In the morning, youâll be picked up directly at your Avignon hotel and whisked away on a day trip thorough the Provençal countryside to visit Aix-en-Provence and Marseille.Â
Your first stop is Aix-en-Provence, a chic university town that was once the regionâs capital. Stroll along the leafy walkways of Cours Mirabeau to view elaborate mansions, fountains and upscale shops. Youâll soon arrive in Vieil Aix (Old Town), where youâll have free time to sightsee and perhaps visit the Atelier Paul CĂ©zanne, the Post-Impressionist artistâs final studio (own expense). An Aix-native, CĂ©zanne spent his later life in this inspirational town. Tour the workspace where he created pieces like Les Grandes Baigneuses and view some of his subjects such as the Montagne Sainte-Victoire.Â
Next, head to seaside Marseille, Franceâs oldest city. Wind through the colorful streets and learn about Marseilleâs ancient Roman history. Experience the cityâs highlights such as a picturesque stroll along La CanebiĂšre in Old Town, and visits to the medieval Abbey of St Victor and the stunning Notre-Dame de la Garde, a Neo-Byzantine basilica that towers over town. From this vantage point, catch sweeping views of the city and the sea, the gorgeous Chateau dâIf, and the Vieux Port (Old Port) â the largest port in France.
Your full-day private tour ends with drop-off at your hotel in Avignon by evening.