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Aix-en-Provence Travel Guide

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Why Go To Aix-en-Provence

At its core, Aix-en-Provence is a small Provençal town brimming with quaint cafes and vibrant markets. But its university students — tens of thousands of them — keep this southern French city young, exciting and cosmopolitan. There may be 18th-century homes flanking the streets, but the French boulevards are filled with chic Paris transplants. The still-popular Aquae Sextiae thermal baths may have been discovered in Roman times, but these therapeutic waters are accompanied by the on-site spa's latest in luxurious treatments.

You visit Aix for all of these reasons, but also for the French-Mediterranean cooking, trendy boutiques, Cézanne's artistic influence and the city's overall easygoing and sunny disposition. An added perk is its proximity to the lavender fields, vineyards and mountains of Provence, as well as the Côte d'Azur. Daytrip, anyone?

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Best of Aix-en-Provence

Best hotels in aix-en-provence.

# 1 in Villa Gallici
# 2 in Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel
# 3 in Hotel Le Pigonnet

Best Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence

# 1 in Le Grand Marché
# 2 in Cours Mirabeau
# 3 in Mont Sainte-Victoire

Popular Tours

Luberon Villages Half-Day Tour from Aix-en-Provence

(215 reviews)

from $ 103.93

Cotes de Provence Wine Tour from Aix-en-Provence

(131 reviews)

from $ 108.31

Provence Day Trip with Cassis Village Boat Ride and Local Wine Tasting from Aix

(41 reviews)

from $ 164.10

Aix-en-Provence Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best times to visit Aix-en-Provence are from March to May and September through November, when the weather is as moderate as the crowds. The summer months see an influx of Parisians and international travelers escaping to the south of France, so hotel and restaurant availability is scant and prices soar. Cost-wise, December to February is the best time to visit; many hotels offer lower rates since it's the low season. However, some hotels may shutter their doors during the quiet months, so be sure to call ahead to confirm they're open.

Weather in Aix-en-Provence

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

It's Cézanne territory You can see this Post-Impressionist artist's studio, the mountain that inspired many of his famed works and a handful of his paintings at the Musée Granet all in Aix.
Aix is pronounced "Ex" You'll mark yourself as a tourist if you pronounce this city's name like the wood-chopping implement "ax" — it's "ex."
It’s a university town Three universities call Aix their home, and quite a few exchange students from American universities are here year-round.

How to Save Money in Aix-en-Provence

Mingle around the markets The open-air markets on the Cours Mirabeau are filled with vendors offering fresh fruits and vegetables, clothing, books and flowers at affordable prices. Instead of dining out each afternoon and evening, grab some goods and take a picnic to enjoy in the gardens that surround the Pavilion de Vendôme.
Timing matters Visit Aix in the fall or spring. You'll enjoy moderate temperatures and reasonable hotel prices. Plus, you'll be able to experience the fall foliage or blooming flora along the Cours Mirabeau.
Walk it out The best way to experience Aix's sights, scents and sounds is on foot. Don't forget your camera!

Culture & Customs

Like their relaxed town, the Aixois are generally known to be friendly and easygoing. And because the town is home to many universities, hundreds of residents (temporary and year-round) are students. Aix is a popular study abroad destination, playing host to students of different backgrounds that speak different languages (including English), which can be helpful for visiting tourists. If you have a question, don't be afraid to ask someone. When you travel to a foreign country, it's good to learn at least a few phrases in the native language. Some helpful French includes: Bonjour (hello or good day); pouvez-vous m'aider? (can you help me?); p arlez - vous anglais (do you speak English?); merci (thank you) and excusez-moi (excuse me/sorry/pardon me).

The currency used in Aix is the euro (€1 EUR) but you can also use major credit cards here. Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates often, be sure to check what the current exchange rate is before you go. When you're out on the town, the bills in most bars and restaurants will include a service charge or tip ( service compris ). If it's not included, rounding out your bill with some change will suffice. In clubs and bars, you should also expect to tip washroom attendants about a euro. If you're taking a taxi, you should tip 5 to 10 percent. Reminder: If you see the phrase pourboire interdit , it means "tips forbidden," so no need to shell out any extra euros there.

Aix-en-Provence is a safe city, but tourists should be wary of petty crime and pickpockets. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. At night, try not to walk alone and if it's late, take a taxi back to your accommodations.

What to Eat

Restaurants around Aix-en-Provence serve up flavorful Mediterranean cuisine with chefs utilizing the fresh, local ingredients found at the markets in their menus. Popular plates you'll have to try include bouillabaisse (a traditional, Provençal fish stew), anchoiade or tapenade (anchovy or olive spread) and ratatouille. And save room for dessert. From chocolate croissants and crepes to tarts and calissons (special cookies made with almond paste and topped with icing), there's no shortage of sweets in Aix.

Some recent visitors suggest lunch at Le Jardin d'Amalula (7 rue Mignet), praising the restaurant's exceptional food and prompt service. Popular Aix-en-Provence dinner spots that are lauded for their authentic Provençal fare and tasty regional wines are Mitch (26 rue des Tanneurs) and L'Alcove (19 rue Constantin).

Getting Around Aix-en-Provence

The best ways to get around Aix-en-Provence are on foot or by bike. The city is rather small and boasts a laid-back atmosphere, which makes it conducive to leisurely strolls and exploratory bike rides. You can also choose to rent a car so you'll be able to get to some of the attractions that lie just outside of town, like the Fondation Vassarely and Camp des Milles . Aix does have a bus system, but with its unreliable service, the bus is not the most convenient or efficient means of transportation.

If you're already in Europe, taking the Eurostar or TGV train to get to Aix-en-Provence is an option. Departure times and prices vary, but you can consult the Rail Europe website to find information on both lines. The Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) in Marignane, around 17 miles southwest of the city's center, is the closest airport to Aix-en-Provence with flights usually connecting in Brussels , Frankfurt, Paris or Amsterdam . From the airport, you can either rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle bus to Aix.

Cours Mirabeau is a wide, tree-lined boulevard, flanked by open-air cafes and 18th-century mansions.

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How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Aix-en-Provence, France: Itinerary, Map, & Tips

November 21, 2023
by Jenoa Matthes

Planning to spend one day in Aix-en-Provence? In this guide, we’re sharing a one-day itinerary with the best things to do and our top tips for visiting our favorite city in Provence.

Aix-en-Provence, also known simply as Aix, is one of the dreamiest cities in the south of France. With its pastel-colored buildings, medieval charm, daily market, and wonderful museums, it’s no surprise that Aix is on everyone’s Provence itinerary.

We stayed in Aix-en-Provence for two weeks and fell in love with this idyllic city. While we always prefer taking it slow and spending a few days in one place, you will have enough time to get a feel for Aix in one day.

Keep reading to discover a perfect one day in Aix-en-Provence itinerary.

Is one day enough in Aix-en-Provence?

Yes, one day in Aix-en-Provence is enough time to see most of the major sights. If you are wanting to explore the Luberon valley, spend time at the Mediterranean beaches, and get a taste of the eastern side of Provence, then we suggest making Aix-en-Provence your home base.

There are many fantastic day trips from Aix-en-Provence within an hour or two that make it an ideal spot to call home for a few days.

While one day is enough to see the city, we suggest spending 2 days in Aix if you have the time on your trip. Simply wandering the streets and living like a local for a day after seeing all of the sights is the best way to enjoy the city and all of its hidden gems.

Aix-en-Provence Market

Aix-en-Provence is famous for its market and many people visit the city solely to experience one of the best Provencal markets. If you only have one day in Aix-en-Provence, you should plan your visit around the big market days.

The main market is held three times per week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:30am – 1:00pm. Here you’ll find everything from local produce, clothing, antiques, ready-made meals, local honey and jams, and so much more. It truly is an experience not to be missed.

Of course, if you can’t visit on these days, then you can always visit the daily food and flower market, which we will touch more on in the itinerary below.

One Day in Aix-en-Provence Itinerary

Visit the atelier cezanne.

Start your day off with a visit to Cézanne’s former art studio. The Atelier Cézanne in Aix-en-Provence is the former workshop of the renowned post-impressionist artist, Paul Cézanne. Located on the hills overlooking Aix, his former studio offers visitors a unique glimpse into the artist’s life and creative process.

Purchased by Paul Cézanne in 1901, the studio became his primary residence and workspace for the last years of his life until his death in 1906.

It was in this studio that he created some of his most iconic pieces of art, especially those of Mont Sainte Victoire, which he had a view of directly from his workshop.

The atelier remains exactly how it was when Paul Cézanne lived and painted there. Original items, including his furniture, unique objects and personal belongings are scattered around the space.

If you are familiar with his work, then you will recognize many objects from his paintings, such as the three skulls, the green pot, and the infamous fruit bowl.

The Atelier Cézanne is open everyday between the months of April and September, opening at 9:30am. The hours vary throughout the year, so it’s best to check times on the website before your visit.

