About this experience
Aix-en-Provence is like a precious jewelry box that attracts travelers with its splendor, but at the same time hides the most incredible secrets from them. I will help you uncover them and understand this city, follow in the footsteps of Paul Cezanne, and tell you about the beautiful fountains and the green Mirabeau boulevard.
What to Expect
City's Mysteries and Heroes of the Past
On my tour, you will immerse yourself in the life of flourishing Provence of the 17th-18th centuries. With me, you will learn:
- why the Marquis de Sade viciously hated this city until the end of his life;
- what famous adventurers such as Casanova and Count Cagliostro did here;
- why all the shutters on the windows of the houses are painted in shades of grayish-blue;
- what caused the city to once be engulfed in mass hysteria related to devil seduction;
- why people in Aix like to 'play' with house numbers: there is house number 0, but no houses number 1 and 2.
You will discover these and other intriguing (and sometimes spicy) details on our walk.
Symbols of Aix-en-Provence
We will visit places connected to Paul Cezanne, one of the greatest French artists: you will understand what the small metal plates with the letter C mean and see the hat workshop where the painter spent his childhood. We will not ignore the magnificent Cathedral of the Holy Savior, which houses the jewel of Provencal painting - Nicolas Froment's triptych 'The Burning Bush'. We will stroll along the central street of Aix-en-Provence - Mirabeau Boulevard, lined with spreading plane trees. We will admire the Rotunda, the most majestic and beautiful of the city's fountains. And next to the walls of the former Augustinian monastery, I will explain why the bell tower dome has such an unusual shape.
