Location: Aix en Provence, Aix en Provence Area, Provence, France, Europe (15 Miles to Aix Tgv Trains, 40 Miles to Marseille Airport)
Accommodations: Residence, 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths (Sleeps 6)
My home is situated in the historic centre of Aix en Provence, just steps from the Cours Mirabeau, considered the Champs Elysees of Aix. The house is bathed in typically Provençal light, and through its large windows there's a sumptuous view over the garden and the facade of an 18th century residence, as well as the rooftops of Aix en Provence.
You can enjoy the large, sun filled living room in soft tones of gray blue, go out to discover the old city or stroll among the stalls of Aix's markets. Music lovers are certainly welcome and can hammer out a few notes on the white grand piano, the showpiece of my home, where music is omnipresent.
The city of Aix en Provence was originally established more than two thousand years ago, and later chosen by the Romans for its fine springs and strategic location. The nearby Mont Sainte Victoire, visible from my rooftop terrace, is so named for the Roman victory over the local Celtic people who were resisting becoming part of the Roman Empire. Fast forward 1900 years or so, and it’s this same mountain that Cezanne painted so many times, each time from a slightly different angle, in a different season or weather conditions. You can see Cezanne’s studio in Aix while you’re here, and visit the Granet Museum which houses many of his paintings. My home was once the residence of Cezanne’s wife. The Mont Sainte Victoire is also the site of Picasso’s penultimate home, a grand and ancient chateau left in the same condition it was in at his death, and for the first time open to the public for 4 months in 2009, in connection with the important 2009 “Cezanne and Picasso” events planned.
The markets of Aix are well-known for their many delights, from tablecloths to beeswax candles, tomatoes to tiny purple artichokes, and the shops offer every charming treat or object you can imagine. Of course, you’ll want to have a taste of the fine wines of the area, the sweets made of candied melon and almond paste called “calissons” and no visit to Aix is complete without enjoying a coffee or cold drink at the café “Les Deux Garcons” so dear to the heart of M.F.K. Fisher in her book “Two Towns in Provence.”
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio
- Communications
- Telephone
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Not Suitable for Children
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Rock Climbing
- Spelunking
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
Rate Details (In Euros)
Jan 15-Mar 30 & Oct 15-Dec 15 .. €1900/week .. €3500/2 weeks.
Apr 01-Oct 15 & Dec 15-Jan 15 .. €2200/week .. €4000/2 weeks.
PayPal works great for me!
Rates are in effect until Dec 31, 2010.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1999
I’m feeling a bit self-conscious about writing about myself, so I’m just going to quote what someone else has written about me, which I think captures the essentials: The eldest daughter of Italian parents, Aline d’Aquilante brings the flair and expertise of a lifetime passion for art, music and the arts of the table in the loving restoration of her Aix-en-Provence home, which she now makes available to visitors. In 1999, after many years in the serenity of the Luberon, and a successful period as a restaurateur, Aline took on the near derelict property occupying the top two floors of a fine four story 18th century merchant’s residence. With vision and determination she saw the potential of the lofty rooms, moved some walls and added a rooftop terrace, and by carefully integrating modern facilities with traditional materials, she created her wonderfully stylish home. It’s this attention to detail which won Aline the accolade of a major feature article in a prestigious French home and lifestyle magazine. The soft furnishings, surfaces and furniture are never less than spectacularly well chosen, providing the visitor the most wonderful experience of their stay in Aix. The apartment does not turn its back on the city – the famous Cours Mirabeau is only a two-minute stroll away – instead its windows looks over the open space and trees of a private courtyard. “Paul Cezanne’s wife once lived in these rooms. And it’s hard not to feel the strong connections here with our artistic heritage,” says Aline. Indeed, Mont Sainte Victoire, the subject of so many studies by Cezanne, is visible in the distance from the apartment. “I do love to travel” says Aline, who also owns a tiny Paris apartment. “But it’s Provence that has taken my heart, and it’s where I’ll always return.”
Why the Owner Chose Aix en Provence
Aix en Provence is a fantastic place! You can enjoy all the cultural advantages of a much larger city, with opera, symphonic orchestra, dance and of course the Lyric Music Festival every summer. There are great art museums and galleries, Paul Cezanne’s painting studio, and a constant flow of temporary art shows. Theatre, films, outdoor concerts and events, it’s all here. There are daily outdoor markets and weekly larger markets, in addition to some of the best shopping in France. Provencal and international food is on offer from simple café fare to Michelin-starred gourmet dining – and all points in between. Aix has a world-class spa with pampering treatments and fitness options. My home is in the Mazarin district, in the heart of the historic city center of Aix, just off the Cours Mirabeau, and two blocks from the 17th century Four Dolphins Fountain. Aix is well-located, with the TGV train station 15 minutes away, and the Marseille airport not much farther. There are many day-trip options out of Aix, the seaside village of Cassis, Arles and its Roman amphitheater, the flamingos and white horses of the Camargue, Chateauneuf du Pape’s fine wines, I could go on and on. The tourist office can give you lots of other ideas, and organizes many walking tours as well as day-long excursions in the region if you don’t have your own car.
Property Photos
- The living room windows let in lots of Provencal sunshine. - Aix en Provence Residence with Rooftop Terrace, Grand Piano, and WiFi
- Two sets of double-glazed glass panes in each window creates an oasis of calm. - Aix en Provence Residence with Rooftop Terrace, Grand Piano, and WiFi
- A haven for music lovers, that grand piano is kept tuned by a master. - Aix en Provence Residence with Rooftop Terrace, Grand Piano, and WiFi
- The beds in the master bedroom can be made into twins or a king size bed.
- A good night's sleep in a comfortable bed is important when you're traveling!
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #253962
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