With so many things closed right now, maybe seizing the opportunity of a sunny January day to wrap up and have a walk round some purely Provencal sites might be just the ticket to lift the spirits; and if you’re not in Provence right now, this may be useful for when you are!
Seven Self-Guided Walks
- Aix: In the Footsteps of Cezanne. If you are new to Aix, this is a good guide to the locations where the painter was born, lived,
died, cafes he frequented and so on. You have to look for the little markers in the pavement (photo). The tourist office have a downloadable guide: https://www.aixenprovencetourism.com/en/destination/hiking-and-themed-tours/in-the-steps-of-cezanne/
Curiously, apart from one watercolour of a fountain, Cézanne didn’t seem to paint his beloved Aix. So a trip to the Terre des Peintres where he painted Sainte-Victoire is recommended: 9 panels illustrate. Details here: https://aixcentric.com/2013/06/13/cezannes-view-at-risk/…..the view was saved BTW.
2. Le Cannet: In Bonnard’s Footsteps. Panels lead from the lovely Musee Bonnard to the vantage points where this 19th-20th century artist placed his easel to capture his colourful views of Cannes and the sparkling Mediterranean beyond. Steep in places 1.5-2hrs. https://lecannet-tourisme.fr/index.php/en/walks/on-footsteps-of-bonnard/itinerary
3. Le Lavandou: Path of the Painters. If you are in Aix, this is quite a way along the coast but Le Lavandou is a typical Riviera resort
Route du Lavandou, Cross
and I can’t wait to see this fairly new guided pathway. It celebrates the work of two painters, Henri-Edmond Cross and Theo Van Rysselberghe who are not particularly well known but really should be! About 2km, the paths loop past Van Rysselberghe’s villa and a gallery but these probably won’t be open. Views of the Med should compensate. https://www.lelavandou.eu/2001/ukchemin-peintres.htm
4. Carry-le-Rouet: Le Sentier du Lézard. Down on the Cote Bleue this walk starts on the rhs of the port as you are facing the sea and leads along the rocky-shoreline, past a scenic lighthouse. Lots of steps cut into the rock. Ten panels illustrate the vegetation, rock formations and animal-life along the way.
5. L’Estaque: Chemin des Peintres. Closer to Marseille, this walk starts out to sea on the jetty and then climbs up above the town to appreciate the views that inspired Impressionists to take the 28hr train journey from Paris. It also takes you past the house where Cezanne hunkered down to keep partner and child well away from parental interference in Aix. https://www.myprovence.fr/en/travel-guide/entertainment/cultural-places/marseille/23965-l-estaque-and-its-painters
6. St Remy: La Route Vincent Van Gogh. This 1km/1hr walk leads from the town centre up to the asylum where the artist spent a year. It’s lined with 19 panels showing the works he painted while living there. Marvellous. https://static.alpillesenprovence.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019-plan-guide-visite-de-saint-remy-de-provence-francais-anglais.pdf The brochure also has a walk around centre ville.
7. Arles: Nine walks with 5 themes: Such a good way to get to know this fascinating (and ever-developing) town. Nos 4 and 5 are dedicated to Van Gogh, but others show you other aspects including Roman Arles and modern developments. https://www.arlestourisme.com/fr/assets/pdf/pdfs_document/9-promenades-thematique-arles-fr.pdf
Happy New Year and Happy Exploring…
aixcentric 
Leave a Reply