for its charming stone streets and castle ruins.
After meeting you driver guide you'll start your into Provence until you reach Aix en Provence, simply called Aix by locals. Upon arrival you visit the Cours Mirabeau which dates to the 17th century. This beautiful tree lined street is world famous and known for its monumental fountains and popular cafes. While on this street, many people feel they have been transported to a Parisian neighborhood.
Next you enjoy time in the Old Town of Aix en Provence which is comprised of mostly pedestrian streets. There are many lovely stone buildings, churches, museums, tourist shops and designer boutiques to explore as you work your way through the small winding cobblestone streets. Please note that most shops in France are closed on Sundays.
In addition to seeing several wonderful fountains you will also notice the many bell towers which are made of wrought iron because the strong winds, known as the Mistral. If they were made from solid stone they would be toppled by the force of the winds.
If you are visiting on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday you can enjoy the open-air street market where cheeses, olives, produce, fruits, flowers, knick-knacks and other goods can be found.
Aix is also well known as the home of impressionist artist Cezanne. You will see images of his paintings in many shops throughout the old town.
Before leaving Aix, you have free time for lunch (meal not included).
This afternoon you'll drive through the region until you reach the amazing medieval hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence. It is unique among the many cities in Provence because it is both an ancient ruin and at the same time a quaint village. It perches for nearly a mile along a narrow strip of land jutting up from the valley floor, and is surrounded on three sides by the sheer jagged cliffs of the Alpilles Mountain Range.
The barons who once ruled much of Southern France resided here in a castle on the top of the hill. King Louis XIII turned against them and had their castle destroyed in 1632. Afterward the city sat almost deserted for several hundred years. Today, Les Baux is made up of two parts referred to as the "Live City" and the "Dead City."
Vehicles are forbidden, so when you arrive at Les Baux you must park outside the "Live City" and walk the narrow and winding lanes which offer a nice choice of cafes, small museums and a bundle of boutiques and tourist shops selling typical gifts from Provence. Then you have a chance to visit the "Dead City," including the remains of the castle which once housed nearly 6,000 people.
At the end of your excursion, you return to Marseille.
Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)
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