4.259259 from partner siteMeet your guide at Marseille Vieux Port and head off by minivan to Aix-en-Provence. A wealthy Provencal town, Aix is known for its charming narrow streets lined with grand 17th-century houses. See the best examples of its elegant architecture on a stroll along the Cours Mirabeau -- a famous boulevard where private mansions bask beneath leafy trees and pretty fountains adorn the pavement. Continue walking to Aix’s seductive little Old Town (Vieil Aix), and admire its chic boutiques, craft shops and squares, all dotted about the warren of tiny streets.
Famous as the birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, Aix is rightly on the map for art lovers from around the world. See how he stamped his mark on the city, you can walk in the artist’s footstepsby exploring Aix independently.
From April 1st 2019, discover local specialties like the Calissons, the nougat or tapenade.
After a break for lunch in town (own expense), continue your tour to the seaside town of Cassis, stopping on the way to soak up coastal views from Cape Canaille. After a brief look at the picturesque harbor, hop aboard a sightseeing boat for a 45-minute cruise to see three of the region’s famous calanques – spectacular limestone rock formations that form dramatic coves along the coastline.
From Cassis, head back to Marseille and finish your day with a panoramic sightseeing tour from the comfort of your minivan. Stop for a photo outside Notre-Dame de la Garde – the city’s eye-catching Neo-Byzantine church – and enjoy breathtaking sea views toward Château d’If – the famous fortress featured in Alexander Dumas’ novel
The Count of Monte Cristo. Pass the 11th-century Abbey of St Victor and then end your tour back at Marseille Vieux Port in the early evening.