Aix-en-Provence

Culture & History

Our most recommended Aix-en-Provence Culture & History

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  1. Aix-en-Provence: 3.5-Hour Wine Tasting in Cezanne Country

  Enjoy a half-day wine tour in the scenic landscape of Sainte-Victoire Mountain, inspiration for the famous post impressionist artist Paul Cézanne, who painted many pictures of the mountain between 1880 and 1883. The Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire vineyards are located east of Aix-en-Provence, and like all vineyards in Provence, are considered some of the most natural in France, due to the drying effects of the Mistral wind. The poor and shallow soils, formed by limestone and argillaceous sandstone, help to produce high-quality vineyards. Learn about the characteristics of the terroir, and explore the wine making process while visiting the cellars of 2 separate wine estates. Meet the winemakers, and taste AOC Côtes de Provence wines in 3 colors - tasty, full-bodied reds of excellent structure, subtle elegant rosés, and whites of distinction.

  This was a brilliant morning excursion. Greg, our guide, was fun and interesting and very knowledgeable about the area and wine. Both vineyards we visited were interesting for different reasons and we sampled many wines ...hic! I would highly recommend this trip - it is a nice small group and comfortable vehicle too.

  Reviewed by Francesca, 5/22/2019
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  2. Hilltop Villages in Luberon

  Visit the most beautiful medieval hilltop villages in the southern Luberon. Discover the charms of Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Roussillon, and Gordes on a 6-hour tour. Stop in Lourmarin for some free time, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in France, and noted for its Renaissance castle.Take a photo in Bonnieux, a picture-perfect Provençal village that features a 12th-century church surrounded by ancient cedars. Continue to Roussillon via the Roman-era Pont Julien. Roussillon, perched atop an ochre-colored cliff, is a favorite of painters, and a magical place where combinations of oxides give the ochre an infinite variety of colors. Gordes offers an extraordinary vision of a stone village erected on a massive rock. Its fortress castle and church dominate the houses of the village, which were built with stones taken from the rock on which they sit.

  Such an amazing tour with a fabulous guide. Remy was full of brilliant knowledge and made the tour fun. The villages are so idyllic and picturesque, I would definitely recommend this tour and the guide. Overall great experience. -Leah

  Reviewed by Leah, 9/3/2021
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  3. From Aix en Provence: Full-Day Discovery Tour of Provence

  One of the first stops on your day of discovery is the village of Les Baux de Provence. The narrow streets and the imposing castle ruins date to the Middle Ages – a time of proud lords and troubadours. From the rocky spur you’ll enjoy exceptional scenic views. See the Pont du Gard, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site that is the best-preserved part of the Nîmes aqueduct. Designed by architects and engineers during the Roman era, it is considered a technical and artistic masterpiece. You’ll continue on to Avignon, the 14th century City of the Popes. See the medieval walls, the Pont d’Avignon that crosses the Rhone River, and the Popes’ Palace, which is the largest Gothic palace in Europe. (Note that entrance fees are not included.) Next on your itinerary is a visit to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, surrounded by its world-famous vineyards. Wine tasting at one of the numerous cellars is incl...

  The tour was a good taste of some of the more popular sites in Provence. It was a treat and a time saver to have a knowledgeable driver familiar with routes and access to sites. Our group was a mixture of French and English which the guide diligently tried to handle but it left no time for in-depth discussions including history etc. We found the time spent at each site sufficient and the in between driving not begrudged due to our less than perfect weather conditions. One word of caution is lunch options are poor. A packed snack would have been better.

  Reviewed by Sandy, 5/18/2019
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  4. Aix-en-Provence: Half Day Wine Tour in Bandol and Cassis

  Discover the delicious wines of Bandol and Cassis, and the stunning landscapes that surround this little area of Provence that borders the Mediterranean Sea. With your wine guide, learn about the French wine classification system, and the local grape varieties of the region. Next, enjoy a private visit to the vat and aging rooms, followed by a tasting of the refreshing rosés and deep reds from the wine region of Bandol. On your way to the second winery, marvel at the stunning scenic views of vines and olive trees that line the coast. Then, taste the elegant white and delicate rosé wines from the region of Cassis, widely praised by connoisseurs across the globe. Afterwards, enjoy a quick stop in the charming little port of Cassis and pick up a souvenir of your trip.

