Aix-en-Provence Holidays, France Chic and cultured, Aix-en Provence is full of leafy boulevards, fountain-splashed squares and stately mansions. The city and surrounding Provençal landscapes were the inspiration for Paul Cézanne’s artist’s palette. Follow his trail to see where he painted, studied, ate and drank. At Aix’s heart is the Cours Mirabeau, lined with elegant pavement cafés such as legendary Les Deux Garçons, the haunt of Cézanne and famous writers.
Arles Holidays, France Founded by the Greeks in 600 BC, Arles then became ‘little Rome’. Roman remains include a remarkably intact arena (now used for bullfights), baths, theatre and a vast necropolis. But this compact city on the Rhône is perhaps best known for its colourful houses and winding streets, depicted in so many of Van Gogh’s canvases during his prolific period here. The excellent Van Gogh Trail is marked by plaques embedded in the footpaths.
Marignane Airport Holidays, France Also known as Aéroport de Marseille-Provence, Marignane Airport is located in Marignane, 28 kilometres northwest of Marseille and 25 kilometres southwest of Aix-en-Provence. The two terminals serve national and international flights and are within walking distance of one another. Airport buses leave for Aix and Marseille at regular intervals; the trip to each city takes about 30 minutes.
Marseille Holidays, France Salty, sun-soaked Marseille is France’s oldest city and largest port. From the North African souk markets to the lovely Vieux Port and its photogenic fish market, it’s a melting pot of cultures – and birthplace of the fish stew speciality ‘bouillabaisse’. Museums include the island prison, Château d’If, immortalised in Alexandre Dumas’ ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ .In Dumas’ words, Marseille remains ‘the meeting place of the entire world’.
