© SeeProvence.com/
© SeeProvence.com/
© SeeProvence.com/
© SeeProvence.com/
© SeeProvence.com/
© SeeProvence.com/
Home of the enormous Basilica and relics of Mary Magdalene
When driving on the Highway of the Sun, l'Autoroute du Soleil, past Aix-en-Provence towards Brignoles and the Côte d'Azur, your eye will be caught by an imposing building that sluggishly towers over its neighboring houses, like a Gulliver in Lilliput.
An earlier sign let you know that you were approaching the exit for St. Maximin. If you feel tempted to explore this awkward giant, take the exit. You'll be rewarded with medieval gems, religious mysteries and a friendly town of curving houses and an old Jewish quarter.
The traditional Provençal-style market is held here every Wednesday morning.
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Provence, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
With some 9,000 inhabitants, St. Maximin is a small town with a huge basilica. That and the monastery next to it are its primary attractions. The story behind the building of the two structures is told in the page of Mary Magdalene in Provence.
Apart from its medieval architecture and the legendary relics, the basilica is renowned for its magnificent organ, considered one of the finest in France. During the revolution, it -- with the entire basilica and monastery -- was saved from destruction by Lucien Bonaparte, the brother of Napoleon, who lived in the town for two years. He used the church as a depot and regularly let the Marseillaise be played on the organ.
The town hall is located in the same square as the basilica and was originally built in the 18th century to house distinguished visitors who came to pay respects to the relics of Mary Magdalene.
The Royal Convent, the Dominican monastery abutting the basilica, is an oasis of medieval quiet. First built in the 14th century, alongside the basilica, it has undergone several additions, the last of which was the west wing rebuilt in the 19th century. Especially impressive are the cloisters with their 32 bays. Today, you can have a coffee there and appreciate the atmosphere. If you like, you can dine or stay the night.
Beyond the basilica and the monastery, St. Maximin offers a typical town in Provence where busy squares with fountains, outdoor cafés and even a traffic light give way to quiet streets, lined with houses that seem to bend over in deference to the history of the town. There's a medieval Jewish quarter, where the 14th century arcades are the last witness of that era. In one of the squares you can find a lovely clock tower from 1476.
There are a couple of arts and crafts shops - pottery and ceramics, stained glass and Provençal fabrics are just some of the locally made products. There are also several vineyards in the region where you can taste and buy AOC Coteaux Varois en Provence.
Located on the outskirts of Aix, not far from the Atelier Cezanne is the Terrain des Peintres.
The Musee des Tapisseries houses a rich collection of 17th and 18th Century tapestries, including a collection called 'Grotesques' - theatrical taspestrie made in Beauvais cir. 1689, and also 'L'histoire de Don Quichotte' of 1735 unique in the world.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
This is Aix's fine art gallery, housed in the 17th century Palais de Malte. The collections includes works by a variety of European painters, including two by Rubens and a small selection of Paul Cezanne.
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
A quiet atmosphere, beautiful grounds and wonderful flavours can be found at Villa Gallici Restaurant. Part of the 5 star Villa Gallici hotel you can indulge in lunch or dinner at this top quality restaurant.
Big tasty burgers, great home cooked meals and enticing deserts. This hidden gem is a must for anyone visiting the old town.
Located just south of Aix this newly refurbished restaurant serves great quality food at an affordable price.
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
This small bar has a nice seating area outside next to one of Aix's many fountains and it catches the sun late into the evening.
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
There are plenty of lovely hikes in the area, you can explore ancient marble quarries, rolling hills to the south and the area around Pourrieres - ask at the tourist office for maps.
Set CLub is a sports complex which has 13 tennis courts, eight of which are clay courts and five are the faster green set. Lessons and competitions are all part of the club. Non-members are welcome.
The area is split into two areas - one for the 1-5 years age group, and the other for 6-12 year olds.
The Golf de la Cabre d'Or is only 20 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence et Marseille. This is a fairly new golf course which opened only in 2008.
An exciting path through the forest...but not on the ground! This tree top adventure will have you swinging from the branches and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
The Golf Club Aix-Marseille is only 5 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence TGV railway station. As the course is faily level it is possible to play without the use of a buggy.
