Aix en Provence artist. Aix-en-Provence – a quiet provincial town

Cours mirabeau - Boulevard Mirabeau

Mausoleum of Jean Sec - mausolée Joseph seс (1792)

Pavilion de Vendôme

Rotunda Fountain

fontaine d'eau Chaude - Fountain of Warm Water

Grand théâtre de Provence - “Grand Theater of Provence”

Pavillon noir - "Black Pavilion"

Around the Old Town

Atelier de Cézanne – Paul Cézanne Studio

Cezanne's studio, which has now been turned into, where everyone can get a closer look at the creative atmosphere of the great artist.

If you are interested in the life and work of the great impressionist, you can follow the walk, which will take you past buildings and sites associated with the life of Paul Cézanne. The key points are three sites located outside the center of Aix: , the family mansion of Jas de Bouffan and the Bibemus quarries.

Already the building is already a work of art. It was created in 1976 and consists of 16 impressive hexagonal parts. Inside this unique building are collected 42 monumental works by Vasarely, known as the father of "sinetism", as well as a room dedicated to optical art. Victor Vasarely's project had both an architectural and a social purpose: to show that art could be incorporated into architecture to improve the quality of everyday life.

Fondation Vasarely, Aix-en-Provence

Cité du livre - Cultural Center

Mazarin quarter - Mazarin quarter

Sights of the Mazarin quarter in Aix-en-Provence:

Hôtel de Caumont (1715-1742)

Place des 4 dauphins - Square of the 4 dolphins

The square is named after a fountain decorated with figures of four dolphins. The fountain was built in 1667. The square is overlooked by many beautiful mansions, including Boisgelin, which features a beautiful interior carriage house and a façade with a monumental frieze.

Eglise st-Jean de malte - Church of St. John of Malta

Church of St. Jean of Malta located on the corner rue d'Italie and rue Cardinale. This ancient Gothic church, built in the 13th century, was the first Gothic church in the city. In the 12th century, the site was home to a hospice and chapel for the Brotherhood of Hospitallers (also known as the Knights of Malta or the Order of St. John). This church was incorporated into a monastery of the same order, located in an olive grove outside the city walls. Since the 13th century, the church has served as the tomb of the counts of Provence. In the 17th century, with the expansion of the fortress walls to the south, the church entered the territory of the city of Aix. Then the monastery sold these lands, which created the Mazarin quarter. In the aftermath of the French Revolution, much of the church's interior, treasures, and statues were removed or looted, and the church itself was converted into a military warehouse. It was eventually restored in the 19th century, becoming a parish church. Currently it belongs to the Ministry of the Fraternity of Apostolic Friars.

Museum Granet - le musée Granet

Located in the building of the Order of the Knights of Malta, the museum received its name from the local artist François Marius Granet, whose works are also presented here.

The permanent exhibition includes one of the richest collections in Provence, mainly paintings by French artists from the 16th to 20th centuries, as well as various art schools: Dutch, Flemish and Italian. Since 1984, the museum’s collection has included 8 works by the famous impressionist Cezanne.

The archaeological hall contains a collection of finds from the territory of Aix and is dedicated to the Celto-Ligurian civilization.

Eglise de la madeleine

The church is located on the Place des Prêcheurs, which took its name from the Dominican monastery destroyed by fire in 1363, on the territory of which the Church of Saint-Madeleine was built. Construction took place under the direction of architect Laurent Vallon from 1691 to 1703. The Aachen architect Henri Revoil remodeled the façade of the church in 1855-60. The building has long been considered the most beautiful temple in the Bouches-du-Rhône region. The church was classified as a historical monument in 1988.

Tapestry Museum - Musee des Tapisseries

On display are 19 tapestries made at Beauvais between the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as 9 panels from the life of Don Quixote.

The Tapestry Museum is a huge building, a former archbishop's palace, converted into a museum in 1909. Thanks to the archbishop, a rich collection of ancient tapestries has been preserved in the palace.

The Théâtre du Jeu de Paume is a small ancient building from the mid-18th century. The Théâtre du Jeu de Paume is a cozy Italian theater with 493 seats.

The theater was built in an abandoned building of the former royal tennis court, where, according to legend, the king himself, the Sun, Louis XIV, loved to play. And although the building dates back to the 18th century, its facade and interior are simple and laconic, devoid of lush decoration and pompous decor.

