Aix en Provence tourDeparture 8.30 am, return 5.30 pm Aix (Aquae Sextiae) was founded in 123 BC by the Roman consul Sextius Calvinus, who gave his name to its springs. Aix, which during the Middle Ages was the capital of the county of Provence. The Cours Mirabeau is a wide thoroughfare, planted with double rows of plane-trees, bordered by fine houses and decorated by fountains. Along this avenue, which is lined on one side with banks and on the other with cafés, is the Deux Garçons, the most famous brasserie in Aix. Built in 1792, it has been frequented by the likes of Cézanne, Zola and Hemingway. At the bottom at la Rotonde, stands a monumental fountain from 1860 beneath three giant statues representing art, justice and agriculture Winetasting at Château of Beaupré The Château of Beaupré in the département of the Bouches du Rhône is situated in the commune of St Cannat, twelve kilometres West of Aix en Provence. His vineyard of 42 hectares is planted in a clay and limestone soil which provides a perfect nurturing ground for its grenache, cabernet sauvignon and syrah varieties of vine, the two latter being used for the production of full-bodied red wines which keep well. Christian Double, an agronomist who was recently awarded the agricultural order of merit has a reasoned environment friendly approach to agriculture The Château de Beaupré attaches particular importance to the elaboration of red wines which represent 60% of its production for 30% of rosé wines and 10% of white. Lourmarin See :
Lunch is recommended in Lourmarin. Many restaurants propose good local cuisine. Bonnieux
Lacoste.
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The Castle, partly built during the 15th century, partly Renaissance. Visit lasts one hour. Open every day.