Tickets cost €6.50 per adult. Book your tickets online in advance to ensure you get an early time slot.

Stroll through the market

The market in Aix-en-Provence is one of the best in the region. All of the streets transform as local vendors set up their stalls with local goods and food to sell.

The main market is every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and is sprawled across the city along main streets like the Cours Mirabeau and squares.

If you can’t visit on any of those days, then you can still shop from the daily food markets. Place Richelme, a charming square surrounded by trees and cafes, hosts the daily food market. Here you’ll find seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Looking to experience Aix-en-Provence with an expert guide? Check out Gourmet Walking Tour where you will taste your way through the market.

Visit the flower market at the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville

After a visit to the main market, head to the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville and check out the daily flower market. Every day the square transforms into a burst of color with stalls brimming with fresh blooms ranging from classic roses to regional wildflowers.

Even if you aren’t shopping for flowers, it’s still worth stopping by.

Grab a madeleine from Madeleines De Christophe

In France, it’s okay to eat dessert be for lunch. Make your way to the small shop called Madeleines De Christophe for some delicious, freshly-made madeleines. They sell a variety of flavors – from almond and lemon. You can’t go wrong with any of them.

The minimum amount you can buy is 6 madeleines, but it’s okay because you can snack on them all day.

Wander along Cours Mirabeau

The Cours Mirabeau is one of the town’s most iconic boulevards, renowned for its stately plane trees, historic fountains, and designer shops.

If you visit the main market in Aix-en-Provence, you’ll mostly likely make your way down this street where vendors are selling clothing, French baskets, and other items like shoes and soaps.

Have lunch at a local restaurant

Whether you’re looking for a fancy French meal or something light and refreshing to get you through the rest of your afternoon, Aix is full of plenty of options.

For some seasonal and modern French cuisine, check out Paulette . One of our favorite mediterranean foods is called Tita , which is also located in the center of Aix. The falafel here is to die for.

Grenache is another fabulous French restaurant that is a good spot for lunch. Make sure to reserve ahead online. Restaurants book up quickly in Aix!

Check out the Hôtel de Caumont Art Exhibitions

The Hotel de Caumont is a must-visit during your day in Provence. This 18th century mansion doubles as a gorgeous house museum and incredible art museum.

It hosts different art exhibitions each year featuring widely known artists like Chagall. During your visit through the exhibition, you’ll also have a chance to wander through some of the stately rooms.

Don’t forget to check out the manicured gardens after a visit to the museum. There is a lovely fountain and a nice lawn that is perfect for a little stroll on a summer’s day.

We also suggest stopping by for some tea or coffee at the cafe. The room is covered in a gorgeous pink wall covering and features beautiful tableware and decor.

Booking in advance is suggested. Book tickets online at official website.

Visit the Musee Granet

The Musée Granet in Aix-en-Provence is one of the best museums in town. With hundreds of artworks spanning from the Renaissance to modern art. You’ll find artists like by greats such as Rembrandt, Cézanne, and Picasso.

Over the years, significant renovations and extensions, like the addition of the Jean Planque collection, have enriched its offerings. Today, you can immerse yourself in over 12,000 pieces of art.

It doesn’t take long to visit, but we highly recommend visiting if you are an art lover.

Wander around the fountains in old town

Aix-en-Provence, often dubbed the “City of a Thousand Fountains,” is renowned for its myriad water features that punctuate its streets and squares. These fountains, ranging from grandiose masterpieces to modest trickling springs, have played an integral role in the city’s history and identity since Roman times.

A few fountains in the old town that you can’t miss are:

Fontaine de la Rotonde
Fontaine Moussue
Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins
Fontaine des Neuf-Canons

Grab a pre-dinner cocktail at Céleste

Céleste is known for its inventive cocktails and is the perfect spot to grab a table and relax over drinks before dinner on their outside terrace.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

After a busy day, settle in for a delicious Provencal style dinner. You’ll need to make reservations in advance because most tend to book up quickly.

Here are a few of our recommendations:

Sauvage – Enjoy an intimate dining experience at this restaurant featuring fresh and in-season ingredients.
Les Vieilles Canailles – With an ever-changing menu, this restaurant creates fantastic dishes with fresh ingredients alongside local wines.
La Petite Ferme – This farm-to-table restaurant takes you through the many flavors of Provence with a modern twist.

Map of Aix-en-Provence

To help you best navigate your way around for your one day in Aix-en-Provence, here is a map of all of the sights and restaurants listed in this itinerary.

To save the map to Google Maps on your phone or computer, click on the star next to the title. Once you do this, you’ll be able to find the map in your “saved maps” list on your phone.

To see a list of all the items on the map, click the box with arrow on the left. To enlarge the map, click the box on the right.

Where to stay in Aix-en-Provence

If you are planning to spend the night in Aix-en-Provence, then we suggest staying close to the city center to make the most of your day. There are plenty of hotels in the city to choose from, but we’ve created a curated a list of our favorites to help you pick.

Luxury hotel: Villa Saint-Ange

Boutique hotel: Hotel Particulier le 28 by Les Collectionneurs

Affordable hotel: Aquabella Hôtel & Spa

Getting around Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is small and compact, which means everything is within walking distance of each other. Most of the attractions on this itinerary are within a 10-15 minute walk of each other.

If you are planning to visit the Atelier Cézanne, it is about a 20-minute walk from the city center. We recommend visiting this first, so you don’t have to go back and forth from the center during the middle of the day.

Getting to Aix-en-Provence

Whether you are arriving by car, train, or bus, there are several ways to get to Aix-en-Provence.

Getting to Aix-en-Provence by car

Driving to Aix-en-Provence is a great option if you want more flexibility during your day trip. If you are planning to visit several cities in Provence, then renting a car is the best and most convenient way to get around the region.

Parking in Aix is fairly simple. There are several parking garages located near the old town, just a short walk from the center. Just search for “parking Aix-en-Provence” in Google Maps and plenty of options will show up.

We parked in the parking pasteur lot located near the Atelier Cézanne and would recommend parking here if you’re starting your day off at the museum.

You can easily book your car through Discover Cars , our go-to site for rental cars in Europe.

Getting to Aix-en-Provence by train

Trains in France are reliable and easy to navigate. We would recommend taking the train to Aix-en-Provence if you are arriving from another major city in the area, like Marseille or Nice.

There are two train stations in Aix-en-Provence

Gare d’Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence TGV

Make sure to book your ticket to arrive at the Gare d’Aix-en-Provence, as this is the station that is closest to the city center. The TGV station is the high-speed rail station, and it is located 16km southwest of the city.

You can either book your tickets at the train station or online at SNCF . We recommend booking your tickets online at least 3 weeks in advance to get the best prices.

Getting to Aix-en-Provence by bus

FlixBus is a great option to use if you’re traveling on a budget. It has a few routes that go to Aix-en-Provence from some of the larger cities like Nice, Lyon, and Paris.

This is the least convenient option, and we’d only recommend this if you’re trying to save money, as the train is the best public transport option.

One Day in Aix-en-Provence FAQ

Is it worth visiting Aix-en-Provence?

Yes, Aix-en-Provence is most definitely worth visiting! It is one of the most beautiful towns in southern France with plenty of sights to explore within the city.

Can you walk around Aix-en-Provence?

Yes, Aix-en-Provence is a small and walkable city. Most sights are within 15-minutes walking distance from each other, so there is no need to rent a car if you are only visiting Aix.

What is the best village base in Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is one of the best places to base yourself in Provence. We spent two weeks in Aix while visiting the Luberon Valley and the towns on the French Riviera. Its close proximity to many different attractions makes it an ideal place to stay while exploring the area.

More information for your Provence, France Trip

ARLES: Planning to visit Arles? Check out our post on How to Spend One Day in Arles

AVIGNON : Looking to discover the region near Avignon? Read about the best Day Trips from Avignon

FRANCE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE France Travel Insurance – Should you get travel insurance for France? YES! We always purchase travel insurance before all of our trips just in case anything happens. Check out Safety Wing to find the best plan for you. France Rental Cars – Is it safe to rent a car in France? Yes! We’ve rented a car in France too many times to count, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through Discover Cars (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling. France Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in France, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to France, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed. France Hotels – Wondering where to book your accommodations for France? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through Booking for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from

6 COMMENTS:

Headed over on the 24th of April for 4 days, excited, looking forward to it. Then taking the train to Bordeaux. Staying at the Renaissance hotel. Not driving. Any lovely recommendations of what we should not miss during this time? Thank you kindly – Doris & Frank

How exciting! Aix is one of our favorite cities in France.

Are you looking for recommendations for Bordeaux or Aix? In addition to what’s in this article, I suggest visiting the Fondation Vasarely in Aix, as well as taking a day trip to the towns in the Luberon Valley. This area is absolutely beautiful. I’m sure there are full-day tours that can take you to the towns; otherwise, you could rent a car for the day. Gordes, Menerbes, L’Isle Sur La Sorgue, Bonnieux, and Roussillon are all lovely.

