Aix En Provence

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AIX-EN-PROVENCE LA PROVENCE PAR EXCELLENCE Press kit

Press contact Geraldine Fridrici + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 | + 33 (0)6 81 40 98 11 [email protected] 2018 Contents

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 2/24 Inspiring countryside: a sensation-filled break in and around the Aix Region

Around Aix, continue to explore as you follow the paths of history and discover monuments, châteaux, chapels, shrines Arts and Fountains, and other wonderful historical buildings. the Aix-en-Provence Feast your taste buds with fine restaurants, signature! enjoying local products. Discover our vineyards with the five AOCs, our Provencal The stylish city of Aix enjoys a wonderful, specialities and our oil mills. sunny climate, and its streets and squares You will love the beautiful hilltop villages are always vibrant and full of life. with their artists’ studios and craft works- History is the backdrop to everyday life here: hops, la route Cezanne (Cezanne road) and the grace and splendour of Baroque archi- its magnificent panoramas, and the majestic tecture are all around as you stroll through landscapes of Sainte-Victoire mountain, a the streets, have fun shopping or relax on a Grand Site de France. In this jewel of Pro- cafe terrace. Each fountain has its secrets; vencal nature on the doorstep of Aix-en- each hôtel particulier (luxury townhouse) has Provence, an area awarded labels of quality, its tale to tell. Country homes embellished you can share unique moments with the with parks and gardens as in past centuries. residents, appreciate sublime and intimate Aix is a mosaic of bright impressions, colou- landscapes, and enjoy untouched open red with festivals, festivities and traditions, spaces. Nature will lift your spirits as you Provencal markets, sun-ripened gourmet hike in the mountains and the Mediterra- foods, country walks and countless leisurely nean forest. activities. It is also Cezanne « country »: From the Côtes range to the Touloubre coming here, you will actually get to know range, from the upper Arc Valley to the the father of modern painting, among the Durance Valley, this vast area is yours to places and landscapes which marked his enjoy all year round. life, his outlook and his work… Always welcoming, our city offers much to Welcome to the Aix Region ! see and to experience.

Welcome to Aix-en-Provence !

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 3/24 Let yourself be The tempted by the Calisson ! This confectionary is THE great speciality of Aix- en-Provence. If one is to believe one of the many essentials versions of the birth of the calisson in Aix-en-Pro- vence, it emerged in its modern form around 1473, at the wedding celebration of King René’s second marriage. What is more certain is that it was not until the introduction of the almond in Provence in the sixteenth century and the development of its trade in Aix-en-Provence that the calisson’s production increased in scale. Every year since 1995, at the Church of Saint- Jean-de-Malte, the city has performed a blessing of the calissons, on the 1st Sunday of September, an unusual moment to witness! www.benediction-calisson.com The calisson has its museum Set in a contemporary stone architecture few kilometers away from the city center of Aix-en- Provence, it offers fun guided visits about the calisson making process. www.calisson.com

COURS MIRABEAU © S. SPITÉRI

Caumont Art Center Discover the city brought back the with an enthusiastic guide aesthetic of the XVIIIth Read Aix like an open book, do not miss any of century in the heart its attractions, discover its hidden scenery, its of Mazarin area. prestigious past, its architecture, its heritage and its monuments. Visit the interiors of old luxury townhouses, enjoy amazing anecdotes, walk in the footsteps of Cezanne... This is what is offered by our guide-lecturers, approved by the French Ministry for Culture, and our street storytellers. aixenprovencetourism.com CAUMONT CENTRE D’ART © S. LLOYD

Feel the invisible presence Have a feel of what it’s like of Cezanne to be in an XVIIIth century private Push open the door to Cezanne’s studio and enter mansion into the intimacy of the artist. Admire some of his Caumont art center is one of the most beautiful works in the area dedicated to him at the Granet mansions of the city. It has brought back the aesthe- Museum. At the Bibémus quarries, you will look tic of the XVIIIth century in the heart of Mazarin at Sainte-Victoire mountain as Cezanne used to. area. Throughout the tour, you can admire the cezanne-en-provence.com remarkable plasterwork, the French garden, a music room... It hosts important exhibitions dedicated to the great masters of art history from the XIVth to the XIXth century. This is a major cultural scene in Aix, a place where you can discover and share art with passion. www.caumont-centredart.com

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 4/24 Visit one of the most beautiful museums in France, and its contemporary extension: Granet XXe In the heart of the Mazarin district you will find the Musée Granet. Ranked among the most beautiful museums in France, it houses collections from the fourteenth to the twentieth century, works by Rembrandt, Ingres, Cezanne and the Meyer donation, « From Cezanne to Giacometti ». The museum has expanded with the restoration of the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs, located 200 meters away. This site houses the splendid FONDATION VASARELY © CPA collection of Suzanne and Jean Planque. Granet XXe thus holds some 300 paintings, drawings and Discover Opt’art at the sculptures, from the Impressionists and Post-Im- Fondation Vasarely pressionists, Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh and Degas, This building is a veritable work of art created in up to the major artists of the twentieth century, 1976 and inspired by Bauhaus architecture. The such as Bonnard, Rouault, Picasso, Braque, Dufy, building is composed of 16 particularly impressive, Léger, Klee, de Staël etc... hexagonal volumes. In this architecture style, the www.museegranet-aixenprovence.fr only one of its kind in the world, you can experience life-size, the 42 monumental integrations of the artist, father of kinetic art and a room dedicated to optical art. An incarnation of the architectural and social project of Victor Vasarely. The foundation is classified as a historical monument. It also schedules temporary exhibitions on-site by artists. www.fondationvasarely.fr Have a pause on the cours Mirabeau The former carriage avenue has became one of the not-to-be-missed locations in Aix-en-Provence. A site of history and for relaxing and taking a stroll; it’s one of the busiest, liveliest areas in the town. Any time of the day, it welcomes you: morning coffee on the terrace while watching the city as it awakens, lunch under the leafy plane trees and « happy hour », when the people of Aix get SHOPPING © S. SPITERI together after work to start the evening off by enjoying the last rays of sunshine.

MARCHÉ © C. MOIRENC Wander through the old town, beware: shopping! Here history is a matter of daily encounter in Kindle your senses which the delights of shopping go hand-in-hand in the market place with the noble heritage, the delights of an open In Aix-en-Provence, there are as many markets as terrace and the architectural delights, wandering there are days of the week: fruit and vegetable through town and the marvellous Baroque scenery. markets, old books markets, and flower markets. Indeed, the Aix Baroque architecture is ranked They animate the city with sounds and colours, are third in France after Paris and Versailles. Fashion, places for meeting up and for discovering, most decoration, luxury, delicacies... Aix-en-Provence particularly a sun-kissed gastronomic heritage. is a prime shopping destination. The top names Market stands mushroom all over the city centre PHOTOS © S. SPITERI SHOPPING © S. SPITERI in fashion are present in Old Aix, and the major and its surroundings. labels in the new area, « Les Allées Provençales ».