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  5. Provence Olive Harvest

  ITINERARY (begins at your convenience, at 10:30 or 14:00) 10:30 – 12:00 Enjoy a walk through the property and a tour of the fruit trees, vineyards, beehives, Provençal herbs and truffle trees. Then you'll pick olives by hand in the autumn sun, while you learn everything you ever wanted to know about olive trees: pruning, planting, harvesting, making olive oil, etc... 12:00 – 13:00: Hearty Provençal apéritif with all you care to drink of the property red wine, a sampling of homemade olive oil, truffle oil and truffle salt, enjoyed poolside with a view of the olive groves.

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  6. From Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Lavender Morning Tour

  Depart from Aix-en-Provence, drive along the scenic roads winding across the fields of flowers. Arrive on the wide Plateau of Valensole with its 800 square meters plateau, it specializes in the cultivation of lavandin, a hybrid lavender plant as well as cereals. It's nicknamed 'The Granary of the Region.' You will have many photo stops by the lavender fields in bloom and enjoy the breathtaking sights and scents. Stop at a farmer/ producer's place and learn everything about the cultivation, distillation and the properties of pure lavender and lavandin.  Have an opportunity to purchase pure lavender and lavandin essential oils, olive oil and lavender honey directly from them.

  An amazing morning with a compelling guide and a friendly group. Had a lot of time to take pictures and explore fields and the final stop in a local organic farm shop was a cherry on top. Definitely would recommend this tour!!

  Reviewed by Anonymous, Estonia, 7/16/2021
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  7. From Nice: Full-Day Provence & Lavender Tour

  Discover the highlights of Aix-en-Provence on a full-day tour. Appreciate the region's architecture and the sweet brightness of the famous lavender fields.  Visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, voted one of the most beautiful villages in France, filled with ramparts, fountains, and an ancient aqueduct. Photograph the world-famous lavender plateaus and then go on a guided tour of a lavender processing plant located in the heart of the field. Lac de Sainte-Croix is located in a wooded setting at the foot of the Gorges du Verdon between the Alpes de Haute Provence and Var, this artificial reservoir of clear and pure water is a jealously guarded quality and one of the most beautiful lakes in Provence.

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  8. Aix-en-Provence: Luberon Market & Villages Day Tour

  Travel from Aix-en-Provence to Luberon valley on a full-day tour of the area's charming and unique villages. First make your way to L'Isle sur la Sorgue, and wander through the open-air provencal market, and along the canals, taking time to stop in the various antique shops. Then enjoy lunch on your own in the exceptional hilltop village of Gordes. Afterward (from mid-June to mid-July only) stop for photos of the blooming lavender fields at Senanque Abbey. Continue to the colorful village of Roussillon and its ochre cliffs. Stop for a photo in Bonnieux and on the way admire the Pont Julien, a Roman bridge. Make your way back through the picturesque and winding Combe of Lourmarin. Stop in Lourmarin, one of the most beautiful villages in France, famous for its Renaissance castle. Here you can enjoy some free time before returning to Aix-en-Provence.

  Great way to see these lovely villages without going crazy trying to drive yourself there. Each village had its unique charm and were very picturesque.

  Reviewed by Mary, Canada, 9/23/2019
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  9. From Marseille: Half-Day Aix en Provence Tour

  Enjoy a guided walk along Cours Mirabeau with its rich architecture and charming cafés. See opulent 17th- and 18th-century architecture as you make your way to Vieil Aix (Old Town). Explore the area and go into charming boutiques and craft shops to pick up a unique souvenir. Afterwards, break to tour independently and get your own lunch at one of the Brunswick House Cafe's. Before lunch, you may enjoy an optional visit to the Atelier Paul Cézanne (not included). Learn about this Post-Impressionist painter and native-son of Aix, view authentic artifacts, and see the studio where Cézanne created pieces like "Les Grandes Baigneuses."

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  10. Pays de Sault Lavender Tour from Aix-en-Provence

  Travel through the Luberon Natural Regional Park along the picturesque and winding Combe of Lourmarin, to the Plateau of Claparèdes. Admire the typical stone houses among the lavender fields. Stop in the hilltop village of Saignon to enjoy panoramic area views. On this 9.5-hour tour the drive continues to Pays de Sault, where you’ll find wide lavender and lavandin fields in bloom. Stop in Sault, the Lavender Capital and enjoy some free time for lunch (not included in the tour price). Next, visit Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France. The fortified castle and church dominate the typical houses of the village, which were built with stones from the rock on which they sit.

  Rent was a great guide. He gave us lots of information and fun stories. The day was long but it was broken up nicely with stops on the drive to see medical villages and historic towns. We got to see many beautiful lavender fields and take al the pics we wanted.

  Reviewed by karen, 8/4/2021