This place is simply amazing. It is absolutely central, right in the heart of things, and yet also a tranquil oasis. A dozen restaurants are literally right outside the door, while just around the corner are the famous Aix belltower; the Hôtel de Ville with its cafés and daily flower market, and the Place Richelme, with its lively cafés and daily (wonderful) food market. Aix's lovely cathedral, St. Sauveur, is about a three-minute walk in the other direction. But once inside the gate, you feel like you are in the country, with lots of plants and flowers in the garden and genuine quiet. Best of both worlds, to say the least.
The apartment itself is also the best of both worlds. On the one hand, it is full of Provençal charm, from the traditional red-tile floors to the high ceilings with moldings to the French-door style windows in every room to let in lots of light and air. On the other, it is extraordinarily comfortable and functional, from the excellent mattress to the recently-renovated bathrooms and full (and fully equipped) kitchen. Holly has clearly put a tremendous amount of thought into setting this place up and no convenience or comfort has been overlooked. The furnishings are not the usual low-end, let's-see-how-cheaply-we-can-do-this items you find in a rental... and it makes a tremendous difference. The apartment is spacious as well-- none of the claustrophobia you get in so many tiny little rentals. This is an apartment in which you can really spread out a bit and live.
We have rented many apartments in France over the years and all of them have been nice. But, truth be told, they have tended to be an A- sort of nice. There are always a few things that get in the way of a truly excellent experience: a saggy mattress, a bedside table that doesn't work, a wobbly coffee table, no place to stretch out comfortably to watch TV, a too-small and doesn't-really-work washing machine, etc. This place has none of those drawbacks; it is literally perfect. Probably the first apartment we have ever stayed in that truly earns an A+ rating. Bravo, Holly and John! Highest possible recommendation!
PS Holly is very helpful and professional and absolutely available if you need anything, which inspires great confidence. But she leaves you alone if that's what you prefers. Once again, best of both worlds!