In 1998, the building was closed for renovation. In May 2000, the renovated theater again opened its doors to visitors.

Coordinates: 43.52721400,5.45357500

Cathedral in Aix-en-Provence

The cathedral was built in the 12th century, but since then has undergone a number of restoration works and reconstructions, and therefore only part of the baptistery has survived to this day. The construction of the facade continued for many years, and was completely completed only at the beginning of the 16th century. Amazing not only with its dimensions, but also with the beauty of its architectural design, this cathedral has long become popular among tourists. Inside you can see the famous triptych "The Burning Bush", created by Nicolas Froment in the 15th century. The cloister of the cathedral, built in the 12th century to house canons, is decorated with four columns located at the corners, which depict the four religious symbols of the evangelists: an angel, a lion, a calf and an eagle.

Coordinates: 43.53194400,5.44722200

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Town Hall in Aix-en-Provence

Built in the sixteenth century, the town hall with a 16th-century Gothic clock tower is one of the most interesting attractions of Aix-en-Provence.

The base of the town hall has been preserved from Roman times. The tower is decorated with a bust of Louis XIII, erected in honor of the monarch's visit to Aix. The architecture of the town hall is inspired by Italian buildings, the sculptural design belongs to the masters Rambaud and Fosse. The façade was richly decorated, but most of the decor was destroyed during the Revolution. The carved wood doors and courtyard have been preserved.

On the ground floor of the town hall, in the main hall, canvases on historical subjects, portraits of the Counts of Provence and French kings are exhibited.

Coordinates: 43.51666700,5.44911600

In the city of Aix-en-Provence, there are markets three times a week - on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, but the largest market is, of course, held on the weekend.

In the markets you can always find lavender oil, various varieties of olives, tapenade (paste of olives, anchovies and capers), pastis, Marseille soap, Provençal sweets and other products and things that are made in this city. At the market you can buy local cheeses, mainly goat cheeses, the most famous of which is Banon cheese, wrapped in chestnut leaves.

The Provence market is not only a place where you can buy food, clothes and household items, but also a place for socializing, discussing news and gossip. It is always crowded, fun, noisy and fragrant.

The city is also a Provençal center for antiques: rare antiques are sold here, which are sought after by connoisseurs of rarities and collectors from all over the world.

Coordinates: 43.52900300,5.44786700

Fountains of Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is known as the “city of water” or “the city of a thousand fountains”, and this is not surprising - after all, in almost every square of the city you can find water, and sometimes even unusual fountains are made in the nooks and crannies and on the walls. All fountains are made in completely different styles and were built in different eras.

The Romans, who founded the city, discovered cold and hot springs here, which made it possible to supply the city with water and open Roman baths here. Today, there are several hundred fountains in Aix-en-Provence - ancient and modern.

The fountain on Place d'Alberta is one of the most attractive places in the city for tourists. His metal decorations were cast by students at the School of Crafts in 1912. The value of the fountain is given by the attractive architectural ensemble of the square itself, built in six years at the direction of Jean-Baptiste d’Albert.

Coordinates: 43.52780200,5.44875200

Monument to Paul Cézanne

The monument represents a full-length figure of the artist, standing with his arms crossed on a cane and his hat pulled down over his eyes - this is how Paul Cézanne preferred to wear his headdress. This monument was erected against the backdrop of evergreens in the park where the painter loved to walk. For a long time, Paul Cézanne lived away from home, but, returning to his native Aix-en-Provence in 1886, he spent the last 20 years of his life here, enjoying the beauty of his native city.

Being one of the most prominent representatives of post-impressionism of his period, Paul Cézanne immortalized his name with such works as “Girl at the Piano”, “In the Rooms” and “Tannhäuser Overture”. Art connoisseurs from various countries visit this monument, paying tribute to his talent painter.

Coordinates: 43.54058500,5.44704400

Club Spartacus

Spartacus Club is a famous French electronic music club located between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille.

The interior of the club is made in Roman style, which corresponds to its name.

The club is famous among the French and visitors from other countries. It is famous for its amazing parties that will be remembered for a long time.

The club is open on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as on some holidays.

Coordinates: 43.44126600,5.37999300

Workshop of Paul Cézanne

Fans of Paul Cézanne's work tend to go where they can feel the presence of the artist himself. In a small town in Aix-en-Provence, Cézanne set up his workshop, which served him as a refuge, inspiration, and place of work. Dozens of works painted here, in a quiet, sun-drenched corner of France, are now housed in the world's largest museums.