For Bordeaux, I have an article about how to visit Bordeaux in 2 days , which covers most of the main sights. I highly recommend taking the train out to Saint-Emilion for the day from Bordeaux, or booking a full-day wine tasting experience. Here’s a link to my list of Saint Emilion Wine Tour recommendations and Medoc wine tours .

I hope this is what you are looking for! I’m happy to answer any other specific questions you may have 🙂

Hi Colin & Jenoa! I’ve been studying your guides. My older mother and I are traveling to Provence in late May. Flying into Marseille and considering Arles, Avignon and Aix-en-Provence. Which of these cities would you recommend to make our home base? Cheers!

Hi Rebekah,

How fun! Both Avignon and Aix are good home bases and where you stay really depends on what you want to see and do on your trip.

Aix is ideal if you want to spend more time exploring the Luberon Villages (Gordes, Bonnieux, Oppede, etc.). You need 2 days to explore them all. Also, coastal towns, such as Cassis and St. Tropez are closer to Aix.

Avignon is ideal if you want to explore towns, such as Arles, Uzes, Saint-Remy, Les Baux de Provence, and the Camargue area… I personally prefer Aix-en-Provence as a place to stay but I would choose based on what area you plan to see more of.

I hope this helps! Happy to answer any other questions about your trip 🙂 Best, Jenoa

Hi, We are flying to Marseille arriving 4 April and flying home from Nice the evening of 11 April. We may stay in Marseille our first night. We thought we’d then go to St Remy or Aix to explore the region. But we want to also see the coast. Don’t know how to split it up. I’ve heard we HAVE to go to the Luberon Valley. But I also heard Aix and Arles are wonderful. We don’t know how many days to spend where. 😃 Thanks!

What a fun trip!

Will you have a car on your trip? If you do, I recommend visiting Cassis from Marseille and doing the hike to the Calanque d’en Vau from Cassis. It’s one of the best coastal hikes I’ve ever done and Cassis is a charming seaside village.

Spend a day in both St. Remy and Les-Baux-de-Provence. Spend a day in Aix. Spend a half-day in Arles and the other half in Avignon. I’d dedicate a full day to the Luberon Villages. They are all pretty close to each other and you could easily visit 4 villages in a day.

You’ll have to let me know what you ended up doing! It’s such a gorgeous region!

Best, Jenoa

Copyright © 2024 | THE TRAVEL FOLK

11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Aix-en-Provence

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lisa Alexander spent two years living in France and has traveled the country extensively.

A slow-paced lifestyle and sultry Provençal charm make Aix-en-Provence an appealing tourist destination. Bathed in the sunshine of its southern climate, Aix-en-Provence reveals its beauty in tree-lined streets and stately squares.

During summertime, some of the main attractions are leafy parks or shaded sidewalk cafés, and balmy evenings that allow you to experience the art de vivre with leisurely meals on restaurant terraces.

Known as the "City of Counts" because the Counts of Provence once lived here, Aix-en-Provence has several impressive old aristocratic palaces. There are also hundreds of fountains: Aix-en-Provence is called the "City of a Thousand Fountains."

The city boasts two interesting historic areas: Vieil Aix and the Mazarin quarter divided by the Cours Mirabeau , a beautiful tree-lined avenue. Other cultural attractions include the world-class Granet Museum, Cézanne's art studio, and a trail of sites that Cézanne frequented. The museums of Aix-en-Provence are among the best places to visit in Provence for a look at the region's artistic heritage.

For more sightseeing ideas, see our list of the top attractions and things to do in Aix-en-Provence.

See also: Where to Stay in Aix-en-Provence

1. Vieil Aix (Old Town)

2. cours mirabeau, 3. quartier mazarin, 4. cathédrale saint-sauveur, 5. musée granet, 6. musée des tapisseries, 7. atelier de cézanne, 8. fondation vasarely, 9. pavillon de vendôme, 10. terrain des peintres (painters' park), 11. cézanne trail: self-guided walking tour, where to stay in aix-en-provence for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to aix-en-provence, day trips from aix-en-provence, montagne sainte-victoire, roquefavour aqueduct, château d'ansouis, map of tourist attractions in aix-en-provence.

One of the best things to do while visiting Aix-en-Provence is wandering the charming streets and squares of Vieil Aix. The public squares of Aix-en-Provence feature elegant architecture and decorative fountains. Many squares are shaded by tall leafy trees, which makes these outdoor spaces inviting on warm days.

At the center of the Old Town is the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville . You can begin a tour at this square to see the 17th-century town hall building, with its beautiful Italian-style façade and ornately carved wooden doors, and the 16th-century Tour de l'Horloge , the old city belfry with an astronomical clock from 1661.

The Place de l'Hôtel de Ville centers around the 17th-century Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), where you'll find outdoor café tables spread out beneath shady trees on the square's stone-paved terrace.

If you are visiting on the right day of the week, the famous flower market, Le Marché aux Fleurs , is a popular place to visit. It takes over the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning (8:30am until 1pm) year-round. With its magnificent array of colorful blossoms, the flower market has provided inspiration for many artists.

Continue walking along the Old Town's peaceful streets and quaint cobblestone lanes to the Place d'Albertas . This 18th-century square is surrounded by elegant Baroque and Rococo buildings. The square features a simple fountain that dates from 1862.

On the south side of the Place d'Albertas square stands the Halle aux Grains (a former grain market that now houses a library) with a magnificent gable that was built in 1759-61 and embellished with sculptures by Jean Pancrace Chastel.

Perhaps the liveliest spot in Aix-en-Provence, the Cours Mirabeau is a graceful avenue shaded by giant plane trees and lined with cafés, restaurants, and boutiques.

This pleasant promenade is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, an alfresco lunch, or a coffee stop at an outdoor terrace. Many locals meet here after work to bask in the late-afternoon sunshine and relax in the early evening.

The Cours Mirabeau links the Old Town with the Mazarin district. It's worth taking time to admire the 17th-century and 18th-century mansions, such as the Hôtel de Forbin (number 20), built in 1656, and the Hôtel de Maurel de Pontèves (number 38), built from 1647 to 1650.

In keeping with Aix-en-Provence's fondness for fountains, several embellish the Cours Mirabeau. The monumental fountain at the west end, the Fontaine de la Rotonde , features a statue of the Three Graces, bronze lions, and multiple tiers of splashy waterworks. At the east end stands the 19th-century Fontaine du Roi René , commemorating the beloved king who reigned over Provence in the 15th century.

Place des Quatre Dauphins in the Mazarin district, Aix-en-Provence

In Aix-en-Provence's historic center, the Quartier Mazarin neighborhood was originally developed beginning in 1646 by Michel Mazarin, the archbishop of Aix and brother of the famous cardinal and politician.

The perimeter of the quarter can be traced to the Old Town walls, along the Boulevard Carnot and Boulevard du Roi René, following rectangular lines characteristic of 17th-century town planning.

At the center of the Mazarin district is the Place des Quatre Dauphins with the Fountain des Quatre Dauphins , created in 1667. This whimsical fountain features sculptures of four dolphins spouting water. The square has several private mansions, including the Hôtel de Boisgelin with a fine coach yard decorated with monumental friezes.

The Saint-Savior Cathedral is a unique monument because it was built over a long span of time, from the 5th to the 17th century. The blend of architectural styles is evident in the façade, which features Roman, Romanesque, and Gothic elements.

Upon entering the Romanesque doorway, visitors are awed by the serene beauty of the Baptistery Rotunda from the early Christian (Merovingian) era. The cathedral has three distinct naves (Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque) reflecting the continuity of building construction through the various centuries.

On the right of the main nave is a famous 15th-century Burning Bush triptych painted by Nicolas Froment, which is only on display during scheduled dates. Further exploration through the left wing leads to a portrayal of Good King René created from 1434 to 1480. In the nave and south aisle are exceptional Flemish tapestries, and behind the High Altar is the Chapelle de Saint-Mitre, dedicated to the patron of the town.

Be sure to see the cathedral's Romanesque cloister . This exquisite space offers a sense of tranquility to inspire spiritual reflection.

Address: 34 Place des Martyrs-de-la-Résistance, Aix-en-Provence

Housed in the former Prieuré de Malte (Priory of Malta) just off Rue d'Italie near the Cours Mirabeau, the Granet Museum is considered among the finest art museums of its kind in France . The museum boasts an extensive collection of paintings from the 14th to the 20th century, including pieces by the great masters Géricault, Ingres, and Rubens.

The museum has an exceptional assortment of Impressionist art , especially the paintings by Cézanne, as well as works by Degas, Monet, and Van Gogh. The Post-Impressionist and modern art movements are also represented with pieces by Bonnard, Braque, Dubuffet, and Picasso.

The Granet Museum hosts exhibitions and cultural events such as music concerts and late-night openings throughout the year.

