Guided Tours of Arles, Aix-en-Provence and Avignon | EUROtoday

Provence is among the most sensual, enchanting and intriguing areas of France. Fields of blue lavender sweep gently in the direction of the horizon, sleepy olive groves and vineyards present welcome reduction on a scorching day and historical villages gently climb the slopes in the direction of the mountains. Every view appears to be peppered with the intense pops of shade of poppies, sunflowers, mimosas and bougainvillea and the area’s wealthy historical past nonetheless echoes by means of the streets of its many cities and villages.

Provence stretches alongside the Mediterranean from the banks of the Rhône to the Italian border and is legendary for its Roman structure, plentiful produce and energetic cultural heritage. With a lot to discover, it may be tough to know the place to start out but when need to uncover the actual Provence and what makes it tick, take a guided tour with idreamProvence and uncover three of essentially the most historic and picturesque cities.

Aix-en-Provence

About 30 kilometers north of Marseille, Aix-en-Provence was as soon as the capital of the area and dates again to the Roman interval. By the fifth century, it had turn into a spotlight of Christianity and by the twelfth century, it was a middle of energy and often known as the City of Counts (after the primary rulers of the area who made it their house).

Today, you may discover a vibrant and exquisite metropolis of two halves. Head to the outdated city and uncover a pleasant melee of Medieval buildings, the stays of the Medieval ramparts, slim cobbled streets and brightly coloured markets that fill the air with sights, sounds and smells of the area. Lavender, garlic, truffles, candy, sticky native honey and calissons (candied fruit sweets) are all onerous to withstand whereas the weekly flower market is bursting with shade.

Turn a nook and also you would possibly discover the unbelievable Cathedral of Saint Sauveur constructed and rebuilt from the fifth to the seventeenth century in a heady combination of Baroque, Gothic, and Romanesque kinds. Or you would possibly stumble throughout the stays of the Roman thermal baths.

Cross the delicate Cours Mirabeau (a large avenue lined with spectacular seventeenth and 18th century buildings and aircraft timber) and head in the direction of the Mazarin Quarter. Order and magnificence substitute the jumbled outdated city right here. In the seventeenth century, the Mazarin Quarter turned the place to reside for the rich and influential, and grand homes collect round spectacular squares every showcasing one of many many ubiquitous fountains.

Paul Cézanne lived in Aix-en-Provence and you will observe in his footsteps to find the locations related to him, like his studio, The Musée Granet or the household hat store. 2025 will see town host a serious celebration honoring Paul Cézanne’s life and legacy, making it a exceptional yr for artwork lovers. Key highlights embody a complete exhibition on the Musée Granet from June 28 to October 12, showcasing over 100 of Cézanne’s works—work, watercolors, and drawings—sourced from prestigious worldwide collections. This particular exhibit will discover Cézanne’s methods, themes, and inspirations, notably from the native landscapes he cherished, like Mont Sainte-Victoire.

There are no less than 12 vital websites to go to in Aix en Provence which can be a metropolis of festivals, folklore, museums and music. There are hidden cafés and eating places and nice native wine, and your guides might be very completely satisfied to share the secrets and techniques with you.

Arles

Stretching alongside the banks of the Rhône, Arles is among the oldest cities in France. It dates again over 2,000 years to its zenith as a Roman metropolis when it was house to a theater, amphitheater (that also dominates town heart), cryptoporticus (subterranean galleries), a necropolis, Roman baths and a circus because it loved frequent visits from the Roman emperor.

Arles is now categorized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sits proper on the sting of the Camargue (well-known for its white horse and cowboys). From the elegant and central, Place de la Republique, discover the cobbled streets, the eleventh century, Romanesque Cathedral of St Trophime after which why not observe within the footsteps of Van Gogh who stayed in Arles between 1888 and 1889 and was impressed by the city .

Markets are at all times central to life in Provence and in Arles, you may see the colourful Camarguaise personalities in motion promoting Fougasse (a candy stuffed almond brioche), fruit tarts, jams, lavender, Garrigue honeys, olives, garlic rouille and Gardiane de Taureau (a neighborhood beef casserole).

There are eight vital Roman websites in Arles to find in addition to museums and artwork galleries, and the Medieval ramparts from Arles’ second heyday within the eleventh and twelfth centuries. And once you’ve completed exploring town together with your skilled guides, there are nonetheless the encompassing salt marshes of the Camargue and vineyards of Provence to discover.

Next to Arles is the place we discover a true haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike. the place flamingos, majestic herons, and different uncommon birds will be seen, all whereas surrounded by the beautiful landscapes that make the Camargue so distinctive. It will be explored on foot, by horse-drawn carriage, or on horseback, you may really feel immersed within the magnificence and peace of this protected reserve.

Avignon

The third metropolis that’s synonymous with Provence is Avignon. Here the Medieval ramparts give method to a maze of again streets, elegant squares and tales of intrigue and energy. Climb Rocher des Doms for views throughout Provence, go to the seat of energy on the Palais des Papes and stroll to the middle of the Rhône throughout the well-known World Heritage Site Saint-Bénézet Bridge, your guides will present you all the perfect locations to expertise this lovely, historic metropolis.

The finest method to uncover Aix, Arles and Avignon

All three cities characterize a singular side of Provencial life. And the easiest way to get essentially the most out of every metropolis as you begin to discover is with a small, personalised tour.

I Dream Provence excursions are hosted by a neighborhood couple who converse English and French and know the secrets and techniques of all three cities: essentially the most genuine native cafés, the very best vineyards and the tales behind the structure from the fountains of Aix-en-Provence to the nice cathedrals and Roman ruins.

Their small group excursions will make sure you see all crucial websites however will also be tailor-made so that you just see, what you need to see. With their skilled, insider data of your tour guides, you get an opportunity to find the actual Provence.

For extra data and e book your guided tour at: idreamprovence.com