A tunnel of greenery punctuated with fountains, a historic landmark and a great place for a stroll, the Cours" is for visitors as it is for the Aixois, something that cannot be missed.

It is enough to walk "up or down" the Cours in order to discover all its charms.

On either side of the road built in the 17th century in the place of the former ramparts, the leading families of the nobility built elegant homes to show off their success, sometimes ostentatiously. With richly decorated frontages on the Cours side, and shared hidden gardens opening on to a parallel street, this architectural style created remarkable urban unity.

Hotel de Villars (n° 4), named after the Governor of Provence, was built in 1710 with a monumental entrance created by Georges Vallon.

At n°10, Hotel Isoard de Vauvenargues conceals a rich decor behind its severe frontage, and the dark tale of a murder of passion committed in 1784 by Bruno d'Entrecasteaux, president of the Parliament...

At n°20, the Hotel de Forbin is one of the largest. Built in 1656 on the basis of plans by Pierre Pavilion, its beauty comes from the simplicity and symmetry of its prescription.

The magnificence of the Hôtel Maurel-de-Pontevés (number 38), also called the Hôtel d'Espagnet, is the image of the social climb by its owner Pierre Maurel. A former cloth trader, ennobled, his townhouse was one of the first to be built in the Mazarin quarter inn 1647. The balcony held up by the telamon is symbolic of Aixoise baroque art.

At the top of the Cours, the Hôtel du Poët was built around 1730 by Georges Vallon in place of an ancient watermill.

On the right hand side of the Cours, one will find fewer townhouses but more sun. Next to the Passage Agard, the childhood home of Paul Cézanne (the " la plume en or" – 'the golden feather' shop).

At number 53 the Les Deux Garçons café on the site of the Hôtel de Gantes has been an "Aixoise institution" since the beginning of the XIXth Century.

The Hôtel d'Arbaud-Jouques (number 19) built in 1700 with its façade made entirely from dressed stone is one of the most beautiful on the Cours.