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 5/24 Remember at Mémorial des Milles A cultural centre that is one-of-a-kind in France, to learn from our past: for today and tomorrow. This historic monument, one of nine major French memorial sites, is the only major French internment and deportation camp still intact and accessible to the public. The Camp des Milles now houses an important historical museum, turned towards education and culture. www.campdesmilles.org

Appreciate the authenticity of a XVIIth and XVIIIth century Aix property

PAVILLON DE VENDÔME © S. SPITÉRI Not far from the bustle of the city centre, surrounded by a park à la française, the Pavillon de Vendôme is one of the most attractive « follies » inherited from the Grand Siècle. In this place of peace and beauty, the pomp and lifestyle of past centuries are reflected. It houses furniture, paintings and art objects from the late seventeenth and early eighteenth century. Temporary exhibitions are regularly organised. www.mairie-aixenprovence.fr

Adopt Zen attitude at the Spa Thermes Sextius It is located in the heart of the city, on the very site where the Roman Consul, Gaius Sextius, founded the thermal baths of Aquae Sextiae in 122 BC. At CAMPS DE MILLES © CAMPS DES MILLES that time, the hot water with metallic trace elements, low salinity and low levels of minerals, was used to treat venous disorders and rheumatoid arthritis. 2 millennia later, the site is a temple of Enjoy the night life of the city. well-being, bathed in a chic, bright and soothing The night is yours! atmosphere. Les Thermes welcome you for the Whether you feel like just having a drink or a cock- day, a weekend or a longer stay: scrubs, massages, tail on the terrace of a trendy bar or you’re a real hot clay wraps, jets, water aerobics, sauna, steam night owl, Aix can easily meet your wishes during room, beauty treatments, etc… your stay, with its theatres, café-theatres, casino, www.thermes-sextius.com large show venues, cinemas and nightclubs. In all seasons, Aix is alive and kicking by night, with something to meet your pace! All leisure activities and events can be found on: aixenprovencetourism.com

THERMES SEXTIUS © G. GARDETTE

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 6/24 Get-away in and around the Aix Region

SAINTE-VICTOIRE © S. SPITERI AQUEDUC ROQUEFAVOUR © C. MICHEL - CPA ABBAYE DE SILVACANE © F. MANATIC

Walk from Ventabren Admire to the Roquefavour aqueduc the Sainte-Victoire landscapes The village of Ventabren has the largest stone Sainte-Victoire Mountain is known throughout aqueduct in the world. Called the viaduct of the world. It owes its fame to the works of Paul Roquefavour, this architectural gem was built Cezanne, who depicted it in 87 of his paintings. from 1841 to 1847 by Franz Mayor de Montricher. If you want to contemplate it from all angles, a It spans the valley of the Arc and draws its water driving circuit (75km) offers you superb views from the Durance to supply drinking water to and allows you to visit the surrounding villages, Marseille. Its beneficial water ended centuries dominated by the mountainside. of scarcity, deprivation and epidemics, notably www.grandsitesaintevictoire.com saving Marseille from cholera in the XIXth century. www.ventabren.fr

Taste the best wines Visit the Silvacane Abbey, among our 5 AOPs a jewel of Cistercian art Red, rosé or white, the Aix Region alone has The Silvacane Abbey at La Roque d’Anthéron 5 Appellations d’Origine Protégées (registered welcomes guests beneath splendid broken arches, designations of origin). This prestigious desi- reminiscent of the heyday of the Roman age. gnation guarantees the quality of three specific The church, whose foundations started in 1144, elements in the making of wine: soil, grape varie- owes its construction to Bernard de Clairvaux, ties used for the production and know-how in the spiritual director of the Cistercian Order. It growing and processing. The 5 AOPs (Coteaux became a parish church over the centuries and was d’Aix-en-Provence, Côtes de Provence and abandoned by the village of La Roque d’Anthéron Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire, Palette and in 1742 and its buildings were soon transformed Côtes du Luberon) are divided into 70 sectors. into a farm. Restored since being bought by the Besides fulfilling this quality requirement, the French government in 1949, they are now open vineyards have acquired subsequent recognition to visitors. in obtaining the label Vignobles et découvertes www.abbaye-silvacane.com (Vineyards and discoveries). aixenprovencetourism.com

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 7/24 Fall for the Saint-Ser Ermitage To admire this grandiose panorama of Provence overlooking the Arc Valley, plan 2 hrs for a round trip, departing from Puyloubier and walk 200 m downwards to reach the Saint-Ser Chapel, at a distance half way down the height of the Sainte- Victoire Mountain. Take the opportunity to walk the narrow, cobbled streets of Puyloubier and visit the Capitaine Danjou estate, where the légionnaires A getaway in one of the many will invite you to discover their wine, the museum of uniforms and ceramics and binding workshops. vineyards in the Aix Region The tour is free, but remember to book! ∞ CHÂTEAU LA COSTE for example, invites guests www.puyloubier.com to experience a walk through the woods, hills, VILLA BEAULIEU © S. SPITERI olive groves and local vineyards discovering art works and installations of renowned artists and Walk architects such as Tadao Ando Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder and Tom Shannon. on the footsteps of Cezanne www.chateau-la-coste.com The landscapes of Aix-en-Provence long inspired Paul Cezanne. Discover places still filled with the Villa La Coste hôtel painter’s presence. Start with the Cezanne’s stu- Villa La Coste is a luxurious hotel with 28 villas, each dio which still contains the artist’s work tools. It with a private terrace overlooking the vineyards and regularly holds temporary exhibitions and cultural valley. The contemporary architecture of the hotel events. Take the Cezanne road to reach the Bibé- VILLA LA COSTE © R. HAUGHTON is emphasized by local materials blending into the mus quarries, the birthplace of Cubism. Discover valley. The hotel features indoor and outdoor dining the cabin where the artist stored his works in the options, a spa, extensive gardens with a swimming middle of a landscaped route created in the heart pool, a gourmet restaurant and an art gallery. of geometric ochre-colour masses. The Pass www.chateau-la-coste.com/villa-la-coste Cezanne is available at the Aix-en-Provence Tourist Office to visit these three sites at a reduced price. ∞ NEW THE VILLA BAULIEU AND aixenprovencetourism.com ITS VINEYARD A family home, and now a 5-star hotel... luxury Ride connected and tranquillity are the hallmarks of this magical and history-steeped place. Nestled in the crater of Tours on E-bikes Provence’s only volcano, the Beaulieu vineyard has Go to discover the wineries and their area. Bee’s flourished for over two thousand years. It sits 400 Cycloplanet offers accompanied courses or “road metres above sea level and, with 140 hectares of book” on e-bikes around St.Victoire Mountain vines at the heart of a 300-hectare estate, it is one through the villages of Aix Region... panoramic of the most extensive vineyards in the Coteaux stops in Cezanne’s landscapes and lunch or wine d’Aix-en-Provence wine region. The estate faces tasting in a wine estate “AOC” Côtes de Provence. the Luberon, overlooks the Durance Valley, Silva- These hiking depend on the seasons, the public cane Abbey and La Roque d’Anthéron, and boasts and the local offer… a very diverse terroir. www.cycloplanet.com www.villabaulieu.com

∞ NEW THE CHÂTEAU DE FONSCOLOMBE, Hit the road to... IN PUY-SAINTE-RÉPARADE Need some guidelines before shooting off for your With a history spanning three centuries, the Château explorations? The Aix-en-Provence Tourist Office de Fonscolombe is once again opening its gates suggest themed itinaries such as « patrimoine to the public. The listed historic monument, just a sacré » (the sacred heritage) in order not to miss few kilometres outside Aix-en-Provence, is being any of the cathedrals, abbeys, churches or chapels converted into a 5-star hotel. Since its construction of the Aix Region. The leaflet « Au fil de l’eau » in the 18th century, the Château de Fonscolombe (with the stream) will take you from wash houses has been lit up by historic events, enlightened minds to fountains, the one on « Bastides et Châteaux » and festive lights. Guests can experience a whole (chateaux and country houses and châteaux) will new art de vivre amidst the gilded splendour of lead you to discover our rich heritage and finally, this fully restored family château. for the fittest visitors who want to get a real « feel www.fonscolombe.fr » for our region, a guide of 13 walks and hikes. Brochures available for download on: aixenprovencetourism.com

