From the Roman temples and scenic waterways of Occitanie to the art-inspiring views and brocantes of Provence, these beautiful regions hold much allure for those with affinity for all things Gallic, both past and present.
It’s early summer in southern France, and produce stands in every village overflow with fresh offerings, from cherries and currants to carrots and courgettes. The onset of lavender season has enrobed the countryside in fragrant purple blooms, and golden sunflowers stand tall in the fields—the very landscapes that inspired artists like Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh to capture the beauty on canvas.
The white limestone face of Montagne Sainte-Victoire forms a bold backdrop for Aix-en-Provence, often shortened to Aix. The mountain was both Cézanne’s fascination and his muse, the subject of numerous works by this Post-Impressionist painter. Viewing the area through his perspective is just one of the many ways to enjoy Aix.
Above: Formal gardens, complete with swirling topiaries, encircle Aix’s Pavillon de Vendôme, built in the 1660s for Louis de Mercoeur, Duke of Vendôme.
Above: Esteemed artist Paul Cézanne’s home and atelier, nestled on the Lauves hill, allow visitors a glimpse into his life in Aix.
Above: Not far from the ancient Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard, near Nîmes, stands Le Domaine des Escaunes, an estate-turned-boutique hotel originally built as a coaching inn in the early sixteenth century. Guests may stay in the very spot where notable names, such as Catherine de Médicis, Louis XIII, and Cardinal Richelieu, once resided.
Above: The République quarter in nearby Marseille brims with enticing shops, including Acanthe Antiquités.
Just a half-hour’s drive from Aix is the harbor city of Marseille, where fishermen gather at the ancient quay to sell their catches, sharing space with pleasure crafts and cruise ships. The uphill climb to Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest neighborhood, is worth every step; the reward is buildings with colorful façades, inviting cafés, and flowers everywhere.
Text Karen Callaway
Photography Jane Hope
For more marvelous destinations within this region of France, see the May/June 2019 issue, available on newsstands and at Victoriamag.com.
