{"id":5749,"date":"2018-06-12T02:27:49","date_gmt":"2018-06-12T02:27:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diningtraveler.com\/?p=5749"},"modified":"2018-06-12T02:27:49","modified_gmt":"2018-06-12T02:27:49","slug":"escapes-48-hours-in-aix-en-provence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diningtraveler.com\/2018\/06\/escapes-48-hours-in-aix-en-provence.html","title":{"rendered":"Escapes: 48 Hours in Aix-en-Provence"},"content":{"rendered":"

48 Hours in Aix-en-Provence, France<\/strong><\/h1>\n

We say that 48 hours in Aix-en-Provence is always a good idea. Even a better idea is to stay at\u00a0Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel<\/a>. The property is the only Renaissance in France outside of Paris and the first to express a DNA nurtured by Contemporary Art. They chose to work with 15 artists to incorporate a genuine art gallery including canvasses and design objects in their d\u00e9cor. It was constructed 4 years ago, and they keep adding additional activities and facilities to make your stay a unique Provence experience. I recently stayed here with my partner during our tour of Provence. About our stay…<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The garden terrace “Le Jardin Eph\u00e9m’R”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Location<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A fitting location for a hotel that holds an actual art gallery is of course in Aix\u2019s cultural forum area, a short walking distance from the historical center and shopping street. Its neighbors set the tone for contemporary architecture; the\u00a0Conservatoire Darius Milhaud<\/a> and Grand Th\u00e9\u00e2tre de Provence<\/a>\u00a0just beg to be photographed. When spending\u00a048 hours in Aix-en-Provence, a stop to these museums is a must.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The view from our room during our 48 hours in Aix-en-Provence getaway<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Rooms at Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel<\/strong><\/h2>\n

133 spacious rooms and suites offer several types of accommodation, from Superior King Size, Family (2 double beds which are exceptional to find in France), Panoramic view to Executive.<\/p>\n

The d\u00e9cor is inspired by Provence using the shapes and colors of \u201cLe Calisson\u201d <\/a>\u00a0a traditional Provence candy. Every accessory was carefully selected following the contemporary style. Even the room numbers at their entrance are drawn by an artist, and also written in Braille.<\/p>\n

Our room had a view over the 2 faces modern bridge with a waterfall illuminated at night and green natural wall and \u201cMontagne Sainte-Victoire\u201d<\/a>\u00a0 (the mountain that French painter\u00a0Cezanne<\/a>\u00a0painted over 80 times) could also be seen from our room. How’s that for culture?!<\/p>\n

Tip: make sure to ask for a room with a view and don\u2019t leave the city without\u00a0 visiting <\/em><\/strong>Calisson museum<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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\"Renaissance<\/a>
Chef Patissier Vincent Merly at Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Staff<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The whole staff at Renaissance is fabulous! From the friendly concierge and front desk, the restaurant staff to the helpful marketing staff. We were spoiled during our stay. All you need to do is\u00a0relax and enjoy all facilities including the spa and they take care of the rest. All of them speak perfect English (if your French is a little rusty) and other languages as like Spanish as well.<\/p>\n

The Food<\/strong><\/p>\n

Le Comptoir du Clos<\/a>\u00a0is under the responsibility of executive Chef Pierre Scherrer who creates traditional dishes with a selection of seasonal regional ingredients. The menu changes 4 times a year and every day they offer \u201cLe plat du Jour\u201d including one fish and one meat plate.<\/p>\n

We ordered several plates from the menu and, all dishes were delicious. Our waiter suggested local wines and we were happy to try those as we love coming to France and discover a new ‘gem’. They have a large selection of local as well as world wines including white, rose, red wine and of course Champagne. These are carefully selected by the Ma\u00eetre d’h\u00f4tel to be paired with the seasonal menu; this gives them an opportunity to introduce new wines 4 times a year. Here are some of my favorite dishes:<\/p>\n