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 8/24 More surprises in 2018

Musée Granet Cezanne at home Du 20 octobre 2017 au 1er avril The Musée Granet is staging a totally unique exhibition which traces the “return” of Cezanne’s works to collections in Aix, from the artist’s death in 1906 to the present day. The exhibition covers almost 200 m2. It gives pride of place to the artist’s works which form part of the permanent collection but also features works which rarely go on show to the public for conser- vation reasons, such as the magnificent watercolour ‘Usines à l’Estaque’ (Factories at L’Estaque) or some of Cezanne’s personal belongings. Tal Coat - La liberté farouche de peindre (wild freedom to paint) 18 November 2017 - 11 March The Musée Granet in Aix-en-Provence is staging an exceptional retrospective of the painter Tal Coat, whose work has formed part of its collections since 1985. Over more than 500 m2 of exhibition Caumont Centre d’Art space, visitors can discover almost 180 chrono- logically arranged works tracing the artist’s career Botero, dialogue avec Picasso from his early figurative and sometimes strongly 4 November 2017 - 11 March expressionist work to what is too hastily referred The ‘Botero, dialogue avec Picasso’ exhibition to as “his abstract period” after his stay in Aix (1940 presents the varied output of the Colombian artist to 1956), when his work changed dramatically in from an original perspective which explores his the wonderful light of Provence. artistic affinities with Pablo Picasso. Some 60 works by Botero (oils, works on paper and sculptures) are Picasso-Picabia, histoire de on display alongside around 20 of Picasso’s greatest Peinture (history of painting) works, most of which belong to the collections of 9 June - 23 September Pablo Picasso, Passe de Cape, 1956 the Musée National Picasso-Paris and the Museu The first time the work of Picasso and Picabia has Huile sur toile, 60 x 73 cm Picasso in Barcelona. been compared in this way, this exhibition focuses Belfort, Musée d’art moderne – Donation Maurice Jardot. Inv. DHK.002.1.10 Nicolas de Staël en Provence on two unique figures in the history of 20th-century © Musées de Belfort. Belfort, musée d’art painting. Covering 50 years of prolific and uninter- 27 April - 23 September moderne, Donation Maurice Jardot rupted artistic output, “Picasso-Picabia” showcases © Succession Picasso 2017 This exhibition focuses on the development of the both masterpieces and lesser-known works by works which Nicolas de Staël painted in Provence Francis Picabia, Tauromachie, 1912 these two artists of Spanish descent. Huile sur toile, 72 x 90 cm between July 1953 and October 1954. It includes www.museegranet-aixenprovence.fr Collection privée, Neuilly-sur-Seine, around 80 paintings and drawings. 1954 marked a Courtesy Galerie 1900-2000, Paris turning point in the artist’s life and work: he disco- © Galerie 1900-2000, Paris © ADAGP, Paris 2017 vered the light of the South of France, experienced an intense sense of solitude, and worked frantically, Nicolas de Stael, Marseille, 1954 producing painting after painting, driven by a vision Huile sur toile 80,5 x 60 cm of the world to come. Collection privée © Adagp, Paris, 2017 www.caumont-centredart.com

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 9/24 Fondation Vasarely The new cultural and festive Now Here Else– DJEFF happening of the year : 1 June - 8 September Dyew is an atmospheric installation which MP 2018 enables visitors to create their own thunder- Quel Amour ! storm. Events in Aix In Indo-European languages, the root dyew refers to the notion of “daylight’. ∞ Improvised dance event - perfor- Dyew is the original spark, the bolt of lightning mance by the dancers of the Ballet that flashes against the dark sky. Preljocaj to mark the launch of MP 2018. Dyew is an immersive physical experience Everyone can take part and dance to which invites viewers to explore the atmos- extracts from their production “Romeo pheric depths and find themselves in a process and Juliet”. Dress code: a hint of red. of divine genesis. 14 Feb https://youtu.be/yMPV4hXVcl4 www.fondationvasarely.org ∞ Le Studio d’amour Auguste (Auguste’s Love Studio) at the Grand Théâtre de Provence and the Théâtre du Jeu de Paume - romantic, digital and poe- tic installations, workshops such as “L’Amour en carton” (Cardboard love) ... Les Rencontres From 14 Feb e du 9 Art ∞ Nuit sulfureuse (Naughty night) at Festival of Comics and the Théâtre du Jeu de Paume, 16 Feb Associated Arts ∞ Le bal des (Re) Mariés (The newly- 15th edition - 7 April - 31 May (re)weds’ ball) at the Grand Théâtre Les Rencontres du 9e Art put Comics at the de Provence, in collaboration with the crossroads of innovative graphic arts and popu- La Zouze dance company, 17 Feb lar arts. The festival presents a broad spectrum of works, genres and worlds. It aims at bringing ∞ Performances at the flower market together at the same table emerging talents in Aix city centre and at the "Allées" and accomplished artists, the most prominent shopping centre - Elsa Mingot will toss publishers and the least-circulated alternative romantic messages to passers-by and companies. Along the same vein, the authors reveal the highlights of the C’est l’Amour invited to the festival are from a large spectrum of aux Théâtres (Love theatres) weekend! activities such as comics, graphic design, press or 10 Feb and 17 Feb children’s books and come from many different ∞ Guided tours and treasure hunts at countrie. The programme includes a plethora the Fondation Vasarely. 17 Feb of exhibitions, events and meetings all over the city, attesting to the cultural vivacity of its ∞ A huge parade featuring hundreds creators and their partners. of amateur performers will be held on www.bd-aix.com the Cours Mirabeau. Organised by the Festival d’Aix. 24 June. ∞ Invitation à chanter l’amour (Invita- tion to sing about love) issued by the Festival d’Aix, along with the Orfeo & Majnun international project. 150 singers from the choirs of various asso- ciations, universities and schools across the region. 8 July www.mp2018.com

RENCONTRES DU 9E ART © S. SPITERI

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 10/24 Festival de Pâques 7th édition - 26 March - 8 April The biggest orchestras and exceptional so- LES JOURNÉES DE L’ÉLOQUENCE © T. LONGEFAIT loists come together for the 5th edition of the Festival de Pâques (Easter Festival). The festival is built and enriched through meetings that it sets off not only between artists and the public, but also between confirmed soloists and emerging talents, on the occasion of the Génération @ Aix or master classes. Among others will be present Fançois- Xavier

Roth, Renaud Capuçon, Alain Altinoglu, le Qua- LES JOURNÉES DE L’ÉLOQUENCE © S. MERCIER/P. LAURENSON tuor Hagen, le London Symphony Orchestra, l’Orchestre national de France… www.festivalpaques.com Les journées de l’Éloquence Le Sm’art 4th édition - 26 May - 2 June Mediterranean fair of Aix-en-Provence hosts for its 4th edition, the contemporary & abstract art national festival of Eloquence. A difficult art of 17 - 21 May the spoken word, it is a symbol of power and The Sm’art is like a giant and ephemeral art object of fascination. Speech, today as yester- FESTIVAL DE PÂQUES © C. DOUTRE gallery, which opens its doors in the cool day, is a creative force, the key of the possible. Jordan Park. For the 12th year, the Sm’art will www.journees-aix.fr present its collection of contemporary artists and will host more than 200 visual artists, Salon Vivre Côté Sud painters, sculptors, photographers, video- 20e édition - 8 - 11 June graphers, writers, established or emerging A must-attend event for any lovers of Southern- galleries and 15, on the theme of innovation style decoration, the show’s 2018 edition will and artistic diversity. be held in the bucolic Jourdan Park in Aix-en- A space dedicated to art and design rela- Provence. The show brings together major ted jobs. national and international brands, quality crafts www.salonsmart-aix.com and the best know-how much in the vein of the magazine, Maison Côté Sud. www.vivrecotesud.fr Formula 1 French Grand Prix at Le Castellet 24 June Formula 1’s return to France after a ten-year absence is a great event. For the Paul Ricard circuit, it means a return to the top level of international motor sport. The legendary track held its last Grand Prix in 1990. The 59th French Grand Prix will be the first of 7 races in the F1 European tour this summer. VIVRE CÔTÉ SUD © S. SAUVAGE www.gpfrance.com

