The villa is located just outside the small village of Peypin between Aubagne and Aix-en-Provence. Aix, the old capital of Provence, is considered one of the most beautiful towns in France with its elegant palaces in Italian Baroque style, majestic boulevards and a vivacious, young atmosphere.
Following the destruction of the Celtic oppidum in 122 BC, the first Roman settlement of Aquae Sextiae Saluviorum was established in Gaul. Aix became the focal point of Provence, under Rene of Anjou a centre of Provencal poetry, with a university founded in 1409. A flurry of construction in the 17th and 18 th centuries gave the town its noteworthy hotels particuliers in Italian Baroque style. The painter Paul Cezanne (1839-1906) hailed from Aix. A bronze plaque at the tourist office marks the Circuit de Cezanne, indicating where he lived and worked. Aix has 300 days of sunshine per year and is home to some 30,000 students, many from abroad. It is, however, the most expensive town in all of France. Aix has chic shopping and a wonderful Saturday market. There are many restaurants and cafes. The delightful mediterranian resort of Cassis is just 30 minutes drive away with sandy beaches and boat trips to the Calanques. The bustling city of Marseille is also just 30 minutes drive away with its vibrant harbour and seafood restaurants.