Address: Place Saint-Jean de Malte, Aix-en-Provence

This exceptional museum displays a collection of tapestries from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as contemporary textile art. Highlights of the museum's collection include a series of nine tapestries from the Manufacture Royale de Beauvais (Royal Manufactory of Beauvais) featuring scenes from Don Quixote de la Mancha by Cervantes.

The museum occupies the Palais de l'Ancien Archevêché (former Archbishop's Palace) near the cathedral.

During the summer, the courtyard of the palace is used as an outdoor theater for the internationally renowned Festival d'Art Lyrique d'Aix-en-Provence (Opera Festival).

Address: 28 Place des Martyrs-de-la-Résistance, Aix-en-Provence

Admirers of Paul Cézanne enjoy visiting this atelier to see where the artist's creativity took shape.

Cézanne worked at this studio with great intensity throughout the year. On sunny days, he painted en plein air (outdoors). On rainy days, Cézanne would stay inside his atelier and paint ordinary objects for still life paintings: bottles, pottery, vases, flowers, and fruit.

The Atelier de Cézanne is one of the best places to visit in Aix-en-Provence to glimpse the setting that inspired the "father of modern painting."

For those interested in learning more about Cézanne and his artwork, audio guides (in several languages) and guided tours (in English or French) are available.

The site also has a garden that is open to the public free of charge. Tickets are required for admission to the Atelier de Cézanne, with additional fees for the audio guides and guided tours.

Address: 9 Avenue Paul Cézanne, Aix-en-Provence

Fondation Vasarely was created in 1976, and the building itself is a stunning work of modern optical art, befitting the pieces displayed inside. In this unconventional building, visitors can see 44 huge wall-paintings, "integrations murales," and hundreds of studies by the Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely, who was part of the Abstract Constructivist school of painting.

The foundation also hosts temporary exhibitions, conferences, and cultural events (such as dance performances and music performances) throughout the year.

The Vasarely Foundation is located outside of the center of Aix-en-Provence on the Avenue Marcel Pagnol in the Jas de Bouffan district.

Address: 1 Avenue Marcel Pagnol, Aix-en-Provence

Nestled in a verdant setting not far from the city's historic center, this elegant 18th-century residence was built for Louis de Mercoeur, the Duke of Vendôme.

The duke's splendid mansion is a lovely aristocratic country house of the Grand Siècle (the 17th century). A place of peace and beauty, the Pavillon de Vendôme reflects the grandeur of a bygone era.

Open to the public as a museum, the Pavillon de Vendôme displays exhibitions of contemporary art. The sumptuous mansion also contains everyday objects, paintings, and furniture from the late 17th and early 18th centuries, which allow visitors to imagine the lives of the people who once lived here.

The Pavillon de Vendôme and the delightful formal French garden that surrounds the mansion are listed as Historic Monuments.

Address: 13 Rue de la Molle, Aix-en-Provence

Outside of the historic city center, about a ten-minute walk from the Atelier Cézanne, this beautiful hillside site was popular among Impressionist painters. Cézanne would set up his easel here on the Chemin de la Marguerite, where he would paint the Sainte-Victoire Mountain and surrounding landscape.

Within this public park, the Chemin de la Marguerite is a scenic walking path through the unspoiled countryside that Cézanne loved (now called the "Terrain des Peintres"). The Terrain des Peintres exemplifies the Provençal landscape with its rows of cypress trees, an exceptional view of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire , and typical vegetation of the sun-drenched Mediterranean region.

The footpath leads to an esplanade where an open-air gallery displays reproductions of paintings by Cézanne. The paintings depicting the iconic Montagne Sainte-Victoire are the result of many hours that Cézanne spent working at his easel here.

In many of Cézanne's paintings of this site, it is easy to recognize the pathways, shrubs, and red-roofed houses that are still visible today. The Terrain des Peintres is a wonderful place to take a leisurely walk and to soak up the inspiration of Impressionist artists.

Address: Avenue Paul Cézanne, Aix-en-Provence

For art lovers, one of the most rewarding things to do while visiting Aix-en-Provence is to explore the city in the footsteps of Cézanne.

A pedestrian route known as the Cézanne Trail begins at the bronze statue of Paul Cézanne at the Cours Mirabeau, continues with landmarks such as the school that the artist attended as a child, the building where he was born, the houses of his friends, the cafés where he met other artists, and the church where he married his wife Hortense Fiquet.

The city of Aix-en-Provence has indicated the most important Cézanne locations with a trail of studs (nails shaped like the initial "C") on the pavement, allowing visitors to take a self-guided walking tour to see the places once frequented by Cézanne and appreciate how he experienced the world.

At the Atelier de Cézanne or the Aix-en-Provence Tourist Office, visitors can pick up brochures that indicate the "In the Steps of Cézanne" trail (for a self-guided walking tour). It is also possible to take a guided tour of the Cézanne Trail, offered by the Tourist Office.

We recommend these hotels in Aix-en-Provence that are located near top attractions like the Old Town and Cours Mirabeau:

La Maison d'Aix : This four-star boutique hotel in the Quartier Mazarin, near the Cours Mirabeau, features a spa with a hammam and pool. The hotel also offers concierge services and free breakfast.
Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre : Near the Cours Mirabeau, this four-star hotel provides apartment-style accommodations featuring chic décor and kitchenettes. A breakfast buffet is available.
Boutique Hôtel Cézanne : Decorated in trendy modern style, this four-star boutique hotel is a short walk from the Old Town. Amenities include concierge services and a breakfast buffet.
ibis Aix-en-Provence : This budget-friendly hotel is a 10-minute drive from the Centre Ville where the tourist attractions are located. The three-star hotel features sleek décor, as well as an outdoor swimming pool and sundeck. A breakfast buffet is available.

To discover charming villages, nature sites, and glamorous resorts around Aix-en-Provence, the easiest option is to take organized day trips led by knowledgeable guides. The travel arrangements are by luxury minivan, so tourists can relax and enjoy the scenery during the ride.

Visit the Luberon's Charming Villages: Spend an entire day exploring quaint villages of the Luberon region in Provence. The Luberon Villages Day Trip from Aix-en-Provence is a nine-hour guided driving tour that stops at some of the area's prettiest villages, including Lourmarin and Gordes. Each village has its unique charm; many villages have traditional Provençal markets and inviting boutiques that sell artisanal products.
Explore the Gorges du Verdon Nature Site : Travelers seeking a refreshing change of environment will enjoy the Verdon Gorge and Moustiers Sainte-Marie Tour from Aix-en-Provence . This nine-hour driving tour takes tourists through the breathtaking Gorges du Verdon, one of Provence's most stunning natural wonders, with stops at the nearby L'Occitane cosmetics factory and the beautiful village of Moustiers Sainte-Marie.

A symbol of Provence, the Sainte-Victoire Mountain is known as Cézanne's muse. Located about 25 kilometers from Aix-en-Provence, the mountain reaches an altitude of 1,011 meters and dominates the surrounding scenery.

The area has pleasant paths that are designed for nature walks and gentle rambles. Along the way are several sites of religious heritage: the 17th-century Sainte-Victoire Prior ; the Saint-Ser Hermitage , a tiny chapel in a cave (named after a 5th-century hermit who sought refuge in this place); and the Cross of Provence , perched on the western tip of the massif.

From the Pic des Mouches , the highest point, the perspective stretches out over the rolling plains of the Aix region. On a clear day, the vista affords glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea and the French Alps.

Outside of Aix-en-Provence about 15 kilometers, Ventabren is a picturesque hilltop village with remnants of an ancient castle. In its unique situation, high above the Valley of the Arc, this little village perfectly portrays what is meant by the term village perché : like a bird perched high up in a tree.

There is a magnificent 180-degree view from the castle ruins over the idyllic landscape to the north of the Etang de Berre and the town of Martigues, on the southern bank of the river. The village also has a noteworthy 11th- to 12th-century parish church dedicated to Saint Denis.

A few kilometers south of Ventabren, along the Valley of the Arc, is the Roquefavour Aqueduct. The world's largest stone aqueduct , this imposing three-story structure conveys water from the Durance River over the valley towards Marseilles. The aqueduct was built between 1841 and 1847 and is listed as a Historic Monument. Visitors are dazzled by the impressive architecture; its Classical-style construction offers a powerful visual effect.

The upper level of the aqueduct is accessible from the D64 highway coming from Ventabren, taking the first left turn towards Petit Rigoués just before reaching the D65 highway, and then a right turn at the watchman's house.

There are two hiking routes from Ventabren to the Roquefavour Aqueduct. One route takes 45 minutes, while the other takes one hour and 30 minutes. Both afford spectacular views of the Provençal landscape.

Just a 30-kilometer drive from Aix-en-Provence, the Château d'Ansouis gives visitors the sense of being transported back in time. This ancient château (dating back to the 10th century) was an important medieval military fortress, standing in its glorious location overlooking the Aygues Valley.