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 11/24 Cezanne Tattoo Ink 5th edition - 5 - 7 October This international tattoo convention is held this year at the Aix-en-Provence Convention Center. It’s the perfect opportunity for insiders to meet French and international renowned tattoo artists, and for the uninitiated to discover this art. For all a place of sharing and encounter around this passion. www.conventiontattooaix.fr Festival d’Aix-en-Provence th FESTIVAL D’AIX-EN-PROVENCE © S. SPITERI 70 edition - 4 - 24 July Held every summer since 1948, the Aix- en-Provence International Opera Festival is And... one of the great European opera festivals, having a special affinity for Mozart’s operas; • Festival des the representations originally given outdoors écrivains du Sud in the courtyard of the old Archbishop’s March palace are now distributed on several sites: • Le Carnaval d’Aix the Théâtre de l’Archevêché, the Grand Théâtre 22 April de Provence, the Théâtre du Jeu de Paume, • Ironman 70.3 Hotel Maynier d’Oppède are the main ones. 13 May In the 2018 program: Ariane à Naxos (Richard • Rendez-vous aux jardins Strauss), l’Ange de feu (Sergueï Prokofiev), La Flûte Enchantée (Wolfgang Amadeus June Mozart), Seven Stones (Ondřej Adámek), Didon • Flâneries d’art et Enée (Henry Purcell). June www.festival-aix.com • Festival jours [et nuits] de cirque(s) FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE PIANO © C. GRÉMIOT September Festival • Journées du Patrimoine international Septembee IRON MAN © CPA

• Festival tous courts de Piano 38th edition - 20 July - 18 August December For over three decades the festival of La In 2019, popular sports: • Mud Day Roque d’Anthéron has distinguished itself International Olympiad TBA as being for those who, through the piano, • La Nuit des musées reveal their audacity and originality. The wise, 15 - 19 Octobre 2019 19 May the insolent, prodigies: poets of all ages come Aix-en-Provence and its region will be hosting to share their talents every year under the the International Olympiad. More info: ancient plane trees of Florans Park. aixenprovencetourism.com Held every two years, this international event www.festival-piano.com combines sport and tourism and brings together delegations from most European countries and 45 countries from further afield (China, Japan, Brazil, USA, etc...), all members of the International IVV Federation (Internationaler Volkssport Verband), for a week in a chosen location. 8,000-10,000 walkers will compete in 13 com- petitions over 4 days, discovering the riches of the Aix region along the way. www.olympiades-ivv-2019.fr

FESTIVAL D’AIX-EN-PROVENCE © S. SPITERI FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE PIANO © C. GRÉMIOT

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 12/24 Tradition, Craftsmanship and Gastronomy 100% Provence

Abundance of events relating to wine and gastronomy Culture rhymes with gastronomy and wine at unmissable annual events: friendly atmosphere, shared flavours and meeting one another are the hallmarks of these much- anticipated events. The "Food’Aix" is a Tourist Office event that combines the "gastronomy Olive oil fair" and the Provencal "fête Mistralienne". Just like the calisson, (see « Essentials » section, A whole day dedicated to French cuisine page 4) olive oil is a delicious asset of Provencal and Provencal dancing. Other events are gastronomy. There are 2,000 olive growers in also happening in the territory: Festival of the Aix region. The AOC Aix-en-Provence brings Provencal cuisine in Châteauneuf-le Rouge, FÊTE DE L’HUILE D’OLIVE © S. SPITERI together 600 of them and 5 mills in operation. As the wine fair in Pertuis or the large truffles « fruité vert » [fruity green] or « fruité noir » (fruity and gastronomy market in Rognes… black), the taste of the AOC is exceptional: each year in December, the new oil is presented at the Aix-en-Provence olive-oil festival. Crafts Aix-en-Provence and the villages of the Aix Wine Region are rich in all kinds of crafts. Attached The destination’s vineyards cover some to a long tradition, part of this know-how is 1,300 km², corresponding to the territory of still transmitted orally. Some are rare, such as the 36 communes of the Aix Region and the soap-making, santon figurine making and 8 communes of South Luberon. plumasserie (feather-making). Decorative arts are strongly represented by ceramists, GASTRONOMIE © S. SPITERI 5 AOPs (Appellations d’Origine Protégées): mosaic artists and potters, and art metalwork… a great wealth of wines (see A sensation-filled The fashion sector has several leather goods break section, page 7). The diversity of soil, more makers, stylists and textile designers. Every spring, siliceous, clay-limestone or stony give the vines the European Days of Crafts festival represents their own characteristics for each of the destination a unique opportunity to meet these craftsmen in 5 AOP, so their astonishing singularity. their studios and see them at work demonstrating their know-how. « Vineyards and Discoveries » label Tourism professionals of Aix-en-Provence, the Route of crafts and Aix Region and South Luberon are committed Living Heritage companies to welcoming tourists and boosting the tourism Meet the artisans of the Aix Region by embarking and wine-growing offer by transmitting shared on a set route. Encountering the artisans in their values with the underlining principles of a warm studios, where you can share their passion for welcome, sharing and authenticity. For such their craft and discover their works, is a great a commitment, these ambassadors, wineries, opportunity to learn all about the craftsmanship restaurant owners, accommodation providers and and expertise « made in Provence ». heritage sites have been awarded the « Vineyards www.artsetgourmandises.fr and Discoveries » label for the destination. On a 5 AOP terrain, this offers a guarantee of unique discovery through a whole range of services and selected activities relating to the world of wine, the idea being to facilitate the organisation of the customer’s stay and guide them towards qualified, high-quality services. www.paysdaix.routedesvinsdeprovence.com

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 13/24 December is the time of the Académie du Tambourin’s Christmas concert. The tambourin, a long, cylindrical drum, is accompanied by a flute with three holes, the galoubet. It is also the time when you can applaud the Christmas carols in the streets and concerts in churches, Bravade calendale (rare in Provence!), a plethora of traditional dances and music on the Cours Mirabeau.

GIBASSIER © S. SPITERI TRADITIONS© S. SPITERI You can also discover the famous 13 desserts at the market dedicated to them: almonds, figs, raisins, walnuts (or hazelnuts) or the 4 mendiants (4 beg- gars), dates, Gibassier (olive-oil bread) white and black nougat, calissons of Aix, quince paste, white grapes (Servant), the Christmas melon (Verdau) oranges (or mandarins).

