Art & savoir-faire in Aix-en-Provence

With its geographical and cultural diversity, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region has a wide variety of lands that have influenced its culinary heritage, rich in colors, smells and flavors, deeply rooted in tradition yet resolutely forward-looking.

What a pleasure to sip a pastis, nibble on olives, taste some tapenade on lightly toasted bread, be tempted by a bouillabaisse, succumb to some nougats, calissons and fruit jellies!

But what an unforgettable experience is to learn the secret of making these sweets, to be introduced to the world of Provencal aperitifs, to visit French vineyards in region SUD, to learn the history of an old olive oil mill or to take a Mediterranean style cooking class!

What a pleasure to sip a pastis, nibble on olives, taste some tapenade on lightly toasted bread, be tempted by a bouillabaisse, succumb to some nougats, calissons and fruit jellies!

The inspiration for many painters guides this journey of discovery around Aix-en-Provence and its surroundings, combining art and nature, artisanal savoir-faire and delicacies. These visits and tastings reveal the talents and flavours of Provence.

1 day

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When is the best time to enjoy this tour?
We recommend this tour all year round. It’s particularly special when the almond trees are in bloom. The almond tree is among the first to flower in January, a sign that spring is on the way.

1 – Aix-en-Provence

CÉZANNE’S STUDIO

Visit Cézanne’s Studio at Les Lauves in the hills north of Aix-en-Provence and discover the painter’s most treasured possessions. From 1902 until his death in 1906, Cézanne spent every morning working in this studio. Facing the Sainte-Victoire mountain, a 15-minute walk from the studio, the city of Aix-en-Provence has laid the groundwork for painters. Nine reproductions on lava stone of Cezanne’s finest “Sainte-Victoire” invite contemplation.

Aix-en-Provence > Aix-en-Provence : 9 km

2 – Aix-en-Provence

CONFISERIE DU ROY RENÉ

The Calisson Museum is located in the heart of the Roy René factory, surrounded by 3 hectares of young almond trees. Discover the raw materials used for production, the legend of the Provençal calisson (little diamond-shaped sweets made from ground almonds and candied fruit) and the confectioners’ savoir-faire. Gourmet scent diffusers are dotted throughout the museum, as well as videos and display cabinets. On the tour, you will even catch a glimpse of the packaging workshops through huge windows. Each visitor is invited to make their own batch of calissons.

Aix-en-Provence > Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade : 13 km

Suggestion for lunch: the restaurant Taodo Ando at Château La Coste, a wine estate celebrating vineyards, art and architecture

Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade > Puyricard : 9 km

3 – Puyricard

CHOCOLATERIE DE PUYRICARD

A guided tour of the Chocolaterie de Puyricard workshops reveals further artisanal talents. It was the first food company to obtain the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label. The moulding, coating and dipping techniques used for the much-loved “palets d’or” are demonstrated before a tasting session.

Puyricard > Aix-en-Provence : 13 km

4 – Aix-en-Provence

THE SANTONS FOUQUE WORKSHOP

Experience a final taste of Provence with a visit to the Santons Fouque workshop, exhibition and shop, where figurines collected and sold all over the world are produced. As well as nativity scene figures, you will also find characters typical of life in a 19th-century Provençal village.