Rare for a castle in France, the Château d'Ansouis is fully furnished with authentic period pieces from various historic eras. The ornately embellished interior offers a realistic impression of what it was like to live here throughout the centuries.

The grounds around the château are also spectacular. Fitted along terraces below the château are a series of lush gardens that feature superb panoramas of the Alps in the distance. Immaculately landscaped and maintained, the gardens are designed in perfect harmony with the scenery.

The Château d'Ansouis is a private residence but is open to the public Thursday through Sunday in June, July, and August and on weekends during the month of September through mid-October. Tourists may see the château only on guided visits (available once or twice a day). The guided tours are led by the château owners.

The hilltop village of Ansouis is also worth visiting. This quiet country town is listed as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France . Dating back to the medieval era, Ansouis enchants visitors with its old stone buildings, cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and 13th-century church.

Address: Rue du Cartel, 84240 Ansouis

Built up along the banks of the Durance River in a lovely natural setting, this medieval town (100 kilometers north of Aix-en-Provence) has a rich cultural heritage. The history is evident in the atmospheric ancient streets, ornate 16th- and 17th-century houses, and a fortified medieval cathedral built between 1160 and 1220.

Sisteron also has an extraordinary citadel , perched high on a rocky promontory and surrounded by ramparts. Classified as a Historic Monument, the citadel is open for visits daily (from the end of March through mid-November). Visiting the citadel requires climbing some steps.

In July and August, the citadel's open-air theater becomes a venue for " Les Nuits de la Citadelle ." Held in July and August, this annual festival includes a program of musical concerts, theater, and dance performances.

During summertime, the area around Sisteron is popular for camping and outdoor activities. Things to do include swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and river rafting. In season, the tributaries and lakes around Sisteron provide opportunities to catch salmon as well as other fish.

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Aix-en-Provence

A pocket of left-bank Parisian chic deep in Provence, Aix (pronounced like the letter X) is all class: its leafy boulevards and public squares are lined with 17th- and 18th-century mansions, punctuated by gurgling moss-covered fountains. Haughty stone lions guard its grandest avenue, cafe-laced cours Mirabeau, where fashionable Aixois pose on polished pavement terraces, sipping espresso. While Aix is a student hub, its upmarket appeal makes it pricier than other Provençal towns.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Musée Granet

Aix established one of France's first public museums here, on the site of a former Hospitallers' priory, in 1838. Nearly 200 years of acquisitions …

Caumont Centre d’Art

The Caumont is a stellar art space housed inside the Mazarin quarter’s grandest 18th-century hôtel particulier (mansion). While there are three quality…

Les Milles detention camp near Aix-en-Provence.

Camp des Milles

Eight kilometres southwest of Aix is the town of Les Milles, where this imposing factory produced bricks and tiles from 1882 until 31 August 1939, when it…

Fontaine de la Rotonde

Built in 1860 as the centrepiece to the place de la Rotonde, the roundabout at the western edge of Cours Mireabeau, this magnificent fountain is adorned…

Cours Mirabeau

No streetscape better epitomises Provence’s most graceful city than this 440m-long, fountain-studded street, sprinkled with Renaissance hôtels…

One of Aix' great charms is its historical centre: ramble through it, drinking in divine streetscapes as you choose which historical, cultural or culinary…

Fondation Victor Vasarely

This gallery, 4km west of the city, was designed by Hungarian optical-art innovator Victor Vasarely (1906–97). An architectural masterpiece, it has 16…

Carrières de Bibemus

In 1895 Cézanne rented a cabanon (cabin) at the Carrières de Bibemus, east of Aix, where he painted 27 works. Atmospheric one-hour tours of the ochre…

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Latest stories from Aix-en-Provence

Jan 31, 2020 • 8 min read

Love art and running? Then there is no better way to take in the scenes of Cézanne and Van Gogh's greatest works than by sightrunning through Provence.

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Aix-en-Provence

46 Fun Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence, France

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It’s all immeasurable beauty in the captivating hillsides of the South of France’s Aix-en-Provence; alluring travelers far and wide with its iconic vibrant fields of Lavandula; top-producing wineries, terra cotta and butter-yellow buildings and landscapes that belong in paintings – and do!

As the birthplace of Post-Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne, many of the things to do in Aix-en-Provence center around the painter, his works and the world of art, with cultural endeavors holding a strong space in the city in general.

Appreciate the town’s refined atmosphere as you meander cobbled alleyways, down elegant avenues and around fancy squares filled with flower pots and fountains.

Revel in a night at the theater and tick sightseeing its romantic baroque-inspired manors off of your bucket list.

Hear the countryside calling your name, with the Sainte-Victoire mountain as a constant backdrop. Journey to local villages, farms, fruit orchards, vineyards, or day-trip to nearby cities along the Côte d’Azur (French Riviera).

A dreamy retreat where moments masked in beauty simply fleet by, Aix-en-Provence is truly one for the artists, dreamers, creatives and culturalists.

1 – Explore historic Vieil Aix

Entering a part of Aix-en-Provence where cobbled streets intertwine, narrow alleyways dazzle with terra cotta buildings dripping in vines and centuries-old history greets passers-by in brickwork and stone structures, Vieil Aix, i.e., the Old Town is the perfect starting point.

A flurry of daily markets, antiquated squares, brilliant fountains, historical monuments and typical French cafes, it’s the beating heart of this city and always a lively and bustling part of town.

Enjoy a café or an apéro around the Place des Cardeurs square; investigate the Musée du Vieil Aix; and shop revered French markets set up around the Cité Comtale, also known as the “three squares,” including farmers, clothes, second-hand books and antique treasure trove offerings.

Get camera happy, ardently snapping dozens of memories around sites like the Church of La Madeleine, place de l’Hôtel de Ville, Palais de Justice, Cathédrale Saint Sauveur, Halle aux Grains (a former 18th-century grain hall) and the Rococo-style place d’Albertas.

walking tours in Aix-en-Provence

2 – Revel in the music of candlelight concert

France glistens in culture, renowned for decades for its arts, customs and traditions. Spend an evening enlightened by the sounds of music during a romantic candlelight concert.

These special concerts differ from the rest thanks to the setup, specifically choosing an unordinary venue, sparkling in low dim light from hundreds of glowing candles placed around the space.

Performed as a tribute show, there are three options to choose from in Aix-en-Provence, all happening at the intimate Théâtre du Jeu de Paume.

Revel in the music of Ennio Morricone, Ludovico Einaudi or Pink Floyd, orchestrated by a piano and cello duo, letting your mind, body and soul be whisked away by not just the melodies, but by the atmosphere too.

candlelight concerts in Aix-en-Provence

3 – Meander along Cours Mirabeau

Margined with ascending plane trees extending through the center of the Old Town, the cafe and wrought-iron laced buildings lining Cours Mirabeau avenue are ridiculously attractive.

Dating to the 17th century, these original mansions were erected as abodes to the wealthy (and it was upon their request that the road out front remains a pedestrian zone).

Fountains shot up to decorate the lane, and the centuries to follow saw the influx of cafes, bars and boutiques shaping the roadsides.

Stroll along Cours Mirabeau, pull up a chair under shaded red umbrellas for a drink, or a coffee and a pastry, with a side of people-watching as the world flits by.

Among the gorgeous grand houses along the 440-meter-long street, Paul Cézanne’s childhood home is located at number 55. Other noteworthy numericals to keep eyes peeled include four, ten, 19, 20, 38 and 53.

It’s also an important area as it connects the old part of town with the Mazarin Quarter, i.e., the New Town. A five-minute walk around the corner is the exquisite Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte church, constructed in the 13th century. Boasting Gothic architecture, admire its high-vaulted ceilings and lay your hands on its walls to bask in its long-extended history.

4 – Run through lavender fields

lavender fields tour from Aix-en-Provence

If one of your sole desires for visiting Aix-en-Provence is just to sightsee the region’s famous lanes of dreamy bright purple lavender fields, many of us have the same agendas too.

Catching the attention of millions of eyes scrolling social media pages, with favorite influencers tempting us even more, traverse the iconic setting during Valensole tours from Aix-en-Provence .

The Valensole Plateau (Plateau De Valensole) is considered the ultimate place to see the lavender fields, blossoming usually around the end of June to the start of August.

The best time to spot the herbaceous florals in bloom is mid-July — when they’re in full-on flourish mode. Apart from Valensole, favored locales for seeing fields of purple prettiness are around Luberon and at Château du Bois.

Located one hour from Aix-en-Provence, if you cannot travel the distance, there are closer options to town, such as Terre Ugo — a 15-minute drive away. Visit this family estate, followed by a free tour of its lavender landscapes.

lavender fields tours from Aix-en-Provence

5 – Photograph Cathédrale Saint Sauveur

Cathédrale Saint Sauveur, Aix-en-Provence

Stone-washed interiors, towering tall stained glass windows gathering together as if reaching toward the heavens, intricately detailed archways, and carved cloisters with varying patterns; Cathédrale Saint Sauveur (also known as the Aix Cathedral) is an impressive architectural sight to behold.

