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1h 30m
Your journey into the heart of Provence begins at Marseille Cruise Port, where a friendly Vexperio representative holding a Vexperio sign will welcome you and help direct you to the designated coach meeting point.
Once aboard your comfortable, air-conditioned coach, meet your professional English-speaking local guide and settle in for a scenic drive toward Aix-en-Provence, one of the most beautiful and historic towns in southern France.
As you travel through the Provençal countryside, your guide will introduce you to the region's fascinating history, traditions, and way of life.
This excursion is designed especially for cruise passengers, with transportation carefully planned around your ship's schedule, so you can relax and look forward to discovering the charm of Provence.
Please note that reaching the coach meeting point requires a walk from the cruise terminal, which may take approximately 5–20 minutes depending on your ship's docking location.
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Fontaine de La Rotonde
20m
Begin your guided walking tour at the magnificent Fontaine de La Rotonde, one of Aix-en-Provence's most famous landmarks and a wonderful place to take photographs.
Admire the impressive fountain, crowned by three statues representing Justice, Agriculture, and Fine Arts, before continuing along the elegant Cours Mirabeau.
This beautiful, tree-lined boulevard is the heart of Aix-en-Provence, famous for its grand 17th- and 18th-century mansions, decorative fountains, historic cafés, and relaxed atmosphere.
As you stroll beneath the shade of the plane trees, your guide will share stories about the city's past and its famous residents, including painter Paul Cézanne and writer Émile Zola.
Discover the history of the celebrated Café des Deux Garçons, a legendary meeting place associated with some of the city's most influential artists and writers.
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Vieil Aix
20m
Step back in time as you explore Vieil Aix, the charming historic heart of Aix-en-Provence.
Follow your knowledgeable local guide through picturesque pedestrian streets lined with warm-colored buildings, traditional shops, elegant doorways, and inviting cafés.
Discover the beautiful Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, where the impressive Town Hall and historic Clock Tower have watched over the city for centuries.
Continue through the atmospheric Old Town toward Place Richelme, a lively square known for its traditional Provençal market. When the market is operating, you may see stalls filled with colorful flowers, fresh produce, fragrant herbs, and regional specialties.
Along the way, enjoy the opportunity to admire the architecture, take memorable photographs, and experience the relaxed everyday life of this delightful French town.
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20m
Discover one of Aix-en-Provence's most treasured historic landmarks, the magnificent Saint-Sauveur Cathedral.
Located in the heart of the Old Town, this remarkable cathedral tells the story of more than a thousand years of religious, artistic, and architectural history.
Admire its fascinating combination of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, reflecting the many centuries during which the building was constructed and expanded.
Your guide will share the cathedral's history and introduce its remarkable artistic heritage, including the famous 15th-century Burning Bush triptych by Nicolas Froment and its beautiful Romanesque cloister.
Take time to appreciate the cathedral's impressive exterior and discover why it remains one of the most important monuments in Aix-en-Provence.
This is an exterior sightseeing stop. Entry to the cathedral and cloister is not included or guaranteed.
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Fontaine des Quatre-Dauphins
20m
Continue your discovery of Aix-en-Provence in the elegant Quartier Mazarin, one of the city's most beautiful and refined historic neighborhoods.
Developed during the 17th century, this peaceful district is known for its graceful streets, impressive private mansions, and beautiful stone architecture that reflects the city's aristocratic past.
Admire the picturesque Fontaine des Quatre-Dauphins, a charming fountain decorated with four sculpted dolphins and surrounded by elegant historic residences.
Your guide will explain how this neighborhood developed and share stories about the families who once lived in its magnificent homes.
You will also learn about the nearby Musée Granet, one of the region's most important fine arts museums, known for its collections of European paintings and its connection to Paul Cézanne.
Enjoy the atmosphere of this quieter side of Aix-en-Provence, where historic architecture and Provençal elegance come together.
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Statue of Paul Cezanne
10m
No visit to Aix-en-Provence would be complete without discovering the story of Paul Cézanne, the celebrated French painter who was born in this beautiful town.
During your guided walk through the historic center, your guide will introduce you to Cézanne's life, his artistic achievements, and his lifelong connection to Provence.
Learn about the famous Atelier Cézanne, the artist's former studio, where he created some of his most important works, and discover why the nearby Mont Sainte-Victoire became one of his favorite subjects.
Your guide will also tell you about the Terrain des Peintres, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the landscapes that inspired many of Cézanne's paintings.
Through these stories, discover how Aix-en-Provence influenced one of the most important artists in modern art.
This is a storytelling stop within the historic center. Visits to Atelier Cézanne and Terrain des Peintres are not included.
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Aix-en-Provence
1h 30m
After your guided walking tour, enjoy approximately 90 minutes of free time to experience Aix-en-Provence at your own pace.
Browse the charming boutiques and specialty shops, explore the colorful local markets when operating, or find a welcoming café terrace where you can sit back, enjoy a coffee, and watch everyday life unfold.
Food lovers may wish to sample traditional Provençal specialties, including the famous calissons d'Aix, delicious almond-shaped sweets that have been a local favorite for generations.
If you prefer sightseeing, take another stroll along Cours Mirabeau, admire the beautiful fountains, or discover quiet squares and picturesque streets perfect for photographs.
You may also choose to enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant or simply relax and soak up the warm atmosphere of southern France.
Your guide will advise you of the designated meeting point and departure time before free time begins, ensuring a smooth continuation of your excursion.
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1h 30m
fter a wonderful visit to Aix-en-Provence, rejoin your comfortable, air-conditioned coach for the return journey to Marseille Cruise Port.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as you travel through the beautiful Provençal countryside, reflecting on the elegant boulevards, historic fountains, charming streets, and fascinating stories you have discovered.
Your return transportation is carefully coordinated with your cruise ship's schedule, with time allowed for the journey back to the port.
We understand how important it is for cruise passengers to return to their ship on time. That's why this excursion has been thoughtfully planned to provide an enjoyable sightseeing experience while prioritizing a smooth and timely return.
Arrive back at Marseille Cruise Port with wonderful memories of your day in Provence and plenty of beautiful photographs to share.
