Town Queen quintessential Aix in Provence. A human size, buildings preserved architecture, the Madonnas perched on each corner that testify to the fervor and the recognition of its inhabitants for the obtained graces and passed misfortunes, blue sky overhead,shaded streets , quasi absence of cars, Aix decidedly has mainy advantages. In winter the cold mistral reigns supreme, the summer gives way to the good life. On the cours Mirabeau it is good to be seen and takes its time in cafes.
72 km from Aix, the village of the Baux of Provence, perched on a rock, next to Alpilles, dominates the plain with Fontvieille and Maussane off. Cars are excluded. Water is the flagship of all these villages of Provence resource and with the Alpilles behind the village is abundant. From the square it overlooks old body farms below which most are now restored into luxury villas. The history of this fortified village was hectic, intended first to fight against the Moorish invaders, rebelling against the royalty of the time Protestant struggles, the village was dismantled under Louis XIII. The title of marquis of Baux was attached to the Crown of Monaco. The bauxite in the XIX century gave a gain of activity in the village. It is pleasant to walk around in the summer in the shade of the old stones, breathing the smell of fig trees growing in the walls. Definitely cool to stroll through the 'careers of light' and enjoy the show. In winter the old stones are golden in the sunset tones.
North of Aix at 50 km, the village of Mane also reflects the richness of the Drapers of Marseille and the glory of Aix. There are the castle of Sales beautifully preserved without excess of renovation and that bears the name of little Versailles from Provence. The water fountains and the large plane trees that line, brings a comfortable coolness in summer in this plain as the mistral wind dries out everything in this season. The Castle owns a small theatre that reflects a taste for culture in the seventeenth. From the terrace you can admire the village and the uniqueness of its well-preserved buildings. A little further, the Priory of Salagon who suffered like many Abbey of the revolution is also a haven of freshness in a Provence thirsty in the summer. The beautiful restored Garden contains the "simple" and it is good to enjoy a break in the shade of a miccocoulier. The magnificent stone buildings are a reflection of the work of generation of converts. The village of Mane is worth a visit: at the summit sits its citadel which once again is the witness of a turbulent history of the region and of the looting that took place throughout the centuries. Mane is located along the via Domitia and was prosperous since ancient times.
Colmar the Alps is located on the road leading to the station of the Foux of Allos, renamed in Val d'Allos. It is a mountain village in the Alps of high Provence. If there was a garrison in the XVIII century and a place of particular trade in the summer as key to passage to the Col d'Allos, in the summer with the access to the Valley of Barcelonnette, its expansion slowed down in the twentieth century. The fortifications were preserved and no car access gives this place a privileged calm. During summer it offers an atmosphere of mountain and freshness and in the winter it is snuggled warm in its Valley.
After a detour into the delta of the Rhone and the Alps of high Provence departments, now let’s go to the villages of the Var and the Alpes Maritimes. It would be too time consuming to quote them all. Take your time to discover, all have their grace.
Moustiers Sainte Marie: returning of Mane it is possible to make a detour. This village located on the edge of the gorges of the Verdon is very visited in the summer by canyoning lovers and water sports since it is located at the mouth of the Verdon on the artificial lake of Aiguines. To thank the Virgin, a crusader in the village hung around the year 1000 a star of gold between the two rocks. The gradient is striking in this village famous for its pottery.
Fox Amphoux: village north of bankrupt Cotignac died in the 70s except the tenacity of a few lovers of old stones. It is built on a rocky spur and the view can be admired 360 ° C. Like all of these villages I love walking there in winter when peace reigns. We see the snow on the foothills of the pre-Alps and it is even more beautiful. All houses testify to the rock past of the site. Old barns sheltered pigs and sheeps. There are areas in stone to glean wheat. Below we can admire the vineyards and the large body of farm. Barras high historical figure was born in this village.
Cotignac to 70 km of Aix en Provence. This village long turned to agriculture and viticulture was then near the end of the last century very popular among a population eager to find an authenticity and in love with its exceptional site. Leaning against a rock overlooking it, this village offers a Christmas crib set. It is now preserved of any building to misrepresent his site. The culture is strongly present: a festival is held in summer under the rock and numerous musical and cinematographic events there are thus given. The shady course allows to refresh while watching passersby. For the more adventurous can climb in the rock and admire the village below. A crib of Provence's is displayed in one of its museums.
The Arcs on Argens: If curiosity not pushed us there would only continue the old national 7 without stopping. Yet the Arcs is a gem of a restaurant. Certainly the population of artisan and farmer has since long deserted the village replaced by lovers of old stones. Nonetheless the heritage of old stone is still there. There are perfectly in the shade and browse besides the houses, the grapevines, the laurels in bloom, the bignonnes and the colourful bougainvillea. In the new village below there are bars and restaurant .
Cabris is located to the North West of Grasse, 4 km from the city of perfumes. This village devastated by the plague was repopulated with the marquis of Cabris, who brought a population of Calabrian eager to find less misery and cultivate olive trees nearby. The view from the square near the Church is exceptional. With nice weather and especially in winter it is possible to see up to Corsica and anyway capes up to Saint Tropez. The houses in the village have preserved their carachter. In summer due to its altitude it's always cooler, the sea breeze bringing freshness.
Tourettes sur Loup: a village also perched on a rocky spur and remaining in its own juice. It's good to stay in the shade on the grand place. All lanes have charm. A famous poet resided there. It is the village of violets growing for the confectionery, among others.
Mons in the varois hinterland offers views of the coast. The uniqueness of the roofs and stone houses has been preserved. The quiet streets offer a break away from the bustle of the coast.
Valbonne was formerly the site of an abbey and became a village turned to agriculture activity. It retained its original charm and is a place away from intense activity in summer with shaded streets.
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