Not only is its appearance intriguing, but so is its past, with its earliest foundations traced to the 5th century. Over the next millennia, parts were constructed, added and remodeled; fascinatingly, the church boasts an amalgamation of design anatomy.

Masterful pillars show off a Romanesque style, forming part of the Cloister; its Latin-cross-shaped transept and the bell tower are classically Gothic; the Notre-Dame d’Espérance chapel screams Baroque design.

For lovers of art and architecture, there’s loads more to admire, from the stone altar to the side chapels to the medieval frescoes and statues. The ancient pillars constituting the Cloister are a standout feature, with tulips blooming in the Cloister Garden’s center courtyard.

Here are four galleries (North, South, East and West Galleries), and guided tours provided by the cathedral take visitors through this area.

6 – Day trip to dreamy Luberon

Colorful villages, countryside terrains, vibrant lavender fields, overflowing markets, local cuisine; welcome to picturesque Luberon. Shopaholics, you’ve landed with your bum in the butter in this ever-quaint part of Provence.

The markets in France are on a whole other level, and there are dozens every day of the week in the surrounding Luberon Villages that are loved far and wide.

Farmer’s Markets sell all sorts of delights such as fresh produce, cheese, stone fruits, freshly baked bread, tapenades, honey, flowers, berries and so much more. Find trinkets, antiques, homeware, vintage gems, clothing and book markets too!

Luberon is, in fact, a massif and peppering its mountains are the most charming villages, five deemed as ‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’ (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) by the official association.

These are Roussillon, Gordes, Ansouis, Lourmarin and Ménerbes.

While in the region (just over an hour’s drive from Aix-en-Provence), take advantage of the walking trails around the villages, between them or within the Luberon Regional Natural Park.

Luberon tours from Aix-en-Provence

7 – Admire Pavillon Vendôme

Today visitors don their red lipstick and fancy gowns and suits for an event hosted at the dramatic Pavillion Vendôme villa, but if it were the 1660s, any guest arriving at this type of mansion was limited to the bourgeois only, in this case, the Duke of Vendôme (and his rumored mistress).

Built by the French architect Pierre Pavillon, it was for the grandson of King Henry IV, with work completed by 1667.

It’s no longer a scandalous residence, nor just reserved for the who’s who in town. Now, it acts as a museum for all to admire its restored interiors and furniture, as well as the original art collection consisting predominantly of work from the 17th to 20th centuries.

Tour around various rooms that double as the galleries, and the reception rooms and the bank vault room are available to hire for private functions.

Its manicured Jardin à la française has been open to the public since 1953, and the gardens are a fabulous spot for a romantic stroll.

8 – Go truffle hunting

Did you know that black truffles are native to France? Highly sought out (and treasured) around the world — just glance at their price tag — the ideal timing for harvesting season in this part of the country is from November to the beginning of March.

So, don’t miss out on truffle hunting while you’re in Aix-en-Provence, an utter chef’s dream — just saying.

Join a professional truffle-hunting expert at a truffle-growing plantation and not only get to pick your own, but become clued up on how the fungi are cultivated. Also witness first-hand how truffle hunting dogs are trained and help sniff out the Black Gold.

Les Pastras Truffle Farm is one of the top places for the activity.

Apart from the hands-on foraging experiences, there are a handful of morning truffle markets around Provence’s towns and villages.

truffle hunting in Aix-en-Provence

9 – Visit Atelier de Cezanne (Cézanne’s studio)

Picture the famous Post-Impressionist artist with his brush in hand, flecking dots into landscapes at his easel or finding inspiration staring out to evergreens fronting Atelier de Cezanne .

Paul Cézanne (1839 – 1906) was born and died in Aix-en-Provence and pioneered the Post-Impressionism art movement, influencing later styles such as Cubism and other art geniuses like van Gogh and Picasso.

As you mosey into the painter’s very own studio, where he worked between 1902 and 1906, you can’t help but get goosebumps, especially admiring the recreated fruit bowl scenes he so famously brought to the table with his still-lifes.

His personal preference was to work in-studio, and the atelier where he created many of his iconic pieces has now been converted into a museum.

It’s as if stepping back to a moment in time, his furniture, art tools and personal belongings perfectly preserved. You would expect the artist to jump out from around the corner at any moment.

10 – Take an epic sidecar tour

Searching for an unusual way to explore your way around the things to do in Aix-en-Provence?

Belted into the side of a motorcycle in a two-seater attachment, with the wind blowing through your hair and the French sunshine beaming down on you, opt for an epic sidecar tour through the scenic Provence countryside.

A standard ride lasts 45 minutes, veering slightly out of town and to nearby villages, such as Vauvenargues, amid verdant rolling hills and even a pine forest.

Extend the travel time to two hours (or a full-day excursion if you wish), driving to lavender fields and vineyards where you’ll stop for wine tastings.

Certain sidecar tours follow the Sainte-Victoire route, the mountain range outlining the rise; or through Rognes instead, lapping up terrains littered with olive trees, cypresses and oaks.

scooter tours in Aix-en-Provence

11 – Pay respects at the Site-Mémorial du Camp des Milles

Site-Mémorial du Camp des Milles, Aix-en-Provence

Stepping onto the grounds of the Site-Mémorial du Camp des Milles is an eerie moment for sure, egging on similar feelings if you’ve visited other war camps like Auschwitz (close to the city of Krakow in Poland).

A former tile factory was established as a French internment camp in 1939 (known as the Camp des Milles), imprisoning over 10,000 detainees over three different phases.

From 1939 to 1940, at the start of WWII, it was an internment camp for foreign enemies, then from 1940 until July 1942, captured foreigners, members of the International Brigades in Spain and expelled Jews were transferred here.

In August and September of that same year, the confinement grounds were solely utilized as a Jewish deportation camp.

Investigate the three horrific periods via the on-site museum, where prisoners’ and deportees’ personal belongings and items are displayed, including the infamous blue and white striped pajamas.

Due to its industrial structure as a once-used factory and the sheer fact that many were left here decrepit and dropped off as a deportee (the youngest under the age of one), the coldness in the air is undeniable.

12 – Stretch your legs at Climb Up Aix – Les Milles

Climb Up Aix – Les Milles, Aix-en-Provence

Boasting over 120 climbing blocks and walls that reach up to four meters, lace up your trainers and hit up Climb Up Aix – Les Milles .

No matter if it’s your first time trying out the sport or you’re an avid enthusiast already, the climbing room center has walls and boulder passageways to suit all levels.

Before you attempt the blocks, there’s a dedicated training area for stretching out or following a session, work on your core in this zone — equipped with apparatus like a pull-up bar.

The highest block is 4.5 meters, and all are surrounded by protective landing mats.

Wondering about compatibility for kids? The leisure activity is suitable for those from the age of seven years old and upward, but anyone under 18 years old needs to be accompanied by an adult in the climbing areas for safety purposes.

13 – Sightsee the area during an e-bike tour

Experience the beauty of Sainte Victoire Mountain or the splendor of the Luberon region with an e-bike tour, eliminating the trekking on foot for an electric bicycle leading the way. It’s an ideal way to visit villages and out-to-reach places where the only way possible to explore is via foot or cycle.

Spend three hours navigating Montagne Sainte-Victoire’s limestone mountain ridges on a mountain e-bike, following dedicated mountain-biking trails to various viewpoints.

Or, stay closer to base camp and lap up a guided city tour, specific tours throwing in a cheese and wine tasting stint to the mix (no need to worry about drinking and driving for this one).

If you’re keen on a full day’s adventure on your electric mode of transport, consider a tour around Luberon and its eye-catching French villages and enchanting hamlets, like Bonnieux, Oppède le Vieux and Ménerbes.

Alternatively, escape to the Alpilles Region, stopping at an olive vineyard, local villages, for example, Les Baux de Provence and traversing across its wild typography.

bike tours in Aix-en-Provence

14 – Become enchanted by Chateau La Coste

Grape vineyards for wine growing, strawberry fields, drinks next to waterways, art exhibitions and an outdoor cinema — how dreamy does Chateau La Coste sound?

Romantically compelling for lovers, art aficionados, wine-drinkers and anyone who is a sucker for a captivating landscape, begin at the Contemporary Art and Architecture Center.

Its 380-square-meter gallery showcases numerous exhibitions annually, including works by modern masters, from Andy Warhol to Anselm Kiefer.

There is even a dedicated three-hour art and architecture walk around the property.

Go wine-tasting, visit the cellar, diving into the wine producer’s history, or join a wine workshop. Five on-site restaurants are available: Tadao Ando’s Restaurant, La Terrasse, Vanina Restaurant, Francis Mallmann Restaurant and Hélène Darroze at Villa La Coste.

In the summer, the evening open-air cinema welcomes visitors to enjoy a French or English film under the starry night sky.