March of the Kings Another highlight of the Christmas celebrations SANTONS © S. SPITERI COURS MIRABEAU © CPA where Kings are honoured. The « March of the Kings » in January is a religious holiday. The parade crosses the city with its procession of figures dressed in traditional Provencal costumes. Drum- Christmas celebrated mers, shepherds, grinders and other small trades in Provence join the parade towards Saint-Sauveur Cathedral square where the « March of the Kings » itself The nativity scene and Provencal santon figurines takes place. Having appeared in Provence in the eighteenth century, the crib and its figurines, or santons (from Other Provencal « santoun », or « little saint » in Provencal) have attracted great success since the mid-nineteenth traditions during the century. At Christmas, each family vies to bring year ingenuity to enhance their crib. Le Roumavàgi of Sainte-Victoire or the Around the stable where the Holy Family is to be climb of Sainte-Victoire mountain, takes place on found, along with the Wise Men, the ox and the the last Sunday of April: mass with Provencal songs donkey, the santon figurines represent various in the priory chapel, blessing of the mountain characters inherited from pastoral activity and and the Aix Region, dance and traditional music. typical small professions of the region: the mayor, the miller, the hunter, the baker, etc. Showcasing In May, the Provençal Tambourine the Santonniers’ expertise, the traditional santon Festival, organised by the association, Li Ventu- fair of Aix-en-Provence takes place on Espace rié, is the opportunity to attend the largest regional Cezanne (at la Rotonde) and gives you the oppor- gathering of drummers. Tambourine contest, tunity to discover brand new characters, to start concerts, tambourine forum, public serenades or complete your crib. During the same period, resonate all over the city. a large crib is presented on the Cours Mirabeau. Finally, in September, Jourdan Park hosts the Mistralian Day. Starting from the town hall, Cicadas, Provencal boutis quilts, Santon Christmas figurines, groups of musicians and dancers reach Jourdan brightly-coloured fabrics, gastronomy, crafts and arts of Park and gather around the bust of Mistral. This living... Aix is La Provence by excellence! ceremony aims to highlight the modernity of Frédéric Mistral’s work and the dynamism of a But above all, it is the Provencal traditions and the will and joy culture enriched through the ages, transmitted to preserve its identity. from one generation to the next.

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 14/24 Aix-en-Provence, the city of Paul Cezanne

So you probably know his work. But have you experienced the light And many other intense details which connect you of the places that inspired him and opened the door to his first steps to works born into this very space and exhibited today in the most prestigious worldly museums. as an artist? It is here, in Aix-en-Provence and the Aix Region, that The exceptional character of the artist’s space you can enjoy this authentic experience. and shady garden around transpires the human, everyday simplicity of Cezanne. www.cezanne-en-provence.com La bastide du Jas de Bouffan This mansion, once Cezanne’s family home, has tremendous potential and is currently undergoing a major programme of renovation work which began in 2017. The aim is that by 2020 it will be THE place to learn all about Cezanne’s life and work. Paul Cezanne - his life and his work - will be the cornerstone of the scientific and cultural project, which focuses on three themes: Cezanne and Paul Cezanne, the child of Aix-en-Provence is, his mansion, a mansion and its estate in the 19th by the connoisseurs’ admission, the father of century and Cezanne and contemporary creativity. modern painting. His name is known on all five continents and his paintings are celebrated in The first floor of the mansion will house exhi-

ATELIER DE CEZANNE © S. SPITERI the world’s greatest museums. bitions and the ground floor will replicate the atmosphere of the house as it was in Cezanne’s day. The grounds will be enhanced by creating a clear view of the mansion, revamping the land- In the footsteps scaping and recreating the sounds of the time. With an estimated cost of 3 million euros, the of Cezanne project will require financial backing from patrons And what if a two-hour stroll became a life’s path? to supplement funding from the government and From Paul Cezanne’s birthplace to his final resting local authorities. Due to the ongoing renovation place in St-Pierre Cemetery, you’ll see the city as work, the site is not currently open to the public. the painter saw it, following an elegantly marked www.cezanne-en-provence.com hiking trail: key sites, youth milestones, homes of family members and others close to him, friends’ Les carrières PARCOURS © J.C. CARBONNE bars... Step-by-step you will discover why Cezanne loved Aix-en-Provence so much, and why, when de Bibémus away he would say: « When one is born there, 7 acres of pictorial majesty, powerful natural archi- you’re ruined, nothing else compares »… tecture untouched by time, the Bibémus quarries aixenprovencetourism.com greatly inspired Cezanne who, drew on the site to produce striking works, such as the world-renow- L’atelier de Cezanne ned Rocher Rouge (Red Rock). Following a trail (l’atelier des Lauves) along the rocky plateau, you are able to absorb Inside the studio you will find - bearing witness yourself in the painter’s creation process: motifs, Make the most of the to Cezanne’s silent presence - his apron, walking viewpoints, composition, geometric patterns and Aix-en-Provence City Pass sticks, painting tools, many objects, the models of colours... this is the very birth place of Cubism. and discover the the final still-lifes that he painted; the pipe used in www.cezanne-en-provence.com Cezanne’s sites. the card-players painting; the ladder on which he (See in the section Good deals, climbed for his last Grandes Baigneuses, (« Ba- page 16) thers »); letters showing his refined handwriting…

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 15/24 Guided tours of Excursions The the Tourist Office AIX, IN THE HEART Follow the guide! OF PROVENCE The Tourist Information provides guided Excursions to suit everyone! Tourist tours with guides approved by the Ministry Ideal starting point for exploring of Culture and Communication and sto- other areas: Arles, Avignon, Marseille, rytellers. Les Baux-de-Provence, Saint-Rémy, Office’s • Visit of the old center Pass Gordes, Lourmarin and the Côte • In the footsteps of Cezanne Pass d’Azur... Whatever the season there [email protected] are plenty of options: Provencal markets, good deals antique fairs, visits to vineyards and wine- Guided tours with ries and wine-tasting with the growers. And don’t miss the Route des lavandes a difference… (Lavender Road), which is at its best in Themes specific to each guide June and July. Departing from the Tourist Office, TOURS WITH NICOLE 7 organisations offer full-day or half-day DE PALATINAT (morning or afternoon) excursion pro- 1 April to 30 June grammes for you to discover Provence and 1 August to 31 October during your stay. • Aix, luxury townhouses aixenprovencetourism.com • Aix, Baroque city CYCLO PUB NEW Pass TOURS WITH SECRETS D’ICI Pass Accompanied visit

CARTE PASS © S. SPITERI 11 February - 17 December 2 January - 31 December • Fountains and gardens Explore the city by segway or rickshaw +33 (0)7 82 58 60 63 Tourist passes 1 April to 31 October www.cyclopub.com • Fountains and gardens AIX-EN-PROVENCE • Squares and Foutains, Aix’s crown jewels THE MINI TOURIST TRAM Pass CITY PASS Historic city-centre circuit, audio com- 24, 48 or 72 hrs TOURS WITH FRÉDÉRIC PAUL mentary in 8 languages To fully enjoy our destination, get & SIMONA DELBENE Pass + 33 (0)6 27 57 48 80 www.cpts.fr the city pass! 2 January - 20 December • More than 20 free tours • Hidden heritage in the Aix as a cruise stop and sites historical centre Whether you are departing or arriving 1 February - 20 December • Over 30 discounts from our from Marseille, aboard a ship of one of • Aix off the beaten path partners the major lines, why not treat yourself • The people of Aix • Fast track entry and stop in Aix-en-Provence? Aix-en-Provence / Port of Marseille • Transports in Aix and the TOURS WITH PAUL GRIFFON Aix Region Terminal route on Google Maps: Accompanied visit goo.gl/maps/z1TOZ Available at the Tourist Office and on: 2 May -30 September booking.aixenprovencetourism.com • Culinary tour of Aix city centre NEW TOURS WITH JEAN-PIERRE CASSELY 1 April - 1 May 1 July - 30 September 21 October - 3 November • Unexpected Aix • Libertines and courtesans

TOURS WITH DELPHINE RUSQUART Pass 1 June - 30 September • Mysteries and legends NEW

