In 1125, Provence was divided; the part of Provence north and west of the Durance went to the Count of Toulouse, while the lands between the Durance and the Mediterranean, and from the Rhône to the Alps, belonged to the Counts of Provence. The capital of Provence was moved from Arles to Aix-en-Provence, and later to Brignoles.
Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and Avignon. For some spectacular scenery, visit the Parc National des Calanques. From the Old Port you can take a two or three hour boat tour of the coastline. The water can be choppy but it is worth it for the views. Now it is time to leave the French Riviera and enter Provence.
The first part of our stay will be in Villefranche-sur-Mur for three nights, before heading to Charleval which is about 40mins north of Aix-en-Provence (Luberon) - this is where we'll pick up a hire car and will have 10 full days to explore (although in reality we'll want some chilled-out days at the Airbnb so probably closer to 5-6 days out).Best stops along Bordeaux to Aix-en-Provence drive. The top stops along the way from Bordeaux to Aix-en-Provence (with short detours) are Palais des Papes, Pont du Gard, and Carrières des Lumières. Other popular stops include Pl. de la Comédie, Le Sentier des Ocres, and Grotte chauvet 2 - Ardèche. Show only these on map.
Aix-en-Provence (population 141,000) is to France what Boston is to the United States. The museum is worth a visit for its collection of 20 works by Albert Gleizes, on the second floor.
The best things to do in Aix-en-Provence, Provence. This university city in the south of France is a charming and friendly destination, where you can easily meander the streets lined with Gothic buildings and neo-Gothic influences. In the spring and summer the markets are bulging with the fruits of the harvest.
Aix is a small city, but its historic core, which is what's of interest to visitors, is quite small, and you can see it in an afternoon. There are no famous sites to visit, although there are two excellent small art museums; Aix is a city of architecture and atmosphere, best for wandering around.LHP6.