Welcome to Aix-en-Provence. I fell in love with this city as soon as I arrived. It is as rich in its past, culture, and architecture as it is in its surroundings. Look up and you'll discover something new every time. If you have the courage to read it all to the end, I have tried to give you an overview of what made me love Aix and stay there. Menphis my faithful canine companion and I will be happy to host you. The space The apartment is in a great location: 1/2 hour walk to downtown and the bus station. A 20-minute walk to the faculties and the Overseas Archives, parking is easy on the street Nearby bus stops allow you to move around the city easily but also to Marseille by shuttle. Guest access The spacious room overlooks the garden of the residence. It is equipped with a 140 bed with a fairly firm latex mattress. The bathroom and toilet are shared, as is the kitchen. A small fridge is available on the balcony for guests. During your stay Breakfast (included in the room price) will be served. I can offer you dinner at my table or a takeaway snack during your walks. One thing is important to me… water… a precious commodity that we have the privilege of still being able to use, but our beautiful Provence is suffering from drought, so please don't waste it during your showers Other things to note Aix is not limited to its city center, which is splendid. The city and its surroundings will surprise you in a thousand and one ways. The market is held in Aix on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It's lovely to go for a stroll. Whether you are accompanied by a guide or choose to discover the city alone, you will have plenty to do… Cézanne's workshop, Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, museums (Arbaud, Granet, Caumont, Vasarely...), Place Albertas, Place de l'Hôtel de Ville (I love the door of the town hall ^^), the Fountain of the 4 Dauphins… The Memorial of the Camp des Milles. You can also go for a walk in one of the parks or gardens of the city or near Aix if you are vehicled. For all ages: Jourdan Park, Saint Mitre Park, the 5 Senses Garden, Torse Park, Val de l'Arc Promenade, Ventabren Plateau, or the Sainte-Victoire Mountain range. For the more contemplative, a little poetic, a little artistic: The Jas de Bouffan bastide, the Vendôme Pavilion, the Terrain des Peintres… For wine lovers: Château Lacoste takes you on a tour of its estate (about 2 hours) with its sculpture garden, its cellars and finally a wine tasting (you can even dine in the restaurant in the middle of vineyards) When visiting Cézanne's studio, you can extend the walk to the painters' field and from there by the Chemin de la Marguerite to the oppidum of Entremont, capital of the Salyens, around 1st century BC (be careful… unless it has changed there are no toilets in the area) For hikers (you have to check the weather in the mountains beforehand and don't forget water, sunscreen and even less a hat): • Sainte-Victoire: You need good legs and don't overestimate your strength because in summer it is very exposed to heat and sun. Nearly a day's walk for the bravest, but don't lose heart, there are plenty of very nice and much shorter routes • The Ventabren Plateau: The route is easier, 2 to 4 hours of walking with views of the Berre Pond, the surrounding countryside or the Roquefavour Aqueduct. Note that there is also the village of Ventabren to visit at the end of the park, but there is also a skate park and a playground for toddlers. • The Roque d'Antheron, known for its international piano festival, has a walking trail (approx. 4 hours) in its surroundings that will enchant you with its landscapes between scrubland and pine forests that will guide you to the Bastide du Juge or the Silvacane Abbey. If you extend your stay, you can explore exceptional corners: By going to: • Marseille of course, our beautiful Phocaean city that deserves a day or two of exploration minimum. • the Camargue: Martigues, Carry-le-Rouet, Arles, Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer • Vaucluse: Avignon, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Gordes, Sénanque Abbey, Roussillon… • Var: Cassis, Aubagne, Sainte Baume, Saint Maximin • The Alps: Luberon National Park, Valensole, Forcalquier, Verdon National Park…