Domaine Pont-Royal and Aix-en-Provence

Today we first explored Pont-Royal. The Domaine & Golf de Pont Royal where we are staying is a holiday resort in Provence, located between Avignon and Aix-en-Provence. It is near the village of Mallemort and is surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of the region.

The Domaine is situated in the heart of Provence's nature, making it an ideal starting point for us to explore the area. From vineyards and lavender fields (which bloom only in summer) to olive trees and historic towns such as Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, the surroundings offer plenty of opportunities for cultural and (hopefully culinary) experiences. In the coming days, we will explore the region in addition to playing golf.

We started today in Aix-en-Provence. The city, with about 145,000 inhabitants, is about 35 KM from our holiday apartment. Aix-en-Provence is a historic city in southern France known for its elegant architecture, vibrant art scene, and rich history. It is located in the département of Bouches-du-Rhône in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and is one of the cultural hotspots of Provence.

Aix-en-Provence has a long history that dates back to antiquity. It was a Roman garrison town, later an important center in the Middle Ages and became a cultural center of Provence during the Renaissance. The city used to be the capital of Provence before Marseille took over this role.

As tourists, we first took a guided city tour on the Petit Train (small tourist train). This little train offers a charming ride through the old town and some of the most beautiful sights of Aix-en-Provence. During the ride, there are audio commentaries explaining the history and highlights of the various sights. The Petit Train starts at the Place de la Rotonde, near the famous fountain and the monument of Paul Cézanne. Then we went through the Cours Mirabeau, the popular promenade with its wide, plane tree-lined streets, cafés, and fountains, to the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, an impressive cathedral that combines styles from Romanesque to Gothic. Then past the Atelier Cézanne, the studio of the famous artist Paul Cézanne, who was born in Aix and drew inspiration from the surrounding landscape for many of his works.

The Hôtel de Ville cannot be missed. The magnificent town hall with the nearby bell tower from the 16th century.

Aix is also referred to as the “City of a Thousand Fountains” due to the many fountains and thermal springs. Some of them we have illustrated.