15 – Indulge in a wine tour

Of course, being in France, there are dozens of wine tours to lap up, so don’t pass up the opportunity to sample some of the country’s finest.

Ranging from three hours to eight, become acquainted with the various white, red and rosé varieties, tasting for yourselves why France is one of the world’s top wine producers.

Get to know the wine-growing process from grape to bottle, heading into cellars and around the vineyards. Hear of aging techniques, the different grapes and the production processes, and top up your wine knowledge with tours led by world-class sommeliers.

Coteaux d’Aix and Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire are two revered région viticole (wine regions) favored for wine tours, or keep things closer to town and enjoy wine sampling paired with cheese tastings in Aix-en-Provence.

wine tours in Aix-en-Provence

16 – Beat the clock out of an escape room

Have you ever tried an escape room before? Test your brains (or relationships) with these puzzle-solving games.

What’s the deal? Working as a team, you’re trapped inside a themed room. The only way out is by unlocking a set of keys, each hidden as a clue. The only way to find the keys is to solve the riddles individually, opening a key every time until the final exit.

Mind and Run has seven escape room universes, each following a unique storyline and fluctuating in difficulty. For example, make your way out of a children-engulfing power plant; save Wonderland and beat the mad Hatter; or try your best to escape a damaged spaceship on the way to Mars.

There are three rooms to play at Closed Escape Game . Travel to Wisconsin in the ‘Get Away If You Can’ room, join ‘The Heist of the Century’ or journey through Tokyo in the ‘Yakuza’ room.

17 – Explore coastal Cassis

A coastline of crystal azure-colored waters and pastel houses fronting a port where sleepy sailboats dock; Cassis is a photographer’s dream.

For centuries it’s held its own as a small fishing village, and its beginnings trace as far back as the Roman Empire.

Rich in history and beauty, it’s an idyllic locale for dining on the freshest seafood as the world passes you by at a local harborfront restaurant or cafe. Or, spend the afternoon relaxing on the pebble beaches, working on your summer tan.

Surrounding vineyards draw in crowds, and this part of the South of France is famed for its crisp Cassis white wines.

Fans of trail walks, you can enter Calanques National Park via a 30-minute route from town, or venture up to Cap Canaille headland to swoop up oceanic vistas.

Cassis is a 45-minute drive from Aix-en-Provence and is just over half an hour from Marseilles.

Cassis tours from Aix-en-Provence

18 – Discover 10 paintings of Cezanne’s at Musée Granet

Established in 1838, the Musée Granet has been building its collections of paintings, sculptures and archeological finds ever since, highlighting French, Italian and European artists from the last seven centuries.

Portraits and landscapes hang from the walls, sculptural pieces are placed around the gallery and excavated items displayed in glass cabinets.

If you’re desperate to scope out at least one legit art gallery, it should be this one; it’s collections awe-inspiring. There are eight galleries to delve into, and you can explore the works and rooms with a guided tour.

These include the French, Northern European and Italian Paintings of the 14th to 18th Centuries; French 19th Century Painting, Granet, Ingres, Provencal Painting; Cézanne at the Musée Granet; From Cézanne to Giacometti; Granet Xxth, the Jean Planque Collection; the Sculpture Gallery; Archaeology Gallery and the White Penitents Chapel.

Prepare to be dazzled from Rembrandt to Jean Planque to François-Marius Granet to Jean-Pancrace Chastel!

19 – Walk around Hotel de Ville

Helpful to know so as not to confuse visitors; in France, the term ‘hôtel de ville’ refers to a town hall or municipal building. Interestingly (and quite cleverly done), centuries ago any state-owned buildings were run by the nobility — afforded the luxury of residing within the elaborate mansions.

No longer the case, most have been converted or repurposed, just like Aix’s Hotel de Ville, established when Aix-en-Provence used to be the capital of Provence. Today, the historical 17th-century building is in charge of administrative requests, like local wedding officiating.

As a public institute, it’s open to all with no entrance charges and flaunts tons of art inside, particularly a collection of portraits of France’s crowned kings.

Admire the works, but don’t neglect the rest of the building — that goes for the area directly around it too.

Appreciate the Hotel de Ville’s Italian Baroque façade, moving onto the Le Tour de l’Horloge directly next door. Constructed in 1510 CE, the belfry’s astrological clock was added to the tower in 1661.

The Place de l’Hôtel de Ville of Aix, also known as the Town Hall Square, with its fountain (nicknamed the ‘Four Seasons’), sits in front of the town hall, and a pretty flower market brightens up the square every other day. Perpendicular is the old Halle Aux Grains (Grain Hall), now a library.

20 – Admire Fontaine de La Rotonde lit up at night

When exploring France, you know you’re in for a treat when scoping out exquisite, centuries-old architecture and design, such as the 12-meter Fontaine de La Rotonde.

Combining art, sculpture, design, mythics and flamboyancy; it’s got everything to love in a piece of perfect structure.

Welcoming you to the Cours Mirabeau, the extravagant 32-meter-wide fountain was constructed on a small square, now a traffic roundabout, where it has stood time proudly since 1860.

Adorning the water feature are sculptures of angels gloriously riding dolphins, sirens, twelve lions and swans, hinting at a scene out of Atlantis. Decorating its top are three women representative of the Fine Arts, Justice and Agriculture.

If you think about it, these three elements make Aix-en-Provence the unforgettable town it is today — and has always been.

21 – Appreciate the art at Vasarely Foundation

Miles apart from the neat rows of terra cotta and pastel facades sweeping the lanes around the city, the very geometrically-shaped Vasarely Foundation building is super-striking, to say the least.

Built as a collection of futuristic-looking cubes, the museum stands in stark contrast to anything else around, dedicated to artist Victor Vasarely, renowned for his out-the-box thinking — literally and figuratively.

Considered one of the founding masters of the Op Art movement, with his hands in other art palettes, including Cubism and Modern Art, the museum’s setup and features make total sense.

Renowned for envisioning canvases tripping audiences with their optical illusions, delve into his world amid eight exhibition spaces.

Chronicle Vasarely’s life and work across the decades, and the museum offers creative workshops for children where their imaginations are encouraged to run free!

22 – Stroll around lavish Hôtel de Caumont

Entering the ostentatious Hôtel de Caumont, you would hardly imagine a landfill of prestigious gardens within its hold. A popular design in Paris in the 16th century, the architectural layout (known as “between courtyard and garden”) was employed for this aristocratic abode.

Cypress trees, maples, fruit-bearing lime trees, scented magnolias, mulberry bushes, ivy and a variety of other plants flourish in the lower garden, with ornate ponds and manicured lawns covering the upper garden — all typical of a classic French garden.

Don’t miss out on sultry Jazz Evenings in the gardens, coupled with a glass of champagne from its Café Caumont.

The château is equally entrancing, boasting resplendent rooms decorated in rich furnishings and fanciful furniture pieces typical of the 18th century (the mansion was built from 1715 to 1742). Standouts include the grand Music Room and ‘Pauline’s Bedroom,’ and screened in the basement auditorium is a film about the life of Paul Cézanne.

Now an art center, gander at its dramatic interiors as well as any current temporary exhibition it’s hosting. You’re guaranteed to marvel at a few masterpieces.

Located in the Mazarin part of town, two ancient fountains are around the corner: Place des Quatre-Dauphins and Fontaine Du Roi René.

Hôtel de Caumont tickets

23 – Chill out at the best parks

Spoiled with pretty spaces in Aix-en-Provence; read a book, picnic, lap up the southern sunshine in your darling’s arms or just arrive to be inspired at the best parks.

Comprising two levels, Parc Jourdan features both a classic French and a romantic garden, scattered statues add a cultural touch and there is a lovely kids’ playground here. It’s one of the largest garden greens in the city.

A fabulous spot for an evening jog or to hang out on large open banks, head to Promenade de la Torse. It’s also well-favored by cyclists.

Nicknamed Painters Park, Terrain des Peintres shows off unbeatable views of Mont Sainte-Victoire … You can just imagine Cézanne staring at the same landscape. Follow a pathway to a viewpoint for remarkable vistas!

From a former estate to a lovely green space with a theater (the Nô theater), Planetarium, Natural History Museum and a Japanese Garden in the midst of it all, there’s loads to do at Parc Saint-Mitre.

24 – Be inspired by Moustiers Ste-Marie

Feel worlds away in the stoney village of Moustiers Ste-Marie.

Etched into the limestone cliffs of the Verdon Canyon (Gorges du Verdon), this is another official Les Plus Beaux Villages de France to add to your bucket list.

It’s as if stepping back centuries, with houses and buildings painstakingly preserved so as to retain all original history (and charm). Climb stone staircases that comprise its pathways to antiquated chapels, the village church and the aqueduct.

Live life in the slow lane here, with local arts at the town’s core, particularly traditional ceramics known as faïence pottery. There’s an entire museum dedicated to the art.

Dine at the bistros and brasseries for a truly authentic taste of the Alpes de Haute Provence.