Entering the studio, the first thing we see is a shelf along the entire western wall, a table, a drawer, low stairs, a high easel, a sofa, several chairs - objects that became the heroes of his still lifes. All of them immerse visitors into the closed world of the artist’s soul. Each of the items complements each other. They continue to live, keeping the memory of the Master.

Thanks to Marcel Provence, the owner of the workshop after Cezanne’s death, which he bought from the artist’s son, Paul, the workshop remained in the same form as during the life of the great master.

Coordinates: 43.53842700,5.44627800

Grand Theater of Provence

The Grand Théâtre de Provence is a young but already very popular musical theater in the region.

The Grand Théâtre de Provence was inaugurated on June 29, 2007, and the famous opera “Die Walküre” by Richard Wagner was the first to be performed on the stage of the newly created theater.

The amazing building of the young theater, which does not look like a theater building in the traditional sense, deserves special attention. Take its shape, which resembles either a funnel, a flask, or a key - everyone is free to interpret it in their own way.

It is also noteworthy that the theater is located below the level of the street on which it is located.

The theater has been central to the French Youth Orchestra since its founding.

Coordinates: 43.52608800,5.44069300

The most popular attractions in Aix-en-Provence with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Aix-en-Provence on our website.

I mentally return to my November trip to the south of France to select the most Christmas moments.....
I lived in the city of Arles, and this is a special city. The hype around Christmas is not about him! But I’ll definitely tell you about Arles, and today I want something about Christmas markets, souvenirs, noisy streets and roasted chestnuts, right?......
That's why today is Aix-en-Provence. A small and very lively town with several universities and colleges.
In age and character, Aix is ​​younger than Arles and more playful. Christmas and the anticipation of a fairy tale are in the air of this city.

The colors of the city are warm golden ocher, dusty purple and berry red - the colors of the setting sun, yellow facades, bright awnings of street cafes... And also a dark color, giving the city a little bit of winter graphics, neither green nor blue .. The color of endless autumn foliage and the facade of the PAUL bakery...

And here is Place des Cardeurs Cardeurs), known for the site airbnb.

Most of the apartments that I looked at in Aix were rented in this area.
Now it seems very empty and quiet. I don’t know, maybe there’s a different picture here in the first half?..
And now there is not a soul and all the restaurants are closed.

And on the streets there was no sun at all. But the windows of shops and pastry shops began to glow brighter. And the smell from them seemed to become stronger!) Near this store there was a smell of candy.... In general, Aixan Provence is a very fragrant city.
The smell of trees, roasted chestnuts, sweets, lavender, and the sweet perfume of the townspeople, in which all these ingredients are discernible...

The sun has almost set and it’s time for me to return to Arles.
I go to the bus stop again through Mirabeau. I am pleased to note that the celebration is still going on here.

At the market, my attention was attracted by the goods of a certain company “Les bla bla”. Undoubtedly, the name is very relevant at all times)

I couldn't pass by!

Now to Arles!
What could be more romantic than a night bus?....

I returned to Arles and quickly walked along the empty streets to the hotel.... At this time, brrr, how cold it is and the Mistral persistently snatches the bag from my hands! It is worth noting that the residents of Arles, of course, are also preparing their city for Christmas. Streets and squares were decorated in my presence. Large illuminated snowflakes were hung on the facades of houses, because you can’t expect real snow!) And I’m already so used to the streets blessed with garlands that I can’t even imagine Arles without them...
But I’ll continue about Arles in the next posts......

More about the trip to Provence.

Aix-en-Provence is a charming aristocratic town in the south of France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, located between Marseille and the Luberon mountains, among healing thermal springs. For many centuries, it was and still remains the cultural center of Provence with a huge number of festivals held here. With one of France's oldest universities and the European Academy of Music, the city is bustling with students and has the feel of a vibrant creative laboratory. The special charm of Aix-en-Provence is added by medieval stone-paved streets, luxurious palaces of the Provençal nobility, made in the Italian Baroque style of the 17th-18th centuries, elegant facades of ancient estates with sophisticated openwork wrought-iron balconies and a huge variety of fountains. This southern French town is considered the center of antiques in Provence: at local flea markets and numerous antique shops, collectors and antique lovers from all over the world are constantly “rummaging” in search of relics.

