Aix-En-Provence Private Tour – Art/History and Gastronomy

Aix-en-Provence, a picturesque city in southern France, offers a captivating blend of art, history, and gastronomy. The Aix-en-Provence Private Tour promises an immersive 3-hour exploration, guiding visitors through iconic landmarks, from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques to the stunning Sainte-Victoire Mountain. Along the way, an experienced art historian shares insider insights, while a break at a private 18th-century mansion delights the senses with local delicacies. This tour provides a unique opportunity to uncover the city’s rich cultural heritage and savor its culinary delights.

Key Points

• A 3-hour private tour of Aix-en-Provence exploring art, history, and local culinary specialties, priced from $163.13 per person.
• Highlights include Cours Mirabeau, Sainte-Victoire Mountain, Fontaine de la Rotonde, and visits to sites that inspired Paul Cézanne.
• Guided by an experienced art historian with extensive knowledge of the city’s art, history, and culture.
• Includes a break at an 18th-century private mansion and opportunities to sample local olives, sweets, and other specialties.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 95; comfortable shoes and clothing recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The private tour of Aix-en-Provence focuses on the city’s art, history, and gastronomy, lasting for 3 hours.

Priced from $163.13 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can also reserve now and pay later.

The tour starts at the Institut d’Etudes Politiques and explores Aix-en-Provence’s fountains, picturesque center, and modern art roots, with a break at an 18th-century private mansion.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 95 years, and comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting at the Institut d’Etudes Politiques, the tour explores Aix-en-Provence’s key landmarks, including the picturesque Cours Mirabeau, the iconic Sainte-Victoire Mountain, and the stunning Fontaine de la Rotonde.

Guests discover the city’s rich art history, visiting the cathedral Saint-Sauveur and sites that inspired renowned painter Paul Cézanne.

Guests uncover Aix-en-Provence’s artistic heritage, exploring the cathedral Saint-Sauveur and sites that inspired renowned painter Paul Cézanne.

A break at an 18th-century private mansion provides a glimpse into the region’s past.

Throughout the 3-hour experience, the guide shares insights into the town’s modern art roots and local specialties like olives and sweets, though not meant to replace meals.

Guided Experience

An experienced art historian (MA and PhD candidate) specializing in Old Masters and 19th-century European art leads the tour.

They provide a personalized experience with flexibility to focus on participants’ interests.

The guide shares their extensive knowledge of Aix-en-Provence’s art, history, and culture.

They offer recommendations for local shops, restaurants, and activities to explore during or after the tour.

The guided experience ensures an enriching and well-rounded understanding of the city’s charms, from its picturesque fountains to the influential legacy of artists like Paul Cézanne.

Culinary Experience

Alongside the guided tour‘s focus on Aix-en-Provence’s art and history, the experience includes opportunities to sample local culinary specialties.

During the tour, participants can expect to:

• Taste locally-produced olives, a staple of the Provençal diet

• Indulge in traditional Aix-en-Provence sweets, such as calissons or navettes

• Sample other regional delicacies and specialty food products

• Enjoy light food tastings, not meant to replace a full meal

• Have the option to stop for beverages or more substantial snacks, if desired

These culinary experiences complement the exploration of Aix-en-Provence’s cultural riches, providing a well-rounded perspective on the city.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information

Although the Aix-en-Provence private tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s art, history, and gastronomy, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 95 years old. It is conducted entirely on foot, including steep or cobbled streets, so comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended. Participants with mobility concerns should contact the guide. While most sights are visited from the exterior, tickets for further exploration can be purchased on-site if desired.

| Consideration | Details |

| — | — |

| Mobility | Not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 95 |

| Terrain | Tour conducted entirely on foot, including steep or cobbled streets |

| Attire | Comfortable shoes and clothing recommended |

| Site Access | Sites visited from the exterior unless free entry is available; tickets can be purchased on-site |

Exploring Aix-en-Provence’s Fountains and Picturesque Center

The Aix-en-Provence private tour begins at the Institut d’Etudes Politiques, from where participants embark on a captivating exploration of the city’s renowned fountains and picturesque center.

The highlights include:

• Cours Mirabeau, a lively tree-lined avenue with iconic fountains and charming cafés.

• Sainte-Victoire Mountain, a prominent landmark that inspired many of Paul Cézanne’s masterpieces.

• Fontaine de la Rotonde, a grand 18th-century fountain adorned with statues and surrounded by elegant architecture.

• The cathedral Saint-Sauveur, a stunning Romanesque-Gothic structure with a remarkable mix of architectural styles.

• Cézanne’s influences, as the tour explores the artist’s favorite haunts and sources of inspiration.

Discovering Aix-en-Provence’s Modern Art Roots

Beyond the city’s charming fountains and historic architecture, Aix-en-Provence has a vibrant modern art scene that the tour explores.

Participants discover the city’s roots as a hub for 19th-century Impressionist artists, including Paul Cézanne. The guide shares insights into Cézanne’s influence on modern art and points out key locations that inspired his iconic landscapes.

The tour also visits the Institut d’Etudes Politiques, which houses a collection of contemporary artworks. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy Aix-en-Provence’s thriving artistic legacy, gaining a deeper appreciation for its contributions to the modern art movement.

Visiting the Cathedral Saint-Sauveur and Paul Cézanne’s Influences

As visitors explore Aix-en-Provence’s historic center, they’ll encounter the impressive Cathedral Saint-Sauveur, a Romanesque and Gothic architectural marvel that has stood at the heart of the city for centuries.

This revered site holds significant connections to Paul Cézanne, the renowned French Post-Impressionist painter.

Visitors can:

• Admire the cathedral’s distinctive white limestone façade and intricate interior details.

• Discover Cézanne’s artistic influences, as the cathedral was a frequent subject in his paintings.

• Explore the nearby Mazarin Quarter, where Cézanne’s family home and studio were located.

• Visit the Musée Granet to view Cézanne’s works and learn about his artistic legacy.

• Stroll the picturesque streets that Cézanne himself walked, capturing the essence of Aix-en-Provence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Private Tour for a Group?

Yes, you can request a private tour for your group. The tour offers flexibility based on participants’ interests and the guide can accommodate group needs. Contact the tour provider for more details on arranging a private tour experience.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this private tour is not explicitly stated. However, since it’s a private tour, the group size is likely flexible and can be customized to the customer’s needs, within reasonable limits.

Do I Need to Book Tickets in Advance for Any Sites?

No, visitors don’t need to book tickets in advance for the sites included on the tour. The guide will handle entry, and any tickets required can be purchased on-site during the tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Students?

The tour does not mention any discounts for children or students. However, the guide can be contacted to inquire about any available offers or concessions for those groups.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus on Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to focus on specific interests. The guide provides a personalized experience and allows flexibility based on participants’ interests, so you can tailor the tour to your preferences.

The Wrap Up

The Aix-en-Provence Private Tour offers a captivating blend of art, history, and gastronomy, guiding visitors through the city’s iconic landmarks and introducing them to its rich cultural heritage. With an experienced art historian as a guide, travelers can enjoy the beauty of Cours Mirabeau, the grandeur of Sainte-Victoire Mountain, and the charming 18th-century private mansion, where they can savor local delicacies. This tour provides a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to explore Aix-en-Provence’s art, history, and culinary delights.

You can check availability for your dates here: