History and Renewal in Aix-en-Provence: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Active
1h - 1h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Aix is a beautifully preserved city. In fact, its centre hasn’t changed much over the last 300 years, but that doesn't mean it's living in the past. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll quickly see how the city’s history plays a huge part in the resurgence we’re seeing now in the fortunes of modern Aix. There are lots of elegant buildings and squares along the way, of course, and we’ll explore its 2,000-year-old story together – but there are also bustling markets, expensive clothing stores and some great cake shops.
By the end of this tour, you’ll understand how the city’s turbulent past has shaped its present. It’s a fascinating story filled with plague, war, revolution, and fortunes made and lost.
The highlights include:
• How an archbishop developed an expensive real estate block
• Why we remember Paul Cezanne and not Emile Zola
• Aix’s very own rags to riches story
• How Napoleon shaped Aix’s history
And so much more!
The tour can be enjoyed on location or virtually.
Available options
History and Renewal in Aix-en-Provence: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
What's included
VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Lifetime access to this tour
Detailed itinerary
1
The tour starts next to the Fontaine de la Rotonde.
2
The tour passes by the Hôtel de Caumont.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
The tour passes the place des Quatre-Dauphins.
4
The tour passes the statue of King René
5
Stop 5
Pass by
The tour stops briefly in front of the Court of Appeal of Aix En Provence.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
The tour passes by the Hôtel Boyer d'Eguilles
7
The tour passes by the Place d’Albertas.
8
Stop 8
Pass by
The tour passes through and then returns to the city hall square at the end of the tour.
9
The tour passes the Hôtel de Châteaurenard.
10
Stop 10
Pass by
The tour stops briefuly in front of the Saint Sauveur cathedral.
What's not included
Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
FR
Written guide
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
3.7
6 reviews
5★
3
4★
1
3★
0
2★
1
1★
1
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a charming city in southern France, known for its elegant fountains, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a blend of historical sites, beautiful architecture, and a lively arts scene, all set against the backdrop of the scenic Provence countryside.
Top Attractions
Cours Mirabeau
A grand boulevard lined with fountains, trees, and historic buildings. It's the heart of the city and a popular spot for strolling and dining.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free
Atelier Cézanne
The former studio of the famous Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. It offers insights into his life and work.
Historical/Cultural
1 hour
€6-€8
Basilique Saint-Sauveur
A stunning basilica with a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, featuring beautiful stained glass windows and a crypt.
Religious/Historical
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free (donations welcome)
Jardin du Palais de Justice
A beautiful garden with fountains and a view of the old Palace of Justice. It's a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Nature/Historical
30 minutes
Free
Musée Granet
A renowned art museum housing works by Cézanne, Picasso, and other famous artists. It's a must-visit for art lovers.
Museum/Art
1-2 hours
€7-€10
Must-Try Local Dishes
Ratatouille
A traditional vegetable stew made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, cooked with herbs de Provence.
Main Dish
Vegetarian
Bouillabaisse
A classic fish stew from Marseille, often served with rouille (a spicy saffron mayonnaise).
Main Dish
Contains seafood
Tapenade
A spread made from olives, capers, and anchovies, typically served with bread.
Appetizer
Contains anchovies
Calissons d'Aix
A traditional confection made from almonds, orange blossom, and candied melon.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Calanques
Cycling through the countryside
Sunbathing at the beach
Picnicking in the parks
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending festivals and concerts
Swimming and boating in the Calanques
Skiing in the nearby Alps
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the busiest time of year with warm weather, festivals, and outdoor activities. However, it can be crowded and more expensive.
20-32°C
68-90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: English, Provençal (Occitan)
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Aix-en-Provence is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with unusual requests or offers
Getting there
By air
- Marseille Provence Airport • 25 km
By train
Aix-en-Provence TGV Station, Aix-en-Provence Centre
By bus
Aix-en-Provence Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Aix-en-Provence. The network is efficient and covers most of the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: G7, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Mazarin Quarter
Old Town (Vieux Aix)
Encagnane
Day trips
Cassis
30 km • Half day to full day
A picturesque fishing town known for its stunning calanques (rocky inlets) and beautiful beaches.
Lubéron
40 km • Full day
A scenic region known for its rolling hills, lavender fields, and charming villages.
Marseille
30 km • Full day
France's second-largest city, known for its vibrant culture, historic sites, and stunning views from Notre-Dame de la Garde.
Festivals
Festival d'Aix-en-Provence • July
Fête de la Musique • June 21
Festival d'Art Lyrique • July to August
Pro tips
- Visit the local markets for fresh produce, cheese, and other local specialties
- Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Provençal dishes
- Explore the surrounding countryside and villages for a more authentic experience
- Visit the city's museums and galleries to appreciate its rich artistic heritage
- Try the local rosé wine, which is a specialty of the region
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