The balneological resorts of Aix-en-Provence, located in the Arc River valley, at an altitude of 175 meters above sea level, are also popular. Warm healing springs were discovered in this region by the Romans, and until today, calcium bicarbonate waters with a temperature of about 36°C are used for both bathing and drinking, as an auxiliary treatment for diseases of the cardiovascular, excretory and musculoskeletal systems. Spa treatments with healing waters are offered not only in country health centers, but also in some hotels in the city itself.

• Area: 186 km²;
• Time zone: UTC+1, summer UTC+2;
• Population: 141,200.

How to get to the city

You can get to Aix-en-Provence from Marseille - this is where the nearest international airport is located, from which express buses regularly run to the city. There is also a train connection with the capital of France - a trip on a high-speed train from Paris to Aix-en-Provence will take about 3 hours.

A selection of profitable air tickets through Aviadiscounter (searches like Aviasales + a selection of airline promotions and sales).

Ancient streets paved with stone, palaces of the Provençal nobility of the 17th-18th centuries in the Italian Baroque style, elegant facades of ancient mansions with openwork wrought-iron balconies, the city hall with a Gothic clock tower and, of course, many fountains that once saved the city from the plague - all this creates the unique charm of the city, through which the wind - the eternal Provencal mistral minstrel - carries dry leaves of plane trees.

Despite its luxurious historical and cultural heritage, the city is full of life and young creative energy - mainly thanks to the local university, the famous European Academy of Music and the many art festivals that fill the historic capital of Provence with the atmosphere of a living creative laboratory.

Aix-en-Provence is also considered the Provençal center of antiques: at the local flea markets and antique shops, collectors and hobbyists from all over the world “rummage” in search of rarities.

How to get there

The nearest international airport is located in Marseille. From there and from the railway station there are express buses to the city. Can also be reached from the airports of Toulon, Nîmes and Nice. Travel from Paris to Aix-en-Provence: 2 hours 50 minutes by TGV.

Search for flights to Marseille (the nearest airport to Aix-en-Provence)

City `s history

In the 4th century BC. e. Lower Provence was occupied by Celto-Ligurian tribes. Their capital, Entremont, was located just north of the location of modern Aix-en-Provence. In 123 BC. e. The Roman consul Sextius defeated the Ligurians and, on the site of their settlement, built a colony for veteran legionnaires Aqua Sextiae (lat. Aqua Sextiae). In the 4th century, the city received the status of the capital of the Roman province of Narbonne, and for the next eight centuries it became a tasty morsel for the Visigoths, Franks, Lombards and Saracens.

The city reached its heyday only in the 12th century - under the rule of the counts of Provence (houses of Anjou and Barcelona), who made Aix their residence and introduced into fashion a lush court culture with concerts, carnivals, festivities and luxurious meals. In the 15th century, Duke of Anjou, nominal king of Sicily, King René developed Aix into an important cultural, commercial (import of nutmeg and almonds) and university center. He organized public holidays and processions that lasted several days and attracted hundreds of troubadours from all over the area.

The outstanding painter Paul Cézanne was born and lived most of his life in Aix-en-Provence. His student years at Bourbon College brought him together with Emile Zola.

In 1486, after the annexation of Provence to France, Aix-en-Provence became the capital of the region and the seat of the royal viceroy. In 1501, Louis XII moved the institutions of the Supreme Court here and established a regional parliament in the city, which was so unpopular that it gave rise to the saying: “Parliament, the Mistral and the Durance (river) are the three main troubles of Provence.” But it was during this era that residences and mansions were built in Aix in the Italian Baroque style with an abundance of sculptural elements and compositions. Louis XIV stayed in Aix several times. It was here that peace was signed with the Prince of Condé. This is where the famous deputy from the third estate, Honore de Mirabeau, comes from.

The outstanding painter Paul Cezanne (1839-1906) was born and lived most of his life in Aix-en-Provence. His student years at Bourbon College brought him together with Emile Zola. At the University of Aix, the young Cézanne studied law, but without completing the course, he began studying at the School of Fine Arts of Aix-en-Provence. The father did not approve of his son's choice, but supported him by allocating a significant annual annuity. After the “Parisian” wanderings and creative searches of the 1870-1880s, the artist finally returned to Aix-en-Provence, where he found his best “model” - Mount Saint-Victoire.

