Most of Aix En Provence’s attractions are of historical value and are best seen in the Mazarin Quarter and ancient Old Town, where many fine museum and fountains can also be discerned. St Sauveur Cathedral is the main landmark in this fine city, while the Roman thermal baths have been cleverly incorporated into a hotel complex.

Atelier Cézanne
The house of Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, forerunner of Cubism, is a big hit with artsy types. It remains how he left it upon his death in the early 1900s although it has been greatly restored. The highlight of a visit to his house is naturally his studio, and although none of his paintings are on display in the house, there are several notable objects that can be seen in his works. Phone: +33 4 4221 0653.

Mazarin Quarter
The 17^th century Mazarin Quarter in the city centre was originally a luxury housing estate for ministers and aristocracy of the region and is great for a stroll. With its grid pattern, it is easy to find your way around its two main streets: Rue du 4 Septembre and Rue Cardinale. One of the highlights of the Mazarin Quarter is the Arbaud Museum, which features a collection of paintings and pottery produced in Provence.

Old Town
There are three main parts to Aix En Provence’s touristy areas: the Mazarin Quarter, Cours Mirabeau and the Old Town. The Old Town of Aix is one of ancient medieval streets and fountains and there are numerous popular sights here. Chief among these is St Sauveur Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace next door and its inclusive Tapestry Museum.

St Sauveur Cathedral
Built between the 5^th and the 18^th centuries, St Sauveur Cathedral covers all of the architectural styles of its building period and is unique. There are three naves: the Provencal-style Roman nave, hailing from the 12^th century; the 13^th century Gothic nave, with its artwork by Froment; and the impressive Baroque-style nave, from the 15^th century. Phone: +33 4 4223 4565.

Thermal Baths (Thermes Sextius)
The Roman baths in Aix today feature a modern spa. The hot waters are said to aid circulation, among other positive attributes, and the ancients realised this. Sextius baths are part of this recent hotel complex, which is well located in the town centre. Phone:+33 4 42 23 81 82; website: www.thermes-sextius.com/eng

Museum Passes: there are a couple of museum passes available in Aix en Provence for those who plan on visiting many museums. Passeports Musées gives 10- to 30-per cent off entry to the city’s museums, with Passeport 1 covering Granet Museum (Musée Granet), Pavillon Vendôme, Tapestry Museum (Musée des Tapisseries) and Ecole d'Art and Passeport 2 covering L'Atelier Cézanne in addition to those museums covered by Passeport 1.