Aix-en-Provence Walking Tour Review: Sweet Calisson Tasting Too

Thinking about doing a walking tour in Aix-en-Provence? Well, that is a very great way to get a feel for this gorgeous city in the South of France, so I wanted to tell you all about my experience on a guided walking tour that included a Calisson tasting, which, you know, is a local almond-shaped candy. It seems like a fairly delightful way to spend a morning, so let’s chat about what to expect, what I enjoyed, and if it’s something you should think about adding to your trip. That is what I think we should cover.

Setting the Stage: Why Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence, it is actually pronounced like “ex”, is, in fact, often called just Aix, and it is not your typical French city. Known for its beauty, it has got Cours Mirabeau, a very wide avenue lined with trees; there are also the numerous fountains, and a certain history that feels very present, basically like you can feel it around you. It’s just slightly south of the Luberon, which you might recognize as a central location in Peter Mayle’s “A Year in Provence,” anyway it’s a place that simply oozes charm from just about every corner, and I have to tell you, I really enjoyed just wandering without a particular destination, you know? Yet, to actually learn about the town, that’s something completely different; that requires, arguably, the help of a guide. You do not want to miss details.

What to Expect on the Walking Tour: A Stroll with Stories

The tour I went on lasted, as I recall, around two hours, which, honestly, is the sweet spot for keeping my attention. Very long tours, for me anyway, tend to lose their appeal, so a moderate amount of time is, in my view, perfect. The meeting point was super central, right near the Fontaine de la Rotonde, which, I guess, is impossible to miss so that helped. Our guide, she certainly was knowledgeable and spoke English really well. Now, the group size was pretty average, around 15 people, maybe; anyway, large enough to have a sense of camaraderie, but really not too large to be able to hear what the guide had to say, so that was nice.

We moseyed along the Cours Mirabeau, where she told us about the fancy houses of the city’s big people and the significance of some of the fountains. The thing about fountains? You could walk right by them, as anyone might, without giving them a second glance, but it’s a completely different story when someone is telling you the symbolic meaning, which, too it’s almost, is interesting. We passed by the Hôtel de Ville, which is, in fact, the city hall, and she pointed out a few quirks in the structure, which, you know, I never would have noticed on my own. It’s actually cool to have a tour guide, very.

The Calisson Tasting: A Sweet Highlight

Oh, the Calisson tasting! A good thing that I liked a great deal! So, it occurred at a local shop that had, actually, been making Calissons for generations, and the air was, you know, filled with this very distinct almond scent that I honestly really wish I could bottle up. That experience gave me, like your, an, almost, personal look at how these candies are made, which, that, is neat because it gave it a certain weight that, to be honest, it would otherwise not have. We sampled a few different flavors – the traditional one, naturally, which, arguably, is lovely; there was also one with lavender that was a bit different, but nice just the same. So, too it’s almost, nice to taste this distinctive, traditional, local candy!

What I Loved: The Little Details

The strength of this tour, for me, rested in the stories shared by the guide. You know, it really wasn’t just about the fancy buildings and fountains; it was about the characters who once walked the streets and the occasions that gave shape to the city. I learned, basically, that Aix was, in fact, the home of Paul Cézanne; hearing about his life there made me feel a greater connection to his paintings later, too, it’s almost, amazing. The Calisson tasting wasn’t bad, obviously, because it actually offered a sensory break from just, you know, looking and listening, that, basically, allowed everyone in the tour group to pause, and savor something tasty and typical of the region.

Also, the size of the group was nice, actually; that’s something not everyone would value, but I just am more at ease when I don’t feel crushed against other people. Now, there was enough space to move around, but I did not feel I could just disappear. Basically, a medium sized group is what I will look for, or ask about, in the future; it’s definitely something I think about now. So, too it’s almost, a factor to consider when looking at tour options.

Things to Consider Before Booking: Is it for You?

If you do not enjoy walking or are moving with very small children who do not enjoy being in a stroller, maybe, just maybe, this actually isn’t the best choice. A certain amount of walking, that, arguably, is part of what this tour is. If, perhaps, you like moving at your own pace, you may actually prefer exploring alone. Now, I, basically, like getting a guided tour when I get to a new place, but after the tour I like, basically, re-exploring on my own; so, that, I would recommend.

Also, keep an eye on the weather, alright? Aix can get quite warm, very, so wear a sun hat and don’t forget water, specifically. If you go during the less-busy times, there probably will be less of a crowd. If you have a strong preference for, like your, very small tour groups, you should, arguably, look at tours that specify that. Remember, though, that the price usually will vary.

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