Aix-en-Provence is also famous for its balneological resort, located at an altitude of 175 m above sea level in the valley of the Arc River. Therapeutic warm springs were discovered here by the Romans, and today calcium bicarbonate waters (with temperatures up to 36 °C) are used for baths and drinking treatment for diseases of the cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal and support organs, and kidneys.

Aix-en-Provence

Weather in Aix-en-Provence

How to navigate

The majestic Boulevard Mirabeau divides the city into two parts that are so different from each other. On the one hand, these are the streets of the Old Town, overgrown with fashion and designer boutiques, respectable restaurants, cozy coffee shops, artistic studios and gathering people to local colorful markets with lavender oil, pastis, Marseille soap and Provençal sweets. The legendary place of this quarter is the cafe des Deux Garcons, whose visitors at different times were Zola, Girardot and Cocteau. On the other hand, the pompous Mazaran quarter is pacified with wide, sparsely populated streets, classic and baroque facades and high wrought iron fences, hiding behind lush garden vegetation the magnificent mansions of the local aristocracy and numerous state institutions of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Popular hotels in Aix-en-Provence

Cuisine and restaurants

In the restaurants and cafes of Aix-en-Provence you should try freshly prepared fish, the famous basil soup, Provençal stew (with herbs) and garlic aioli served with seafood, fish soup and croutons. Local macaroons with candied fruit and icing - callissons and anise liqueur pastis, which contains more than 50 plant and spice extracts, are suitable as gastronomic souvenirs. It is consumed as an aperitif and is traditionally diluted with water in a ratio of 1/5.

This most popular drink among local residents owes its appearance to the ban on the production and sale of absinthe. At the beginning of the 20th century, when the ban on the “green witch” came into force in most European countries, one of the main producers of absinthe, Pernod, changed the recipe of the drink, replacing wormwood with anise and significantly lowering the degree from 70% to 30%. This is how pastis was born in 1915. In 1922, the strength of the liqueur increased to 40%, and in 1938 - to 45%.

Guides in Aix-en-Provence

Entertainment and attractions of Aix-en-Provence

Start your walk in the Old Town quarters, turning north from the picturesque square and the plane-tree-lined Mirabeau Boulevard, built in the 18th century on the site of a fortress wall. Here, among the small squares and narrow streets, you can find, decorated with paintings by Rubens and Van Lo, the Church of St. Madeleine, the medieval massive facade of the city hall, the old grain exchange (where the post office is now located), the Gothic cathedral of the Archdiocese of Aix-en-Provence Saint- Sauveur (or Cathedral of the Holy Savior, 15-16 centuries) with a cozy internal cloister and the triptych “The Burning Bush” by Nicolas Froment (15 century) in the interior.

The Archbishop's Palace of Ancier-Archeves houses the Tapestry Museum (Musée des Tapisseries), exhibiting tapestries created in Beauvais in the 17th and 18th centuries (open daily except Tuesdays from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 18:00 ( from October to April - until 17:00); entrance - 3.50 EUR), and the Museum of the Old Town (Musee du Vieil Aix, open daily except Tuesday, from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 17 :00; admission is free). Be sure to find here the first Gothic church of Provence - the Church of Saint-Jean-de-Malte, belonging to the Order of the Hospitallers. It is interesting due to its restraint of style, the special shade of the stone, the abundance of light in the interior, unique stained glass windows from the mid-19th century and numerous paintings, including Delacroix’s “Crucifixion”. The church's bell tower, 67 meters high, is the highest point in the city.

After enjoying a glass of anise pastis and local calissons (macaroons with candied fruit and icing), why not admire the paintings of Rubens and Van Lo in the Church of St. Madeleine.

Returning to Mirabeau Boulevard, pay attention to the creation of the French sculptor David D'Angers (Pierre-Jean David D'Angers, 19th century) - the statue of King René the Good with a bunch of grapes in his hand. At the other end of the boulevard, this sculptural dominant is balanced by the Rotunda fountain by architect Théophile de Tournadre.

On the south side of the central boulevard lies the Mazarin quarter, formed in the mid-17th century as a fashionable area of ​​aristocratic residences. In Place Saint-Jean-de-Malte, in the abbot's house dating back to 1671, you will find the Musée Granet (open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 19:00; admission 8 EUR), whose collection includes exhibits of fine art and archeology, in particular objects from the excavations of the ancient capital of the Ligurians - Entremont. The museum is named after the French classicist artist and native of Aix-en-Provence, François Marius Granet, who donated a large collection of paintings to the museum.

