Aix-en-Provence, Cassis Experience
Aix-en-Provence Cassis Experience, In the heart of France’s Provence region is a city of refined elegance. The famous artist Paul Cezanne was born and died in Aix-en-Provence. Every fountain holds a secret; each Mansion House has a story to tell.
THE CALANQUES OF CASSIS ARE A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE PROTECTED SITE
Aix-en-Provence, Cassis Experience in the heart of France’s Provence region is a city of refined elegance. The famous artist Paul Cezanne was born and died in Aix-en-Provence. Every fountain holds a secret; each Mansion House has a story to tell. The country houses are adorned by parks and gardens as they were over the centuries.
Aix-en-Provence is a canvas of joyful impressions, of colourful festivals, festivities and traditions, Provencal market, delicious sun field delicacies, walks in the countryside and relaxing activities … your guided tour will start on the Cours Mirabeau, you will admire the architectural and religious heritage as you stroll around the little streets. You can choose to visit Paul Cezanne’s studio or another museum in Aix.
Then onto Cassis, this little seaside resort is snuggled at the foot of a very tall Cliff called Cap Canaille. Cassis is a wonderful place to stroll about with its picturesque fishing port lined with cafes and restaurants. All sorts of experiences on foot are available here, from simple little walks to Cliff climbing. The highlight of Cassis in the Calanques, huge white rocks hugging inlets of crystal-clear waters. Your visit to Cassis includes a boat trip around the Calanques.
The Calanques of Cassis are a unique geological formation in Provence, usually comprised of limestone or granite; they are made up of deep, narrow valleys with sharp edges, partly submerged by the sea. Their shapes are very similar to those of the Norwegian fjords.
They do indeed play host to a very unique type of ecosystem, which includes precious fauna and flora. The climate is arid and soil is quasi non-existent because of the limestone cliffs topped by debris and fallen rocks. Chinks and cracks are thus the only place for vegetation to take root. These, combined with the constant exposure to salt spray, means that only xerophyte plants such as heath, sarsaparilla, pine trees, ferns and juniper trees can grow in these areas. A study undertaken listed 26 different types of natural habitat in the Calanques and to that must be added 40 mixed habitats. Eight-three species living in the Calanques are protected nationally or regionally, which makes the site a valuable natural environment. Species such as the Sabline de Provence grass (or “gouffé”) only exist in the Calanques and several rare birds like the eagle owl and the Bonelli’s eagle can be found there too.
Given their uniqueness and their richness of flora and fauna, Calanques have been declared a National Park in order to protect them. This area will become the first peri-urban park of its kind in Europe. As the result of an agreement between local governments and state representatives and associations as well as more than ten years of planning, this National Park scheme will encompass five municipalities.
The Details
Price from EUR 85 per person and includes
A full day tour of Aix-en-Provence and Cassis
A private guide/driver.
The above experience can be customised to suit your requirements
We offer Hotels from 3 stars to 5 stars as well as self catering where possible
Number of nights are flexible
Please contact us for your bespoke quote