This half-day circuit takes you away from the bustle of the city and into the countryside, passing some historical landmarks along the way.
Following the Calavon river, this 28km long path was previously a railway track and is a great way to explore the hilltop villages around the area.
This ride is bursting with colour and vibrant views; starting off in the pretty little village of Roussillon it passes through the vivid landscape of the Ochre region, an area characterised by its deep red soil and golden wheat fields.
This delightful ride takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area; vast Sault highlands, fields of lavender and golden crops. Along the way you can admire the magnificent views of Mont Ventoux and Montagne de Lure Mountain. You’ll pass through four charming old villages; each one crammed with ancient churches, crooked alleyways, splashing fountains and quaint little squares.
This ride takes us along the banks of the river Sorgue, crossing picturesque bridges and cycling past tranquil orchards. You’ll visit a number of fascinating little villages and take in some wonderful scenery along the way.
Second only to the Gorges du Verdon, the Gorge de la Nesque is one of the most visited and cycled parts of Provence. A stunning hydro geological site with fantastic cliffs, overhanging rock and a long winding river deep in the valley.
Regarded as a 'classic' walk and from the summit cross you are rewarded with 360 degree views of the Luberon, Mount Ventoux, the Alps and Cap Canaille.
Located on the outskirts of Aix, not far from the Atelier Cezanne is the Terrain des Peintres.
Explore some of the beautiful trails Provence has to offer with this 365km circuit.
An interesting site not to be missed whilst in Provence. The wonderful views of the Villecroze caves and impressive scenery will take your breath away.
An great easy walk for the days after rain fall to avoid the mud. Passing by the Chapel Toutes Aures, nestled in an olive grove.
No matter what your level is, Aquadomia offers you the chance to enhance your skills with quality diving courses... and to discover underwater splendors from the archipelago of Riou to the islands around the bay of Marseille.
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
A really fabulous lake with excellent leisure facilities and watersports.
Explore the beautiful Gorges du Verdon by paddling down the river in canoes or kayaks. A fun activity for everyone to explore the beautiful Gorges du Verdon and paddle on the beautiful blue water.
A team of state qualified guides sharing their enthusiasm for great outdoor activities with you.
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
Architect-designed villa for holiday rental, with swimming pool, in the heart of the Luberon with an elevated position in the village of Cadenet.
This fully restored nineteenth-century farmhouse for holiday rental is located 3 km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
A few minutes walk from the charming village of Bonnieux, on the heights towards Lourmarin, this charming stone house, freshly renovated by architects, is for rent for your holidays.
Elegant and pleasant Provencal holiday villa, located in a residential area a few minutes away from the picturesque village of Bonnieux with a beautiful view of the Luberon and Mont Ventoux.
Wonderful holiday rental farmhouse in Bonnieux, in the Luberon’s golden triangle, with swimming pool and a lovely, unobstructed view of the countryside.
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
Farmhouse available to rent for holidays with a large pool in the Golden Triangle in Bonnieux.
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
The Lieutenant is an apartment for rent for holidays in Provence, located on the 1st floor of a pretty country house in Bonnieux.
House for rent in Luberon - Le Mas entre Monts et Merveilles. The perfect holiday location in Provence!
The Royal Convent as mentioned above is probably your best bet in the village of St Maximin.
Alternatives include Chateau de Nans Hotel, in Nans les Pins just to the south of St Maximin. If you want a fairytale castle with a gourmet restaurant, this is the one to try.
Towards Brignoles is the lovely La Bastide de Messine B&B with a pool and views of the hills, or the upmarket Abbaye de la Celle Hotel in La Celle, which is run by the Alain Ducasse empire.
A more contemporary choice is the Maison d'Hôtes Bertine in Tourves which has a boutique feel, swimming pool and relaxing atmosphere.
The five star Pigonnet hotel in Aix is an 18th-century mansion surrounded with stunning floral gardens, situated just outside the centre of Aix-en-Provence.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
Located in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this former oil mill welcomes its guests in an enchanting setting surrounded by lime trees.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
This large hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Aix that is committed to sustainable development. A number of actions have been implemented at the hotel, such as taps fitted with water flow regulators, to reduce the consumption of energy.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.
See allLatest News & ReviewsProvence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.
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