Historical visit/Treasure Hunt of Aix en Provence
Active
2h
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Aix-en-Provence through a fun and interactive treasure hunt guided by a local expert. Great for families as well as adults, learn about Aix's colorful history while on the hunt for a treasure filled with local goodies.
Available options
Historical visit/Treasure Hunt of Aix en Provence
What's included
Little treasure
Detailed itinerary
1
12 meters high, the fountain is built of cold stone and composed of two basins. Lions, dolphins, swans and children, works by Truphème, decorate it.
The three statues which surmount it represent Justice (towards Le Cours), Agriculture (towards Marseille) and Fine Arts (towards Avignon), forming a road star. Ramus, Chabaud and Ferrat are the authors.
2
The Hôtel de Caumont is located in an aristocratic district of the old town of Aix-en-Provence, the Mazarin district. Of Parisian influence, it is a hotel "between courtyard and garden", an architectural scheme that appeared in Paris in the 16th century, which, reported on an urban scale, corresponds to the castle and its park.
This type of construction "between courtyard and garden" disappeared in 1680 in Aix-en-Provence, favoring the construction of hotels on the street to stand out from the Parisian style. The portals are then more decorated in a baroque tendency characteristic of southern taste.
By the scale of its design without equivalent in Aix-en-Provence, it represents a sample of French architecture of the 18th century. For their quality, the carriage gate, the facade and the wrought iron stair railing were listed in the additional inventory of Historic Monuments in 1925. The entire hotel was listed in 1987.
3
Among the paintings exhibited in the church, Delacroix's Crucifixion is the one that attracts the most visitors. Several stained glass windows are inside. The stained glass window dating from 1854 has the Baptism of Christ as its main theme.
4
The fountain in the center of the square, the work of the sculptor Jean-Claude Rambot in 1667, represents four "architectural dolphins" surrounding a pyramid which was originally crowned by a statue of Saint Michael. The statue was successively replaced by a fleur-de-lis, a Maltese cross, then a pinecone.
5
Stop 5
The cathedral is located on the route of the old via Aurelia. A fragment of Roman wall as well as the columns of the baptistery seem to have forged the legend according to which Saint-Sauveur was erected on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo. Historian Pitton (1654) claimed that this temple was dedicated to a solar deity, relying on the discovery of a statue with an uncovered thigh to substantiate his claims.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
5 reviews
5★
5
4★
0
3★
0
2★
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1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
7 reviews
5★
6
4★
1
3★
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0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Right in front of the Apple Store
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
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