Cultural Tour of Aix-en-Provence, Aix-en-Provence

About 30 minutes north of Marseille lies one of the lesser-visited gems of the French Riviera: Aix-en-Provence. "Aix," as it's more commonly known, is a city in an exceptional geographic location, set amid the picturesque charm of the surrounding villages. The rural landscapes here, famous for their vineyards, lavender-blanketed fields, and limestone cliffs of Sainte Victoire Mountain, have been immortalized in the works of painters such as Cezanne, Picasso, and Kandinsky. The city is a sight to behold as well, and a two-hour walking tour of its streets reveals the rich and artistic cultural heritage that defines Aix.

A local expert guide leads this fascinating walk amid Aix's narrow, labyrinthine streets and historic fountains, pointing out both famous and hidden gems along the way. The tour stops at the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, a Romanesque/Gothic church built on the site of an Ancient Greek temple to Apollo. There's also the town hall (also known as the Hotel de Ville), which dates to the 14th century and sits on a charming old plaza. One of the major highlights is a walk along the Cours Mirabeau, a busy thoroughfare lined with plane trees and abounding with markets and cafés—perfect for people watching. There's even a stop to see some ruins dating back to the days of the Roman Empire.