Boutique Hôtel Cézanne ★★★★

“With an apple I will astonish Paris.”

Oh Cézanne, how have you not only astonished Paris but astonished us all with your fine creations. Now, here is one that bares your name, the great Boutique Hotel Cézanne. But does it live up to your high standards and deserve to bare your name? Well, I declare, yes! It might not look like much from the outside with its bright white yet sleek exterior, but, inside is astonishing luxury, staircases with elaborate banisters, plush carpets, and lavish furniture. The hotel is decorated with a colourful palette of which Cézanne would be proud, I’m sure. The reception is tiled with terracotta flooring and furnished in light wood; it exudes a southern France atmosphere, with a silver statue of Cézanne planted before a twirling staircase. We arrived at the hotel a few hours before check-in and asked to leave our bags at the reception whilst we wandered about town for a while.

“Here on the river’s verge I could be busy for months without changing my place.”

And so could we. During our short gander about Aix, we found ourselves in Parc Jourdan, we parked ourselves on a bench and amused ourselves for more time than we ever could have anticipated, admiring nature’s creations like Cézanne himself. Upon our return to the hotel we found that our suitcases had already been delivered up to our room, what a pleasant surprise! Our deluxe room for two had plenty of space for two and was decorated in beige and soft green. The gold tiled wall was decorated with glinting green wall murals of leafy branches and the atmosphere was brought together by the low light of the two lamps that were found on either side of the six-foot bed. It looked so comfortable after having been sat on a hard wooden park bench for a long while, and so we stretched our tired bodies onto its comfy surface. My favourite thing about the room was the leafy green view from outside of our French windows, simply marvellous! The bathroom was small and simple but had all the amenities we needed.

“The world doesn't understand me and I don't understand the world, that's why I've withdrawn from it.”

Here is where I would have to disagree with Cézanne, especially when I was amongst the staff here at Hotel Cézanne who understood our every need. I am sure that the copious breakfasts would have coaxed dear old Cézanne from his withdrawal from the world and down into the modern dining room with its colourful leather chairs and sleek wooden floor. Failing that however, the breakfasts can be delivered to the room free of charge, an offer which we could not decline and of which we took full advantage. We indulged in a varied combination honey omelettes, Ruinart champagne, delicious French breads, smoked salmon and deep coffees daily. One day we even had a leisurely lie in until 11am, and patiently waited for the smell of warm pancakes and waffles to reach our room. When the tray arrived an array of colours lit up our eyes, orange juice, fresh fruit and a selection of jams greeted us.

“Keep good company.”

This is what Cézanne advises, and where better to take good company than the hotel’s bars and lounge? Their bars function as Honesty Bars, where it's up to the guest to keep their own tab. One is found inside, furnished with antique design chairs upholstered in animal print and one outside on the terrace. Whites and greens come together in harmony in this space which makes it a lovely atmosphere to take a break in the sunshine. On both bars lies a large selection of drinks to which we could just help ourselves, as if we were at home!

“The most seductive thing about art is the personality of the artist himself.”

Aix had already won us over by the first day, from the short walk we took and the hotel’s impeccable style and service. However, it’s the ambience of the hotel, the friendly personality of the staff and the cosy feel of Aix itself that will keep us coming back year after year… Hotel Cézanne will mark an “X” on our travel map for a long time to come!