La Bastide du Roy Rene
Aix-en-Provence, France
Originally the Bastide De Perignane was built in 1472 for King Rene, then transformed into La Bastide Au Roy Rene in the 17th Century. Recently restored, it lays adjacent to a sports centre only 2kms from the centre of Aix-en-Provence, the ancient and traditional capital of Provence. This beautiful city is now a mix of medieval old town, with pedestrian streets to the north and elegant 18th century avenues to the south, divided by the treelined Cours Mirabeau. Birthplace of Cezanne & Emile Zola, the city boasts many interesting museums, elegant shops and restaurants.