In the heart of Aix-en-Provence, a stone's throw from the Cours Mirabeau, the Hôtel Saint Christophe has occupied since the 1930s what was once the Relais Saint Christophe, an emblematic departure point for travelers and their automobiles. Its 61 rooms and suites have been completely redesigned, and feature pretty tones drawn from Cézanne's palette - cobalt blue, almond green, Sienna earth, golden ochre - where the use of natural materials such as wicker, earthenware and lime plaster reinforce this Provencal authenticity. Brasserie Léopold, a veritable Aix institution with Parisian brasserie decor, leather banquettes and period mirrors, celebrates the great classics of French cuisine. An ideal base between the Calanques, Valensole, Sainte-Victoire and the ochres of Roussillon.