Presentation of the city of Aix en Provence
A rich and captivating story
Aix-en-Provence, established more than 2000 years ago by the Romans, reveals a history as fascinating as its landscape is charming. To walk its cobbled streets is to tread the ground of a city which has survived the ages without losing its splendor. The Roman remains coexist with the architecture of subsequent centuries to offer a unique historical picture of its kind. The city center is full of emblematic sites such as the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral or the Mazarin Quarter which bear witness to the grandiose past of this city.
Demography and population: A living city
The Population of Aix-en-Provence is dynamic and diverse, perfectly reflecting the vibrant energy that drives this Provençal city. Today populated by around 142,000 inhabitants, it attracts thousands of visitors each year thanks to its cultural and economic attractiveness. The university also plays a major role in local demographics by welcoming nearly 30,000 students each year, making Aix-en-Provence a young and lively city.
Geography: An idyllic setting
Located in the heart of Provence, Aix-en-Provence benefits from an exceptional geographical location between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alpine mountains, 35 kilometers from its large neighbor Marseille! This privileged position offers the city a breathtaking panorama, changing with the seasons and each time offering new nuances to capture. The green hills of the Pays d'Aix, the majesty of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire or the blue waters of the Mediterranean are all landscapes that make Aix-en-Provence a true oasis for any videographer in search of inspiration.
The most beautiful monuments of Aix en Provence
Have you ever contemplated the majestic architecture of Aix-en-Provence through the lens of a drone? The most beautiful monuments of this Provençal city offer an unforgettable spectacle, a visual dance between shadow and light.
First, the castle. The silhouette of the Pavillon Vendôme stands out elegantly against the Aix sky. Its lush park offers a green backdrop which contrasts magnificently with the red roofs of the surrounding houses.
Then, the Saint-Sauveur cathedral and its imposing bell tower. When we fly over this historic monument, its Gothic details are revealed before our amazed eyes: grimacing gargoyles and delicate ornaments follow one another in a dizzying fresco.
The Hôtel de Caumont is the other architectural pearl that we cannot miss. Its aristocratic appearance flourishes in the heart of the Mazarin Quarter, while its French gardens add a bucolic touch to our aerial filming.
Finally, let's not forget the Saint-Jean-de-Malte church, whose sober lines irresistibly attract our lens towards it. Its austere facade hides an interior rich in works of art that bear witness to its long religious history.
These emblematic places are gems for any professional videographer seeking to capture the very essence of Aix-en-Provence: its historical charm, its elegance and its gentle way of life.
Sites to film around Aix-En-Provence Town Hall
In the heart of Aix-en-Provence, the Hôtel de Ville presents itself as a blank canvas for professional videographers. Drones can capture stunning images of this iconic structure and its picturesque surroundings.
The square in front of the Town Hall is an architectural gem that offers drones a panoramic view of the historic building and its surroundings. The team can get impressive aerial footage by flying over the bustling square, where locals gather to chat and enjoy the Provençal sun.
From there, direct your drone towards Cours Mirabeau. This tree-lined avenue is recognized as one of the most beautiful boulevards in Aix-en-Provence with its mossy fountain in the center.
Then stroll down Rue Espariat, a narrow but charming pedestrian street dotted with independent boutiques and quaint cafes.
•The flower market on the square in front of the Town Hall
•The statues decorated around Cours Mirabeau
•The complex architectural detail on the Gothic facade of the Hotel
•Passers-by strolling in Rue Espariat
•The general vibrant atmosphere of the city center
It should be noted that each spot has its own charm at different times of the day; for example, the Cours Mirabeau comes to life as the sun sets with its magnificent play of shadows cast by the plane trees.
Comply with Drone Regulations in urban areas
When it comes to filming Aix-en-Provence with a drone, it is essential to respect the regulations in force. Drone flight in urban areas is subject to strict rules to guarantee safety and preserve the privacy of citizens.
First, you should know that a drone should not fly over people or densely populated areas without prior permission. In addition, its use is not permitted in the immediate vicinity of aerodromes or in certain specific zones defined by prefectural or municipal decrees.
Then, the pilot must always keep his aircraft in direct view to be able to intervene quickly if necessary. It is also important to avoid any nighttime flights which could disrupt public peace.
Furthermore, before each drone flight operation in an urban environment, you must submit a prior declaration to the Prefecture within 5 working days, and we strongly recommend that you inform the local authorities.
Let's not forget that every professional aerial videographer must not only master their machine perfectly, but also and above all to know and scrupulously respect these regulations which allow reasoned use of the Aix skies for our common passion: capturing with our drones the architectural and natural wonders that Aix-en-Provence offers to our amazed eyes.
Filming Sainte Victoire Mountain by drone outside the Nature Reserve
When it comes to filming Aix-en-Provence with a drone, Montagne Sainte-Victoire offers unparalleled splendor. It stands majestically to the east of the city, dazzling under the Provençal sun.
To capture its raw and authentic beauty, certain rules must be respected. First of all, it is imperative to stay outside the limits of the Nature Reserve that surrounds this emblematic mountain. This measure aims to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the site and maintain its wild character intact.
A drone flight above the limestone ridges and green slopes will not only immortalize the striking contrasts between the white rocks and the olive-green shades typical of the Provençal landscape, but also capture the fascinating play of shadows and light that only an aerial view can offer.
Taking into account the ideal time to film will also help to enhance your images. A sunrise or sunset over Sainte-Victoire will create an almost unreal atmosphere where each contour comes alive under the golden glow of the sun's rays.
Filming Aix-en-Provence from this exceptional spot requires respect for the surrounding nature as well as good technical knowledge to capture all the visual intensity that this emblematic mountain generously offers us.
Aix en Provence and the painter Cézanne
Aix-en-Provence, this Provençal gem, is undoubtedly a place of inspiration for many artists. One of the most famous among them is none other than Paul Cézanne. To immortalize this city through the lens of a drone, it is essential to understand the intimate link between Aix and this emblematic painter.
To capture the Cézanne spirit that permeates the city of Roy René, we suggest you begin your aerial exploration near the Cours Mirabeau. By filming this major axis lined with aubades and dotted with private mansions, you will capture the very essence of Aix life that Cézanne loved so much.
From there, head towards the Place des Cardeurs; an architectural summary where classic and contemporary styles come together. Then head for the town hall: its imposing belfry offers an interesting perspective for low-angle shots.
First of all, make sure you have taken all the necessary steps with the competent authorities to fly your drone legally in the historic city center.
Finally, end your Cézan journey with the Lauves studio: the master's last workshop where he created his most beautiful works with a breathtaking view of the Sainte-Victoire mountain. On the edge of the town, take the Bibémus path, and film the ocher quarries and the surrounding landscape, between pine forest, Sainte-Victoire mountain, and the Zola dam!
Capturing Aix-en-Provence from these unique angles not only offers a new perspective but also pays homage to the man who so loved and immortalized this city.
To find out more about aerial photography by drone in Aix-en-Provence, you can consult our page on the drone services that we have carried out in the city of Aix: Aerial photography by drone in Aix-en-Provence.