Walking through beautiful towns in Provence, southern France

Traveling around Marseille, a port city facing the Mediterranean Sea

Located in the southeast of France, the Provence region is sandwiched between the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea and the majestic Alps. This area, with its varied landscape, is dotted with many beautiful towns. Among them, the port city facing the Mediterranean Sea is Marseille. With its roots in the Greek colony Massilia, founded by the Phocaeans in 600 BC, this city is also known as the oldest city in France. By visiting Marseille, which has developed as a trading port since ancient times, you can experience the history and culture that has been refined over 26 centuries.

The first place you should visit in Marseille is the Notre-Dame de la Garde. This beautiful Roman-Byzantine-style cathedral on a hill was designed by architect Esperandieu in the mid-18th century. A beloved symbol of Marseille, the terrace of this building offers a 360-degree panoramic view. It's the perfect place to get a sense of the city's expanse. There are also plenty of other historical spots to visit, such as the Old Port, which flourished as a trading center until the 19th century, and the Old Hospital, built in the 17th century.

We also recommend taking a short trip out of the city of Marseille. For example, the Château d'If, located about 20 minutes offshore by pleasure boat from the Old Port, is a famous site that was also the setting for Alexandre Dumas' novel, The Count of Monte Cristo (Japanese name: Gankutsuou). In the beautiful inlet area, Calanques, which stretches between Marseille and Cassis, you can enjoy the spectacular views of the limestone cliffs. You can also try the local specialty, bouillabaisse, or enjoy shopping on the main street, La Canebière, which starts from the Old Port. Experience the profound charm that only a big city like Marseille can offer.

Walking around Aix-en-Provence, the ancient city beloved by Cezanne

Aix-en-Provence, located about 30km north of Marseille, is one of the most beautiful cities in the Provence region. Surrounded by the idyllic scenery unique to the Provence region, with its expansive vineyards and olive groves, this city is an ancient city that flourished as the capital of the County of Provence since ancient times. As you walk through the city, you will come across beautiful areas that exude a sense of history, such as the "Old Town," "Course Mirabeau," and the "Mazarin District." Take a break between strolls and enjoy the view of the traditional fountains scattered throughout the city. You're sure to experience the charm of Aix-en-Provence, known as the "City of Water."

The name of Aix-en-Provence was made especially famous by the 19th century painter Paul Cézanne. The city where Cézanne was born, had his studio, and died in the city and its surrounding areas still has many places associated with him, such as Cézanne's studio, the family villa at Jas-de-Bouffan, and the Bibémus quarry. The surrounding area is dotted with landscapes that served as motifs for Cézanne's works, including Mont Sainte-Victoire, which stands about 20 km east of the city. The Granet Museum, built in a renovated monastery of the Knights of Malta in 1676, exhibits many Western masterpieces from the 14th to 20th centuries. There is an exhibition of Cézanne, and there are also many works by Cézanne followers such as Rembrandt and Rubens, so be sure to visit.

Aix-en-Provence is full of attractions such as the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, which was built bit by bit between the 5th and 18th centuries, and the Aix-en-Provence Festival, one of the world's leading opera festivals, which is held every summer. Why not visit the places associated with Cezanne and enjoy the culture of this ancient city? Why not spend an elegant holiday like this?

Visiting Avignon in search of world heritage and art

Provence is a region where people have lived since ancient times and where many traditions and cultures have been formed. If you are a history buff, you should definitely visit Avignon, a city that spreads out over the Rhône River. This city is also known as the "City of the Popes in the Middle Ages" because the Papacy was established here in the 14th century. There are many historical buildings scattered around, including the "Papacy," known as the largest Gothic palace in Europe, and the "Avignon Bridge," which was built over the Rhône River in the 12th century. In 1995, the "Historic District of Avignon: Palace of the Popes, Bishops' Buildings and Avignon Bridge" was registered as a World Heritage Site, and is carefully preserved as a landscape that conveys the splendor of the Middle Ages to the present day.

Another attraction of Avignon is that there are many art galleries and museums that use historical buildings. For example, the Petit Palais, a bishop's palace built in the 14th century, is currently used as the Petit Palais Museum, where you can view Italian and Provencal paintings as well as a diverse sculpture collection. In addition, the Calvet Museum and the Angladon Museum are known as art museums that use historical private residences.

Visit historical sites registered as World Heritage sites, visit exquisite art museums that utilize old buildings, and even take a leisurely cruise down the Rhône River to reminisce about the medieval cityscape... Avignon offers a travel experience that will satisfy history lovers.

Marseille, a port city filled with vitality and tradition, Aix-en-Provence, a beautiful town associated with Cezanne, and Avignon, a historic city registered as a World Heritage Site. Take your time to enjoy the diverse and profound travels that can only be found in the Provence region.
In addition to Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and Avignon, Provence is dotted with other charming cities, including Arles, where Van Gogh spent his later years, and the oldest Roman city in France, where an amphitheater and ancient temples remain.