Aix-en-Provence Aix, as

Aix-en-Provence Aix, as the locals call it, is one of those places that steals your heart. It is an elegantly cultured city, mellow and laid back, sunkissed and sensuous. One of its most beautiful hotels is the 18th century mansion, 5* Le Pigonnet which has gorgeous gardens with 20 fountains, a grand pool, and glorious rooms – fit for nobility, and your second home on this tour. It’s a stone’s throw from the famous and picturesque Cours Mirabeau main thoroughfare which splits the city into two halves, the Renaissance side and the Medieval side, the Champs-Elysées of southern France, lined with glorious mansions, café terraces, galleries and boutiques. On Saturdays a lively market spreads along its cobbles tempting you to fill your case with souvenirs. This is the former home of artist Cézanne and traces of him are everywhere, in the museums, and at his former atelier a short walk from the city centre. Smocks, hats and still-life props, recognisable from his paintings, clutter the place where Cézanne captured his obsession with Mont Sainte-Victoire mountain on canvas, and completed his last Grandes Baigneuses. From Aix it’s a short journey to Saint-Maximinla-Sainte-Baume and the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene. It’s said that she was buried here in the 1st century though the earliest part of the church, the crypt, dates to the 4th century and is famous for being said to hold the skull of Mary. A grotto nearby is where the saint is said to have meditated. Surrounded by glorious countryside, castles, monasteries and vineyards, this is a very special, not well-known part of southern France. Along the route you’ll have the chance to meet “Mary experts”, trace the path of Mary Magdalene or simply relax and enjoy this luxurious adventure. From the ancient marble-paved streets of the Bastide of Saint-Louis, the lower town of Carcassonne, and the upper towns cobbled streets, to the winding lanes of Aix, the countryside of southern France, Cezanne Carcassonne its monuments, castles and churches, and its spiritual places, this is a unique tour that reveals a little-known and extraordinary side to France. This small group tour (limited to 22 maximum) will be hosted by Deb Niven and Allison Frame who have decades of travel industry experience between them. You’ll enjoy fine dining, private unique venues, visits to wineries and the finest hotels. Find out more about this unique and seriously special tour (suitable for couples, friends, solo) at: divinedestinationcollection.com The Sacred South of France June 5-12, 2023 DISCOVER THE LORE OF MARY MAGDALENE’S JOURNEY AND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE BEAUTY, ELEGANCE AND GASTRONOMY OF SOUTHERN FRANCE Magical, immersive and uncommon moments... where luxury, adventure and spirituality meet www.divinedestinationcollection.com 68 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 69