Free Walking Tours in Aix-en-Provence
One of the most enchanting destinations in France, Aix-en-Provence is lined with market stalls selling artisanal goods, historic architecture and cascading water fountains. While today, the destination is known for its cafe culture and links with the famed French artist, Paul Cézanne, the city's history stretches all the way back to Roman times. One of the best ways to delve into the background of the town is through a free walking tour in Aix-en-Provence. Not only will you see its most breathtaking monuments but you'll also be captivated by the enthusiastic energy of a passionate local as they fill you in on each of the city's many sights.
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One of the most enchanting destinations in France, Aix-en-Provence is lined with market stalls selling artisanal goods, historic architecture and cascading water fountains. While today, the destination is known for its cafe culture and links with the famed French artist, Paul Cézanne, the city's history stretches all the way back to Roman times.
One of the best ways to delve into the background of the town is through a free walking tour in Aix-en-Provence. Not only will you see its most breathtaking monuments but you'll also be captivated by the enthusiastic energy of a passionate local as they fill you in on each of the city's many sights.
Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing activities in Aix-en-Provence.
How do free walking tours work?
Free walking tours in Aix-en-Provence are an affordable way to explore the city. They differ from standard walking tours, because guides leading the tours are not employed by a company. For this reason, you will not pay the tour, but give tips to the guides to support their work.
How much should you tip?
While tipping is not mandatory, it is appreciated by the guides who dedicate their time and expertise to offer you an enjoyable experience. The amount you choose to tip is entirely up to you and should be based on your personal enjoyment and budget.
In Aix-en-Provence, the standard range for tipping on a free walking tour is around €10 to €20 per person. However, this is just a general guideline, and you are welcome to adjust the amount according to how much you liked the tour.
What are the best free walking tours in Aix-en-Provence?
Free walking tours in Aix-en-Provence
If you're seeking an introduction to the Provence region, look no further than a walking tour of this historic town.
Free walking tours in Aix-en-Provence all feature their own unique itineraries. However, each has the same goal — to educate you on the remarkable city's long-standing history. Alongside a lively local, you'll wander through the Roman destination, stumbling upon attractions, such as the Fontaine de la Rotonde, which was built during the 19th century and features a myriad of sculptures, including 12 lions, as well as swans, and angels astride dolphins. You'll also notice sculptures of three women on top of the fountain, which represent justice, agriculture and fine arts.
Moving on, you may make your way to a spa that was constructed on top of the town's ancient Roman baths before continuing on to the picturesque avenue of Cours Mirabeau, which is lined with trendy cafes, as well as historic fountains and opulent mansions.
Many free tours in Aix-en-Provence also educate you on the 19th-century French painter, Paul Cézanne, who was known for his masterpieces that merged together impressionism and cubism. Today, Paul Cézanne's legacy lives on through the town he was so notorious for painting. You'll have the opportunity to see several sites related to the artist, such as 28 Rue De L’Opéra where he was born in 1839, Place Saint Jean de Malte where he once attended painting classes or his final home, 23, Rue Boulegon. Alongside these landmarks that were important in the life of the painter, you may also explore some of the landscapes that inspired him and featured in his artworks.
See the locals battering for goods at the Aix-en-Provence Market where you can stroll through a plethora of stalls filled with Marseilles soap, antiques and fragrant blooms. Another popular landmark on any tour of the city is Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, which was built on the site of a 1st-century forum and features Romanesque, Gothic, and Neo-Gothic architecture. The Roman monument that was once located here is thought to have been dedicated to Apollo the god of many subjects including poetry, art and archery.
Some excursions lead you to the Church of St. John, which is famed for its spectacular stained glass windows and lofty turrets, and is run by a brotherhood of apolitical monks. You may also visit the Fountain of the Four Dolphins, expertly carved by the sculptor Jean-Claude Rambot in the 17th century. Here, you'll see a series of dolphins spouting water into the crystalline pool below.
Whichever tour you choose, you'll learn all about the town's culture as you move through its charming streets alongside your knowledgeable guide. If you're a history buff, you can also discover the events of the French Resistance by selecting a walk that dives into the town's 20th-century happenings.
In which languages is it operated?
The majority of free walking tours in Aix-en-Provence take place in English, meaning you'll have several options to choose between. Occasionally, you may find an excursion that operates in Spanish instead. As these types of tours grow in popularity across Europe, you can expect the range of languages on offer to increase, making them more inclusive of all nationalities.
Where does it start?
Free tours in Aix-en-Provence begin at a variety of destinations close to the Place de la Rotonde, the most iconic square in the town. You'll travel to this point independently where you'll typically find your guide wearing or holding an item that makes them easily identifiable.
You can see the meeting point of each tour before booking so that you can plan your route and arrange any necessary transportation ahead of time. Aix-en-Provence is easy to get around either by foot or on a bicycle, however, it also has a reliable public bus network that you can use to navigate the streets.
It's worth noting that the end point of many tours is different from the starting location.
How long does it last?
Generally, free walking tours in Aix-en-Provence last around 2 hours. While you won't be able to explore the entire destination in this small time slot, you will be able to tick off many of the city's highlights and learn all about its roots as a Roman village.
Is it wheelchair friendly?
All free walking tours in Aix-en-Provence are suitable for wheelchair users. The city's streets are wide and flat making it easy for those with reduced mobility to get around.
You'll also have no trouble finding wheel-chair accessible facilities and guides are accommodating to any requirements you may have. This means you can book one of these walks with confidence, knowing that your needs will be well tended to.
When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Aix-en-Provence?
The best time to join a free walking tour in Aix-en-Provence is typically from April to June and September to October, when the pleasant weather makes it comfortable to explore the city on foot. It is advisable to check the tour schedules and availability in advance, as some tours may have limited operating days or specific time slots. Additionally, weekdays generally have fewer crowds compared to weekends, providing a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Should you book tickets online?
It is not mandatory to book tickets for your free walking tour in Aix-en-Provence in advance. However, it is advisable to do so in order to ensure a smooth vacation. Booking online saves you time that would otherwise be spent roaming the streets searching for a guide upon arrival and allows you to secure your preferred date, and timeslot.
You'll be able to see an overview of each excursion, as well as its reviews before booking so that you can ensure it's the perfect fit for your group. Lastly, reserving your slot takes just a couple of minutes and you won't need to input your credit card details, meaning you've no reason to hold back.