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 16/24 For those who prefer nature and the countryside, at the farm of Brégalon you will have fun with their educational and recreational activities. You can There is an learn how to milk a goat, for example. Come and meet our farmers and share memorable moments www.bienvenue-a-la-ferme.com Aix for everyone! Experience tree-to-tree rope-trail adventures at Indian Forest sud www.indianforest-aix.fr Wander inside the giant, plant-covered mazes at Labyrinthe géant (La Roque d’Anthéron). www.labyrinthe-geant.fr Enchanted moments await you at the Village des automates entertainment park (Saint-Cannat, www.villagedesautomates.com) or, just next door, Montopoto, an indoor, jungle-themed games area. www.motopoto.com Fish for trout in the l’étang des saules (Puyricard). www.etang-saules.com At Urban Kids (Venelles, www.urban-kids.net) more recreational games await you, and in summer, don’t miss the Speed Water Park (Pennes Mirabeau) http://speedwater.fr In Aix-en-Provence, the fun continues at Gulli Parc, one of the largest indoor recreational and games Aix for couples! parks in France www.gulli-parc.com If you love the delicate sound of fountains run- And for « wiser » moments: educational works- ning, if you are looking for attractive outdoor hops in the museums of Aix-en-Provence (see terraces or intimate tables, where you can take « Essentials » section, Granet Museum/Vasarely time out to have a quiet drink, if you want to Foundation, page 4), the youth section in Méjanes stroll hand-in-hand with your loved one through library and Peiresc Planetarium. CITY HALL © S.SPITERI « à la Française » parks, Provencal hilltop villages www.aix-planetarium.fr and Baroque cities charged with history. On top rd of that if sharing the experience of sublime land- Aix-en-Provence offers the 3 largest scapes of Provence, not mentioning the Sainte- collection of Baroque architecture Victoire, attracts you... then you will most likely in France after Paris and Versailles. enjoy the experience « Aix à 2 »! Aix with the kids For heritage Whatever the season, your family will not get enthusiasts bored. To start, settle in one of the many resi- Radiant with architectural riches of golden-stone dential hotels located in the city centre or right shades, Aix-en-Provence is appealing from the first outside, which will give each of you the space glance. Walk around at your leisure to discover you need to feel right at home. The city centre the exceptional heritage accessible to all. If you’d is very pleasant to explore on foot with its many rather visit as part of a guided tour, you will learn pedestrian streets! Pushchairs are the queens of how to decipher the messages of the past in the the pavement! smallest of detail… Next, action! Ideas aplenty to keep the Over the centuries the city has successively chan- kids busy and spend unforgettable mo- ged, displaying various styles: from the bourg (old ments with family. You just have to choose! village) of Saint-Sauveur to the cité comtale (city of the counts), Villeneuve to Cours Mirabeau up to the Mazarin quarter, bequeathing a preserved Aix-en-Provence has inspired the creators elegance to facades, fountains and streets. A simple of ESCAPE GAMES to invest the city and walk becomes a trip through time, punctuated propose hectic puzzles and time travels for by the luxury townhouses of the XVIIth and XVIIIth a few hours with friends or family. centuries, St-Sauveur Cathedral, whose architec- www.aix.mysteryescape.com tural styles run from the fifth to the seventeenth th www.narvik-escape-games.com century. Don’t miss the XII century cloister, and the « Buissson Ardent » (burning bush) triptych. www.mindandrun.com

CATHEDRAL © S.SPITERI

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 17/24 The Zik Zac Festival Gathering regional talents and international artists, the Zik Zac Festival presents an eclectic and colour- ful programme mixing musical styles and types. The programme: 3 festive days in July, fully free of charge, more than 15 concerts, graphics performances, and activities for children and adults. www.zikzac.fr For sport lovers Aix Region and wilderness Taking advantage of the rich natural heritage, the Aix Region offers a varied palette of outdoor activities throughout the year. SHOPPING © S.SPITERI GOLF WITH A VIEW © S.SPITERI A great opportunity to discover this land so rich in traditions. Sainte-Victoire, a Grand Site de France and iconic landscape of the Aix Region The big fashion For shopping promises a spectacular environment to all, sui- names, trendy table for practising a plethora of sports. Whether addicts you are more one for small steps or long strides, brands, designers What if the capital of the calisson was also a taking flight, high-speed or vertical sports, walking, and store concepts grail for fashionistas? New shops, fashionable cycling, or horse riding, everyone will be able to designers: Aix-en-Provence is packed with good explore the outdoors to their heart’s content! have chosen Aix. deals for you to discover. The walks and hikes on offer, notably within the In Aix, shopping is chic without being bling-bling. territory of the Grand Site Sainte-Victoire, draw on The big names in fashion and elegance have a network of nearly 250 km of marked routes. With picked the pedestrian streets: Gago, Hermès, the FFSP (French Popular Sports Federation), ten Longchamp, Agnès B, Gérard Darel, Repetto, nature walks are offered, allowing you to discover Maud Frizon, Lancel, to name but a few. The another side to the Aix Region. trendy brands, Zadig et Voltaire, Kooples, Maje, www.grandsitesaintevictoire.com Sandro, American Vintage, Sessùn are setting up

all over, as are the highly specialised multi-brand Paragliding Club Parapentes de Sainte-Victoire shops and those of creators that also are the www.parapentesaintevictoire.blogspot.fr hallmark of Aix. The newest shopping area, the « Allées Proven- Rock climbing çales », gather major retailers such as Zara, H&M, Go to the Tourist Office website for details of the Levi’s, etc., while Bleu Blanc Rouge and Indies numerous clubs aixenprovencetourism.com are the brands manufactured by Garella in their Gardanne workshops. Mountain biking 12 circuits, from the easiest (3 km) to the most For the young and hip demanding (36 km), have been marked out by the County Council, who have produced leaflets At dusk, students and other night owls take showing the routes, available for free. possession of the many outdoor terraces, bars, www.cg13.fr pubs and streets of Aix, in summer as well as winter. It is particularly pleasant to enjoy the Horseback riding old center of the city, almost exclusively pedes- For useful information on preparing a trek, go to: trian .. The atmosphere remains always friendly, www.equitation13.fr nothing better than going out to enjoy the night atmosphere. Aix on the green A few kilometers from the centre of Aix-en-Pro- Gamerz vence, you will discover an 18-hole course in a The Multimedia Arts Festival has been returning spectacular preserved-nature setting. See the list each year to Aix-en-Provence for ten years. Over of golf clubs on www.golftourismepaca.fr 50 artists occupy several sites of contemporary creation in October. www.m2fcreations.fr/site For senior citizens Thanks to its mild climate, seniors can enjoy the off-season and outdoor activities in complete freedom! Outdoor sporting activities, golf, fit- ness, dining, shopping, cultural discoveries: Aix offers many attractions.

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 18/24 A few meters from the Pavillon Noir stands the Darius Milhaud Conservatory, Contemporary which opened in 2013 and was designed by Kengo Kuma. This building resembles origami: « the sheet-metal folds give identity to the building and serve as a sunshade ». Aix The building includes 62 music classrooms, 2 drama classrooms, 4 dance studios, a 500-seat auditorium and a 200 m² podium. The Darius The noble heritage of its XVIIIth century Milhaud Conservatory is the largest in France. private mansions, the charm of its www.aixenprovence.fr/Conservatoire fountains, goes side by side with the Lying just a stone’s throw away is contemporary Aix with its exceptional Méjanes Library, in 15,000 m² of brownfields redeveloped modern facilities. in 1989. Besides its voluminous literary works, it houses a Albert Camus collection and the St Contemporary, John-Perse Foundation, amongst others. modern Aix www.citedulivre-aix.com "Les Allées" are a veritable extension of the Cours Aux abords immédiats du conservatoire, le Mirabeau where an array of shops and apart- GRAND THÉÂTRE DE PROVENCE © J.C. CARBONNE mur d’eau, le plus grand d’Europe avec ses ments lead through elegant, spacious corridors 700m², conçu par Christian Ghion a été inauguré to La Rotonde and to the Apple store, as well as en juillet 2014. Sur son versant nord le mur végétal to the Tourist Office. Further down "Les Allées", conçu par Patrick Blanc en 2008, est composé cross Esplanade des Justes, and you will reach de 30 à 35 plantes par mètre, ce qui représente the cultural forum. un total de 20 000 plantes environ.

