An Aix-traordinary Walking City Tour of Aix-en-Provence
Description
Do you want to... learn more about Aix's history, culture, and food? walk on streets you might have missed? meet a local and get useful tips and tricks? If so, have we got an amazing Aix-perience for you! Learn an in-depth history of the city: - How the Romans founded the city. - How religion shaped its medieval history. - How it became to known as "Paris of the South" during the renaissance. - Why it became known as a sleeping beauty during the 19th century. - How the US Army liberated the city, and the French-Connection. - How the city is at the forefront of human science and technology. Also! - Take souvenir photos at the splendid 'Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins'. - Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of Provences morning markets and its many mansions. - Get a map of the city for better experience - Enjoy the small group experience (group average 2-4 low season, 6-8 high season) - Have fun with a local guide !
Tour Options
Itinerary
Start the tour getting to know each other and some information briefings - safety first! Public toilets are outside of the building, and there are nearby cafés for last minute refreshments.
Start with a geographic and historic overview of the area.
Stroll down the main avenue of the city while admiring its beauty and history.
Learn the secrets of this 18th Century Mansion as well as gaining an understanding of the architecture and layout of the city.
Discovery the stories of 19th Century geniuses - Paul Cezanne and Emile Zola.
Marvel at this Baroque Italian Inspired Fountain, and get a photo souvenir with it.
Discover the Church/Fort of the Knights Templars.
Taste the local delicacy - the Calisson - at the best spot in town.
Go through space and time in this hidden private passage which was once a convent.
Check out the court house, search for statues, and admire the open space in the plaza.
Be amazed by the medievil quarter of Provencial Judians and learn about their influence on the region.
Taste and smell the daily farmers market in the morning, or watch people watching people in the afternoons.
Get to the heart of the city where the mayor of the city runs the show.
Hear about the stories of the survivors of the second world war, and how the US army liberated the city from Nazi control.
Finish the tour admiring the open air concert hall for the Opera festival, a hidden statue of the Black Madonna, and the centre of Christianity in the region for 1500 years - the city's cathedral.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(252)
What a lovely tour! Ivanna was an exceptional tour guide and very personable. After having several various city tours around the South of France during the week, Ivanna’s tour of Aix was the most thorough and educational. She spent two hours reviewing everything from early city establishment, to cultural and architectural evolution, covering local art history, incorporating stories (including historical scandals!) with facts regarding architecture, and pointing out and explaining important city land marks. It was a well-researched and well-paced tour with just enough information on each topic, yet welcomed questions with ready responses. Ivanna was in communication with us the week and day of the tour to confirm times and meeting locations, which was appreciated. Also offered her favorite restaurants and good stores. She made the afternoon very enjoyable and we left Aix with a better understanding of the town and culture than just wandering around on our own with guide book would have offered. Recommend bringing a water bottle in the summer heat, parking garage Rotonde for central town access for those driving in for a day trip. I cannot recommend this tour enough!
It is a great tour to do as a family. It was personalized based on the fact that we had young children.
my guide, Ivanna, was very educated, charming and knowledgeable. therefore, it was incredibly informative and delightful. I felt she took the time to prepare and make the tour enjoyable for everyone!
Ivanna was superb—very knowledgeable, friendly and fun. It was a hot day and she was super-considerate, always finding places to stop in the shade. The pace of the tour was both lively and relaxed—she never once made us feel rushed. I highly recommend her!
Ivanna was a great guide! Knowledgeable, friendly, and enthusiastic. She made our stay in Aix more enjoyable. Highly recommended.
Ivanna did a great job of showing us around Aix. The balance of history and sightseeing was just right, and Ivanna had lot of great info to share. It was a very hot day and she did a good job of keeping us interested and in the shade whenever possible. The pacing was excellent, we never felt rushed yet we covered a lot of ground.
Wonderful tour with fun, funny and knowledgeable guide Benjamin. Highly recommended! We’ve done quite a few city walking tours and this was great.
Benjamin did a wonderful job on our tour of Aix. He kept it light and funny as well as passing down the area history.
Wonderful, well paced, comprehensive tour of Aix with a friendly guide, Ivanna, who was filled with information and stories about this lovely town. It was a beautiful day and a great way to get to know the area.
This is an exceptionally good tour. Ivanna’s enthusiasm and encyclopaedic knowledge shine as brightly as the Provence sun. Ivanna is not following a script, she is following the history, artists, and stories of Aix and able to answer any question with a thoughtful and interesting answer. Her English is impeccable meaning for English speakers she can communicate nuanced meaning and understand any question. We did Ivanna’s tour in the morning orientating us for the afternoon. It’s the best tour we have ever experienced.
