Toulon Provence Private Tour - Option 8

Aix en Provence and Beyond!

(Cassis, Wine Country or Cézanne)

Tour Summary-
Type: Charming Town, Culture, Scenic Drive, Walking
Length: 8 Hours
Walking: Medium
Mobility: NO wheelchairs
Guide: Licensed Driver Guide
Language: English
Prices: Scroll Down or Click here for Prices

Toulon, France -This full day shore trip visits the famous city of Aix en Provence, then in the afternoon you have a choice to visit Cassis, the local wine country or extend your time in Aix to see the sites related to Cézanne.

Aix en Provence retains much of its unique character dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The town is famous for its music and literature. It is also the birthplace of the famous impressionist, Paul Cézanne.

While in Aix-en-Provence, you enjoy a driving tour of the city center including a drive along the Cours Mirabeau. This beautiful tree lined street is world famous and is known for its monumental fountain and popular cafes. You will then pass through the Quarter Mazarin, with its unique 17th century chessboard pattern and many aristocratic townhouses with their Baroque facades and beautifully carved wooden doors. 

Much of the old town, or Vieil Aix, is pedestrian-only and you can enjoy a walk through it. The labyrinth of narrow streets lead you to the 17th century Town Hall, the Archbishop's Palace, and St. Sauveur Cathedral with its delightful Romanesque cloister. 

After your morning tour, you will continue with one of the following options (reserved at time of reservation).

• Visit Cassis: Cassis is the type of unspoiled fishing village that first lured the jet set to the Riviera years ago. Surrounded by white limestone cliffs, umbrella pines, and vineyards descending directly into the sea, Cassis is friendly and unpretentious. The port is a curve of pastel houses and colorful wooden fishing boats in front of the outdoor terraces of seafood brasseries. There are few designer shops in the narrow streets, and no oversized yachts to gawk at. Instead you're likely to see fishermen, locals, and international tourists who shun the overcrowded beaches of St. Tropez. Take a boat trip to marvel at the crystalline azure coves called Calanques and the smooth white cliffs that surround them.  Don’t miss this opportunity to see this unspoiled natural beauty and feel the spray of surf brush your cheeks.

• Visit the Wine Country: Aix en Provence was founded by the Romans and they have grown wine for years in the nearby surroundings. A short drive from Aix and you will find yourself in the wine country near Saint Victoire, named for the Saint Victoire Mountains which Cézanne so often painted. You have the opportunity to taste a “Côte de Provence” labeled wine and also a “Coteaux d’Aix” Appellation. Your guide is happy to reserve a table for you to enjoy a leisure lunch (not included) in the country side which you can enjoy after your wine tasting, making a delightful and restful afternoon in the beautiful French countryside.

• Visit sites related to Cézanne.: Paul Cézanne's work altered the course of painting in the 20th century, anticipated Cubism, Fauvism and abstract art and transformed the image of Provence in the eyes of the world. After a lunch break you visit the Muse Garnet where Cézanne’s paintings are displayed. You will then be driven to Cézanne’s workshop, a traditional Provençal house nestled in a lush garden. Purchased by the painter in 1901, this is where he spent the end of his life. Now a museum, it displays the furniture and the objects used by the artist in his still-life paintings. Time permitting you can enjoy a coffee and Calisson (not included), one of the sweetest specialties from Provence at the Cafe where Cézanne used to meet his friends.

After your afternoon visit you will return to the pier in Toulon.

Tour Breakdown-
1- Meet guide and drive to Aix- 1 Hour
2- City Driving Tour- 1 Hour
3- Visit Old Town- 1 Hour
4- Free Time- 1 Hour
5- Afternoon visit of your choice- 3 hours
5- Return to Toulon- 1 Hour

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