Autumn 2022

eautiful shady garden. This is one of the best
kept secrets of the locals who love to pop in
for a coffee, glass of wine, lunch or fabulous
cake.
Two notable museums in the Mazarin District
are Musée Granet which has a superb
collection of artworks including ten Cezanne
paintings, and it’s second part Granet XXe,
housed in a former 17th century chapel
Fondation Vasarely exhibits the optical
illusion art of Hungarian-French artist Victor
Vasarely who chose Aix to showcase his art
due to his admiration for Cezanne. Vasarely’s
work is big, bold and incredible.
Eat out
Feast on oysters fresh from the coast in
Marseille, just 30 km away, nibble on
lavender infused goats cheese, enjoy
delicious salads flavoured with local olive oil
and tapenade and sigh over sweet almond
Calisons, a local speciality said to have been
invented for Queen Jeanne, the wife of Good
King René, in 1457. They are said to be the
shape of her eyes!
The king of calisson makers in Aix is the Le
Roy René who’ve been making them for more
than 100 years and whose calisson gift boxes
feature La Rotonde, a fountain landmark in
Aix. You can visit their fabulous museum and
confectionary where they make calissons
in every flavour from natural – almond and
melon to lavender, chocolate and pistachio.
The Fromagerie du Passage is tucked away
down a secret passage at No. 55 Cours
Mirabeau. Head to the terrace bar for a cool
breeze on a hot night and a perfectly chilled
glass of something delicious to wash down
your plancha of tasty Corsican meats and
some of the best cheeses you’ll ever try.
and an ever growing collection of art dotted
around the vineyards including a monumental
meditation bell created by Paul Matisse, son
of Henri Matisse.
Book a tour: Aix has so many secret
places and so much to discover.
Book a tour at the tourist office by
La Rotonde fountain.
aixenprovencetourisme.com
How to get there: Trains from Paris
take just 3 hours. The station is around
25 minutes’ drive from the city, you
can take a bus for a few euros or taxi
(expect to pay around 50 Euros).
Where to stay: Hotel Nègre Coste
overlooking the Cours Mirabeau, in the
centre of action but perfectly tranquil
and with comfy rooms, a spa, friendly
staff and a lovely restaurant downstairs.
La Rotonda is the biggest fountain in Aix and a symbol of the city
And for a countryside treat, head to
Chateau la Coste a dreamy vineyard with a
hotel and five restaurants about 20 minutes’
drive from the city. It has three art galleries
Chateau la Coste
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