In the immediate vicinity of the conservatory A cultural forum, stands the wall of water the largest in Europe, by renowned measuring 700m², designed by Christian Ghion. architects It was inaugurated in July 2014. On its north side, the green wall, designed by Patrick Blanc in This new district is set around 5 2008, is composed of 30 to 35 plants per meter, PAVILLON NOIR © S. SPITERI important cultural facilities. with the facade covered with a total of approxi- mately 20,000 plants. The green wall concept The Grand Théâtre de Provence, was created in France by Patrick Blanc, who has designed by Milanese architect, Vittorio Gregotti, previously created the Quai Branly green wall in and inaugurated in 2007. Paris. He also works on numerous other sites He aimed at harmonising the architecture with in France and internationally (notably in Spain, the urban context. The stones chosen for its Kuwait, Asia and the USA. construction are reminiscent of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain located a few kilometers away. Close to the cultural centre, the multimodal The amphitheatre of the Grand Théâtre de bus station designed by architect Jean-Marie Provence can accommodate 1,366 spectators Duthilleul was inaugurated in 2014. for dance performances, lyrical art, symphonic concerts and chamber music. Young audiences

CONSERVATOIRE DARIUS MILHAUD © N. MERCURIO are not left out as a large variety of shows are on With this new district, all conditions are offer to them. www.lestheatres.net met to accommodate a large, international public: its central location is exceptional. It is Next to the Theatre is the National Choreo- immediately accessible and many car parks graphic Centre, the prestigious Pavillon Noir, are located nearby. This forum was designed designed by world-renowned French architect, to create an urban link between the historic centre and its surrounding neighborhoods. Rudy Ricciotti, who is also behind the MuCEM in Marseille. Developed as a cube comprising four rehearsal rooms and one stage, the Pavillon Noir has been home to the Ballet Preljocaj since 2006. The choreographic centre regularly invites companies to perform while the Preljocaj Ballet travels worldwide. Its open-door policy has helped popularise contemporary dance in the Aix Region. www.preljocaj.org

Innovation A high-tech Tourist Office The first e-Village totems in France are set up in Aix since June 2014 1,000 m² of reception and information area. Multilingual advisors are supplemented by new For the first time in France, urban furniture offers technological services. Since 2012, dynamic, digital ARENA © VILLE D’AIX residents and visitors a unique entry point for city touch media (totems) have been offering complete, information. This 22” graphical interface, accessible personalised and geo-located information. to the physically disabled offers 6-fold content: cultural agenda, practical information, travel, way On the Tourist Office website, an "Apps of life, shops and city maps. corner" tab offers of our region’s main applications, downloadable to your phone or iPad. aixenprovencetourism.com New facilities to complete the offer regarding Culture, Sport and Shows: TOURISM AND DISABILITY The Tourist Office was awarded the Tourism ARENA, Sports Palace and Disability label in 2012. Our building Designed by the Marseillese architect Gulizzi. and services are adapted to receive the public in the best possible way and meet their needs and It will be located in Luynes. Next to the central expectations: « cauldron » having 6 000 seats. A training • Single-story premises room will also be provided, with a capacity of • An adapted reception desk 1000 to 2000 spectators. The all surrounded by • A guide listing sites that are either accessible patios and lounges flooded with natural light. It or have obtained the « Tourism and Disability » will become the official residence of the PAUC label (available in French and English) handball team (Aix University Club) and will • A simplified map of Aix city centre and a more host basketball and volleyball games, but also general map of the Aix Region can also be hockey, tennis or boxing. downloaded from aixenprovencetourism.com www.paysdaix-territoires.fr • A thermo-inflated Braille map is available from the Tourist Office reception. SMAC, Current Music Scene • 2014 saw the creation of the Aix, the essentials tour: Designed by the architect Rudy Ricciotti, it will a guided tour of the city suitable for physically-disabled people. The duration is 1 hr, every Thursdays be located on the Constance site at in Aix-en- of the month at 2pm from April 1 and October 31. Provence. It will host around 120 events a year. Booking at the front desk of the Tourist Office or on: This new music scene have two rooms, one for booking.aixenprovencetourism.com up to 1500 spectators standing with retractable bleachers with a capacity of 400 seats and a « club room» with 650 seats. For the rehearsing part, five Our team has worked in close studios with an added recording studio. collaboration with an LSF Delivery expected in 2019. (French sign language) to create a map indicating must-see places to visit in Aix. For each site, a QR code links to a video on YouTube, so that a signed, subtitled description is visible in situ on the user’s Smartphone or tablet.

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 20/24 A booming economic vitality

NEW The Camp is designed by the architect Corinne Vezzoni. This is an international digital innovation campus facing the city of tomorrow and carried by Frédéric Chevalier (founder of the communication group HighCo). The Camp is located on a plot of 7 hectares in the Mediterranean Arbois Environment Technopole area. The Camp has a true working calling on issues of the intelligent city (Smart City). These companies develop new analytical technologies and software related to the environment, transport and energy. www.thecamp.fr

Major achievements Digital hub THE CAMP © VILLE D’AIX This new project is definetly hauling Aix among The ITER project, CEA CADARACHE, cities that make new technologies an economic, The economic Saint-Paul-Lèz-Durance social and environmental priority: environment of the Aix The CEA houses, on the Cadarache site, a control- led fusion experimental reactor called ITER (Inter- Region is characterised national Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor). La Constance by a dense economic This is a digital hub that will emerge north of www.itercad.org fabric composed of Valcros-Constance area. A development of 16 hectares dedicated to digital companies is provi- major contractors and Growth of the competitive hubs ded therein. The first phase of this project relates numerous successful The region has nine competitive hubs, which input to 5 hectares that will host a modern music hall small and medium synergy into the industrial and scientific players. and the campus of the Travel-privé.com group. companies, most often of The aim is to develop innovative collaborative high added value in the research projects, boost job creation, increase the visibility and influence of the sector internationally high-tech sectors that and enhance the attractiveness of the region. today constitute its large Among them, six concern the Aix Region: competitiveness hubs. « SCS » (Solutions Communicantes Sécurisées), « Pégase », « Capénergies », « Optitec », « Mer PACA » and « Risques ». www.provence-pad.com

5 main hubs 4 large shopping area Main business sectors • Aix-en-Provence • La Pioline (Aix-en-Provence) of the Aix Region • Vitrolles • Le Liourat (Vitrolles) • Nuclear and the develop- • Logistics and transport: provi- • Les Pennes-Mirabeau • Pertuis ment of new energies ding all the necessary services to • Rousset Cadarache CEA the economic fabric • Pertuis • Plan de Campagne, The largest in Europe : 220,000 • Aeronautics • Cosmetics / Health Airbus Helicopters Esthederm Bioderma and the 70% of the economic fabric m² sales area, 6,000 jobs, 400 Spa Thermes Sextius, thermal i.e. 18,608 companies outlets (Cabriès, Les Pennes • Food industry baths of Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau) Mediterranean products with internationally-recognised nutritional qualities

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 21/24 A prime Business Tourism destination