Lavender oil and Marseille soap are leaders in the hit parade of Provençal souvenirs.

No less famous is the Atelier Cézanne (9, Avenue Paul Cézanne) - the artist's former studio, which stores creative tools, objects used for numerous still lifes, several completed canvases, and most importantly - the atmosphere that reigned within these walls during the life of the landscape painter. Place d'Albertas (la Place d'Albertas) is notable for its architectural ensemble, created in 1735-1741 by order of the Chairman of the Court of Accounts, Jean-Baptiste d'Albert. The miniature square with a fountain is formed by the facades of three mansions, which partially adopted the regularity of division and decor of Italian palazzos.

The Vasarely Foundation (Fondation Vasarely, 1 avenue Marcel Pagnol) is a unique architectural museum complex designed in the late 1960s by the French architect, graphic artist and sculptor of Hungarian origin Victor Vasarely. The exhibition includes his numerous abstract geometric experimental works - the results of a search for modern architectural and graphic languages. (Open daily, from 10:00 to 18:00, full rate - 9 EUR, reduced rate - 6 EUR (for youth from 16 to 26 years old and students) and 4 EUR (for children from 5 to 15 years old).

Another popular cultural center of Aix-en-Provence is the impressively large La Cité du livre media library complex. This, in the reconstructed space of an old match factory, will be interesting for lovers of modern literature and cinema. It hosts film screenings, lectures, performances, temporary exhibitions, and in October the traditional “Festival of the Book” (la Fête du livre), dedicated to the literature of a particular country or a famous contemporary author. The famous Ballet Preljocaj troupe also found its home in the center.

Prices on the page are as of November 2019.

Festivals in Aix-en-Provence

The historical capital of Provence welcomes June with the Music in the Streets festival (Musique dans la rue), at which time its streets and squares turn into open concert venues, where jazz, street opera, electronic music, folklore, rock and many other musical and vocal acts are performed. genres. In total, more than 40 concerts are open to everyone.

The city's loudest festival is Le Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, a celebration of opera, performing arts and classical music. The festival takes place annually (since 1948) in the month of June-July and is always full of outstanding names and productions. The halls and stages of Aix, including the large Greco-Roman amphitheater, welcome guest performers from all over the world: operas and musical theater plays are performed here, concerts, solo programs, conferences and master classes for young vocalists and musicians are held.

The beginning of July is the time of “Baroque Aix” (Aix en Baroque), chamber concerts of baroque music; November Aix hosts the European Short Film Festival. From October to December, “Pianist Nights” (“Les Nuits Pianistiques”) are held throughout Provence.

Around the city

In the vicinity of the city you can climb the picturesque Mount Saint-Victoire (1010 m) - the favorite “muse” of Paul Cézanne, see the 14th century castle in Vauvenargues, which belonged to the counts of Provence, the archbishopric, and in 1958-1973 - Picasso (here is located and his grave). Between Cabasse and Carces is located one of the largest Cistercian abbeys in Provence - a monument of Romanesque architecture of the 12th century, the Thoronet monastery.

The medieval Provençal village of the 11th century Entrecasteaux is notable for its well-preserved architectural and historical landscape, fortification castle complex of the 16th-18th centuries and a regular park laid out by the famous French gardener André le Nôtre (1613-1700). The picturesque small town of Aups, which has preserved traces of fortifications, fountains and ancient sundial dials on the facades of buildings, is revered as the capital of the black truffle. Here is the Simon Segal Museum (1898-1969).

The picturesque small town of Op is considered the capital of the black truffle.

The nearby Var department will delight lovers of eco-tourism and active recreation: the Les Gorges du Verdon canyon, impressive in its size and beauty, is located here. The natural regional park, spread over 178,000 hectares, is especially picturesque in October. You can drive along the grandiose gorges and rapids by car or rent a catamaran or kayak on Lake Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon for a walk along the “bottom” of the gorge. You can also enjoy rafting, canoeing, paragliding, cycling and hiking. It is best to stay in the tiny village next door, famous for its earthenware, raw smoked sausages and stewed rabbit - Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

It is best to visit the village of Ferrassières in early July - during the local Lavender Festival, then you will be lucky enough not only to watch how lavender is collected and processed, but also to master the intricacies of obtaining lavender essence yourself. Here you can also visit the perfumery museum, purchase various cosmetics based on lavender oil, and take a bike ride or walk through the fragrant and picturesque lavender fields.