Gabriella Maria's Charming Provencal Culinary and Culture Retreat

Pass This Last Home that Cezzane Lived in as a Celebrated and Reviled Member of the Community.

Look up to see the large windows that Cezanne had installed on the north side of the apartment so that he would have the correct lighting to paint in his home. One 23 October 1906, Cezanne died here of pleurisy. 

Discover Cézzane's atelier just north of the old city that let him paint in solitude.

The studio, known as the "Atelier de Cézanne," allows visitors to step into the very space where Cézanne created some of his last and most acclaimed works. Preserved much as it was during the artist's life, the space is filled with his personal belongings, painting equipment, and the serene light that inspired his revolutionary approach to color and composition. This intimate setting, nestled amidst the Provençal landscape that Cézanne so often depicted, provides a profound insight into the artist's creative process and his enduring legacy in art.

Say Hello to One of Aix's Most Lauded Residents...

In Paul Cézzane's later life he took up residence in Aix, but throughout his career, the nearby Mont Ste. Victoire remained a great, prehaps his greatest, muse. This statue pays respect to this master Impressionist, and invites you to explore his life here.

Pass This Last Home that Cezzane Lived in as a Celebrated and Reviled Member of the Community.

Look up to see the large windows that Cezanne had installed on the north side of the apartment so that he would have the correct lighting to paint in his home. One 23 October 1906, Cezanne died here of pleurisy. 

Walk in the Footsteps of Ancient Greeks at This 2600-year-old Port

The Vieux Port of Marseille is, in a sense, where France began its long march through Western Civilization, as Greek settlers arrived here in 600BC.  Since that time at least, it has been a port, with countless ships arriving and countless feet stepping upon its piers. Surrounded by historic fortifications, such as Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean, the port today is as it has often been, a lively area filled with fishing boats, yachts, and vessels of all sizes. Visitors can stroll along the quayside, indulge in seafood at the numerous restaurants, or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The daily fish market on the Quai des Belges offers a glimpse into the port's bustling trade activities.

Take a Short Pilgrimage, If Just for the Views!

The basillica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, often referred to as "La Bonne Mère," keeps its protective watch over the city. This iconic symbol, situated on a limestone outcrop, offers panoramic views of Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its mix of Romanesque and Byzantine styles, the basilica boasts intricate mosaics and a prominent golden statue of the Virgin Mary on its bell tower. It is a place of pilgrimage and reflection.

Dive into the Cultures of the Mediterranean Sea

The MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée) in Marseille stands as a monumental celebration of Mediterranean cultures, seamlessly blending contemporary architecture with centuries-old heritage. Situated at the waterfront, this striking museum designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti, connected to the historic Fort Saint-Jean by an elegant footbridge, invites exploration into the diverse and complex tapestry of Mediterranean civilizations. Through its innovative exhibitions, the MuCEM profoundly investigates the historical, cultural, and social dynamics of the Mediterranean region through a rich collection that spans from ancient artifacts to modern art. The museum offers breathtaking views of its very subject, the Mediterranean Sea.

Walk in the Footsteps of Ancient Greeks at This 2600-year-old Port

The Vieux Port of Marseille is, in a sense, where France began its long march through Western Civilization, as Greek settlers arrived here in 600BC.  Since that time at least, it has been a port, with countless ships arriving and countless feet stepping upon its piers. Surrounded by historic fortifications, such as Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean, the port today is as it has often been, a lively area filled with fishing boats, yachts, and vessels of all sizes. Visitors can stroll along the quayside, indulge in seafood at the numerous restaurants, or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The daily fish market on the Quai des Belges offers a glimpse into the port's bustling trade activities.

This wasn't a home-away-from-home; this was home!

From 1305-1378 the Roman Catholic Church was ruled from... Avignon.  Theocratic intrigue in Rome led to the move, and the popes here enjoyed relative safety, and a view of a better river (The Rhone River of Avignon is much prettier than Rome's Tiber).  After St. Catherine of Siena convinced a pope to return to Rome, and the inevitable disputes ended, the palace gradually fell into disrepair, and the palace was even used as a barracks for Napoleon's armies. Today, one can marvel at the architecture, and learn a thing or two about the dramas of centuries past.  A visit is a beautiful education...

This Bridge Doesn't Work, but Millions Have Walked upon It All the Same

The St. Bénézet Bridge, known affectionately as the Pont d' Avignon (Bridge of Avignon) has spent much of its existence a ruin. From the 1200s until the 1700s, when the Rhone River flooded, it often destroyed the bridge, originally 900m (nearly 3000 feet).  The city finally had enough and left it.  And then it became a symbol of the city and started drawing people from around the world. Brilliant!  There is something romantic to it, to walk out along it's narrow width at dusk towards the middle of the Rhone.  It's so beautiful it might make you want to danse... Sur le pont d' Avignon L'on y danse, l'on y danse... 

Admire the living wall outside before tasting the best of Provence within.

Spend some time to assemble your own lunch or dinner with help from the sumptuous stalls at Avignon's Halles.  Fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meats will all come and go with the seasons.  An early spring visit here can proffer the delicious strawberries from nearrby Carpentras, and a midsummer exploration will deliver you the incomparable melon d' Cavaillon.  Pair those with some jambon or a fresh Provençal goat cheese, pick up a bottle of rose from Tavel, and you are well on your way to gourmet heaven!

This Cathedral Provides Shelter From the Heat of the Day and Many Other Respites...

... Dating back to the 12th century, this Romanesque cathedral is renowned for its striking architectural features, including a beautifully decorated facade and a prominent gold-leaf statue of the Virgin Mary that crowns its bell tower. Inside, the cathedral houses an array of religious art, significant ecclesiastical items, and the tombs of several Avignon popes, reflecting its central role in the history of the Avignon Papacy.  But given that history, a simplicity remains, a elegance hard-won through trials and tribulations.

Take Aristocratic Views of Provence and the Papal Palace

Perched atop a rocky outcrop, Le Jardin des Doms overlooks The Palais des Papes and Notre Dame (of Avignon, mind you) on one side and panoramas of the Provençal countryside on the other. Established in the 19th century, this verdant park is a welcomed retreat within the walled city with its limestone pathways, majestic trees, and tranquil ponds.  These elements add to the cool and restful atmosphere of the park.

This wasn't a home-away-from-home; this was home!

From 1305-1378 the Roman Catholic Church was ruled from... Avignon.  Theocratic intrigue in Rome led to the move, and the popes here enjoyed relative safety, and a view of a better river (The Rhone River of Avignon is much prettier than Rome's Tiber).  After St. Catherine of Siena convinced a pope to return to Rome, and the inevitable disputes ended, the palace gradually fell into disrepair, and the palace was even used as a barracks for Napoleon's armies. Today, one can marvel at the architecture, and learn a thing or two about the dramas of centuries past.  A visit is a beautiful education...