For a professional event Aix-en-Provence with a 100%-Provence Business Tourism touch. The responsive service offers tailor-made support to organizers of events to make the best out of Ideally positioned in their event. It provides a major help in planning Provence and Europe, an event by suggesting a set of services. From our destination offers accommodation reservation, management of CONVENTION CENTER © J.C. CARBONNE all the necessary the participants’ registration choice of nume- solutions for a successful rous conference and meeting places on the Aix Aix-en-Provence professional event. Pays d’Aix land, up to the creation of customized Between sites that leisure programs (gala evening, show ...) As well Convention Centre as a team of professionals ready to serve event inspired so many artists Renovated in late 2013, the site hosts all types programmers. of corporate events: conferences, conventions, and the Provencal symposia, exhibitions, tradeshows, workshops, lifestyle, we offer a Responsive service road shows, seminars, general meetings and pro- unique experience to Sylvie Bertin duct launches as well as meals and gala evenings. conference organisers Convention and entertainment manager • Located in the heart of the city and participants alike. +33 (0)4 42 16 11 64 [email protected] • 600-space adjacent public car park • 500-seat amphitheatre Accommodation and registration • 600 sqm of modular space Business Tourism Coralie Gest • Advanced technical equipment Projects manager • Complete audiovisual support +33 (0)4 42 16 10 09 Convention Centre information & estimates [email protected] Sophie Ungaro Business development manager +33 (0)4 42 17 41 73 [email protected] Peggy Ranarison Sales management +33 (0)4 42 17 41 76 [email protected]

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 22/24 Aix in a nutshell

Top 3 most visited Aix-en-Provence Visitors to the sites in 2017 Location Tourist Office Bouches-du-Rhône (13) department, South-East 1 Caumont Art Center 692 000 visitors in 2016 region of France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur 2 Musée Granet (PACA), 25 km north of the Mediterranean coast. French 43% | International 57% 3 Atelier de Cezanne Top 5 nationalities Date of origin 122 BC Germany...... 15% Top 5 major events United States...... 14% Surface area 186 km² attendance in 2017 United Kingdom...... 14%

1 Exhibition Sisley Population Italy...... 7% l’impressionniste at Caumont 145 160 inhabitants (2016 census) Spain...... 7% Centre d’Art Statut of the city 190 000 visitors th Capital of Provence until the 15 century, Aix is 2 millions connexions on the website 2 Festival d’Aix now the sub-prefecture of the Bouches-du-Rhône. aixenprovencetourism.com 84 526 visitors Twinning: Aix-en-Provence is twinned with 3 Festival International de Piano 77 230 visitors seven cities across the world and has established Tourism partnership agreements with certain international Number of beds* 4 Exhibition Passion de l’Art cities. 25,450 beds in Aix and the Pays d’Aix on at the Musée Granet www.aixenprovence.fr/Les-jumelages 56 888 visitors merchant accommodation (including 10,860 Education: The city is now home to one beds in hotels). 5 Festival de Pâques of the main campuses of Aix-Marseille University, 22 000 visitors which counts the largest number of students Average length of stay* in France. Aix-en-Provence has about 35,000 The average length of stay in hotels in Aix and students, nearly a quarter of its population. Pays d’Aix is 1.7 days Number of tourists per year* The Aix Region Aix-en-Provence and Pays d’Aix receive 36 municipalities, 7 with more than 10,000 1,500,000 tourists per year for a total of inhabitants. 7,500,000 overnight stays. Location: At the crossroads of the Alpilles, the Luberon, the Calanques and the Var, the Aix Region is nestled between the Durance to the north and the Etoile mountain range and Olympe and Aurélien Mountains to the south. Surface area a territory of 1 333 km² Population 402,040 inhabitants

* From the Observatoire de l’Office de Tourisme 2016 ** Source Bouches du Rhône Tourisme 2015

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 23/24 By plane Marseille Provence International Airport Airport is situated 32 km away from Aix- Access en-Provence. More than 152 regular flight routes, 32 regular airlines, France’s largest long-haul network outside Paris in terms of destination numbers, and 8.26 million passengers per year. It’s also the first low-cost airport in Europe, with Terminal 2 dedicated to budget-price flights. www.marseille.aeroport.fr By boat Situated 35 km away from Aix-en-Provence, marseille ferry terminal receives regular national and international lines all year round. By road www.marseille-port.fr At the centre of the highway network of South- East France, Aix-en-Provence is easy to get to and is the ideal base for exploring Provence, the Once you’ve arrived Côte d’Azur and the Camargue. With its eco-friendly transport, on foot, by A8, la Provençale highway For Cannes bicycle, or other alternative means, Aix-en- (153 km), Nice (176 km) and Menton, on the italian Provence is a city where moving around goes border (208 km). hand-in-hand with reducing the impact on the environment. A51, Val de Durance highway TGV STATION © J.C. CARBONNE For Marseille (32 km) and Sisteron, toward the The Diablines, small electric vehicles, run Alps (103 km). Aix-en-Provence is all day along the narrow, semi-pedestrian streets of ideally located in South- Connections to: downtown Aix, not accessible to cars. Each Diabline East France. It lies at the A7 / A6, autoroute du Soleil highway For Avignon can carry up to 7 people. Access to the vehicle is facilitated by its low floor. www.la-diabline.fr intersection of the highways (88 km), Lyon (297 km) and Paris (759 km). connecting Northern A52 / A50 For Aubagne (35 km), Toulon (84 km). Les taxis, Association des Taxis Radio Aixois France, Spain and Italy. A54 For Arles (75 km), Nîmes (105 km) and Any distance transportation : TGV train station, The high-speed railway Montpellier (154 km) www.vinci-autoroutes.com accompagnying personalities, guided tour on (TGV) station is 18 km away demand : The Automobile Club of Aix- and Marseille-Provence Car-sharing www.taxiaix.fr en-Provence and the Aix Region provides a virtual international airport is Radio Taxi Mirabeau platform where you can arrange to meet, facilitating 32 km away. +33 (0)4 42 16 10 09 your arrival and your journeys. www.covoiturage.autoclubaix.com By car : car parks aixenprovencetourism.com/se-deplacer/sur- By bus place/parkings The bus station Aix Centre is located 500m from the town centre: www.lepilote.com Park-and-ride Located at the main city entrances, the secure, guarded park-and-ride car parks are combined By train with frequent bus routes going downtown, free Thanks to the high-speed railway (TGV), Aix-en- for the driver and passengers of the parked car. Provence is connected to major cities in France www.aixenbus.com (3 hrs from Paris and 1.30 hrs from Lyon). It also offers links to major European cities (around 4 hrs Public transport from Barcelona, Geneva and Milan, for example). The public transport networks allow you to move Aix-en-Provence Mediterranean TGV station quickly and easily throughout Aix-en-Provence www.voyages.sncf.com and its surroundings. Connections across different routes are possible. For transfers www.aixenbus.fr • Shuttle bus to Aix-en-Provence (bus station) every www.lepilote.com 30 min.: www.cartreize.com www.info-ler.fr • SNCF door-to-door: www.idcab.sncf.com • Taxis • Car Rental Complete list on: aixenprovencetourism.com

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici - + 33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 - [email protected] 24/24 Aix-en-Provence Tourist Office 300, avenue Giuseppe Verdi BP 40160 - 13605 Aix-en-Provence +33 (0)4 42 16 11 61 +33 (0)4 42 16 11 79 [email protected]

Press Contact Geraldine Fridrici +33 (0)4 42 37 05 18 +33 (0)6 81 40 98 11 [email protected]

Visuals Request Sonia Ansart Chevalaz +33 (0)4 42 16 11 72 [email protected]

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