Situated within the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon, the surrounding typography is especially unique to this part of the South of France.

Moustiers Ste-Marie tours from Aix-en-Provence

25 – Try out a paddle yoga lesson

Forget about an ordinary stand-up paddleboarding session or even your regular vinyasa flow class; combining both activities, try something new like a paddle yoga lesson, and you might just land upon your new and latest obsession!

If your favorite time of day for yoga-ing out is morning, one-hour lessons kick off at 9 AM, offered until dusk settles in.

A sunset paddle yoga lesson is something quite special, providing an extra moment of zen to the already mind, body and soul-relaxing pastime.

Decide if you’d prefer to balance on the waters of the coastal Etang de Berre lagoon, the stunningly milky-blue Lake of Sainte-Croix or the Mediterranean Sea.

Not only calming, paddle yoga is a great form of exercise and the excursion is led by a certified instructor, with all equipment like paddleboard provided. Wear appropriate gear for the water.

paddle yoga lessons in Aix-en-Provence

26 – Snap pics outside Place d’Albertas

The row of white French doors, lines of shutters and that quintessential ochre color lacquering French buildings and homes; the Place d’Albertas looks especially incredible on film from a vintage camera.

To be honest, even snaps on a mobile phone look good, and its magnificent grand 19th-century fountain is a major selfie moment. The Fontaine d’Albertas is fanned by rims of cobblestone, forming a square in front of the building.

Commissioned and owned by Jean-Baptiste d’Albertas (hailing from an influential family in Aix originally from Italy), the Baroque-style building took its place on Rue Espariat by 1746.

Steeped in decades-old existence, the entire perimeter, including its fountain and the square, is deemed an official historical monument.

27 – Explore Les Baux de Provence

Les Baux de Provence tours from Aix-en-Provence

Wander stone streets … drink a glass of wine at a cafe on a pathway flecked in evergreens … and run your fingers along timeworn walls with wild ivy growing sporadically in all directions in this dreamy mountain-top locale.

The ambiance of medieval Les Baux de Provence is similar to ancient hilltop towns elsewhere in Europe, for example, San Gimignano in Tuscany, Italy. However, its earliest traces of inhabitants go back to the Neolithic times; uncovered ruins in the town show evidence of this.

But, it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that most of the town buildings, monuments and landmarks were erected, such as the Castle of Les Baux de Provence.

Discover dozens of cute boutiques, chocolatiers, shops selling local artisanal goods such as olive oil, and mouth-watering places to eat.

Ensconced at the tip of a mountain plateau, the area around is sublime, offering lots to do and sightsee, from lavender fields to vineyards, plus hikes and walking trails.

Les Baux de Provence tours from Aix-en-Provence

28 – Get to know the city during scavenger games

scavenger games in Aix-en-Provence, France

Desperately hunting fun family things to do in Aix-en-Provence that your teenager will enjoy as well? Look no further than exciting scavenger games, involving a touch of tech, your brainpower, problem-solving skills, sightseeing and an adventurous spirit.

Doubling as a self-guided tour, as you make your way through the game, you’ll trek from one iconic city monument to the next — each forming part of the scavenger map.

Some of the sights en route include the Pavillon de Vendome, Fontaine des Quatre-Dauphins, the Statue of King René, Place d’Albertas and the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral.

The interactive treasure hunts should take about two hours to complete, and you’ll be required to download an app prior to work the activity.

scavenger games in Aix-en-Provence

29 – Sample traditional treats at the Museum Calisson

Have you ever heard of, or rather, tasted a sweet calisson before? Dedicated to the French confection, the Museum Calisson highlights how the diamond-shaped sweet is made, a fruity nut treat from Aix-en-Provence.

Nestled between an almond grove is the Roy René factory store where calissons are manufactured, and the museum is located within.

Learn the traditional confectionery’s ingredients, like candied melon, orange peel and almonds, and a step-by-step guide explaining the harvesting and production processes. You’ll even be shown the very nut trees where their almonds grow and have the chance to sample delicious calissons.

Guided tours in its garden of 300 almond trees cover the history of almond-growing and its varieties in the Provence region.

30 – Canoe inside Verdon Gorge

Blink and you’d think you’re elsewhere, like a spot along a canyon in Ha Giang, Vietnam, or on the river of the Grand Canyon in the USA; the Verdon Gorge’s blue bay and mountains shooting upward transport you out of France with natural beauty you wouldn’t usually associate with the country.

Flowing through parts of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regions, Gorges du Verdon is the country’s vastest canyon.

The river source billows from the Les Trois Évêchés mountain (close to Italy’s border), rolling for roughly 25 kilometers and eventually outpouring its end into the artificial Lac de Sainte-Croix lake.

Hiking around the gorge, kayaking along the radiant turquoise waters (which get its color thanks to chloride and a specific type of algae found mixing in its waters), birdwatching and picnicking are all popular activities. Couples and photographers: it’s a super scenic road trip route too.

P.s. Avid bird watchers, look out for griffon and black vultures swooping the skies above.

Verdon Gorge tours from Aix-en-Provence

31 – Enjoy a show at the Grand Théâtre de Provence

From an evening of opera to ballet, the Grand Théâtre de Provence is a hotspot for cultural shows as well as events.

The space is considered a “modern” one by Aix-en-Provence standards, the theater house established in 2007.

Swanking 20,000 square meters in total, the concert hall seats up to 1,382 guests.

Projected on the main stage in many different forms; the theater’s soul is centered around music, whether it’s jazz, symphonic concerts, dance recitals, hosting major international artists, orchestras and musical troupes throughout the year.

Annual events such as the Festival of Lyric Art utilize the Grand Théâtre de Provence, and in season, join one of the available workshops.

32 – Cruise above the city during airplane tours

Without anything stopping you from reaching out and touching a cloud with your bare hands, these airplane tours are next level!

Forget the ordinary, buckled up inside a replica vintage Stampe RV4 biplane (old-school two-winged planes where one wing sits above the other), soar over the Sainte-Victoire Mountain.

Flights are 50 minutes, or extend it by 30 to one hour and 20 minutes, and take off from the Aix-les-Milles aerodrome flying school, cruising over parts of Marseilles.

Alternatively, feel a total adrenaline rush with a microlight flight . Available at the same airfield, there are two options.

Be piloted for 50 minutes in the small open-window two-seater plane over the Blue Coast (Cote Bleue), Marseille’s harbor, the islands of Frioul and ‘Château d’If’. A second option is a one-hour and ten-minute journey from the Blue Coast to Cassis.

airplane tours in Aix-en-Provence

33 – Escape with a virtual reality experience

Leap from everyday normality and fall into new realms during a virtual reality experience with DreamAway .

Take a VR tour around the Anne Frank house, fall into Claude Monet’s paintings, join Alice in Wonderland or Save Notre Dame on fire!

Over 20 virtual realities make it a hard time choosing which one to play, but there are games to suit all ages and tastes, from adrenaline-inducing adventures to family-friendly and kiddies’ options.

Sessions can be played in 25 minutes or for a longer escape opt for a 45-minute round.

Size-wise, all games are suitable for up to 12 players.

34 – Embark on a food tour

Truffes, olive oil and calissons are a touch of the must-try foods and ingredients to sample in Aix-en-Provence, and without fail, are always included into the mix at some stage during a food tour.

Gourmet experiences last around three hours, guiding you to the top markets, delis and local cafés.

Indulge in fine bites such as lavender-infused treats, olive tapenades, anchovies and cheeses, coupled with a glass of wine or rosé from the local vineyards.

Shorter walking food tours last around an hour, and if you’re interested in exploring what the cuisine is like in other parts of Provence, decide on a food tour in Marseilles for the day.

food tours in Aix-en-Provence

35 – Get in your golf

Perfect your backswing at the golf courses around Aix-en-Provence.

The closest to the town center is Golf d’Aix-en-Provence . Sporting a course designed by American architect Ronald Fream, there are 18 holes to tee off from, enshrouded by trees and wide spaces.

Work on your techniques at its driving range before heading out onto the course. Set up from the vantage point so that all level players feel comfortable, competitions are held here too.

The golf course stays open until 8 PM, and there is an on-site restaurant.

A touch smaller, Aix Golf has an esteemed golfing academy doubling as the main focus.

Lessons focus on different elements of the game, like putting; long games and finding your swing; and knowing which clubs and sticks to use for various shots.

36 – Go wine-tasting in Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Chateauneuf-du-Pape tours from Aix-en-Provence

Bordering Provence and at the foothills of the Rhône Valley, savor first-hand Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s glorious wine selection, producing both reds (rouge) and whites (blanc) from this appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC).

Just over an hour from Aix-en-Provence, the wine region is home to over 300 vineyards plotted throughout five villages (these are Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Courhézon, Sorgues, Bédarrides and Orange).

Not to confuse visitors, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is also a specific type of wine (similar to Champagne produced in the Champagne region), famous for growing in the appellation, particularly its Grenache-based red blends.

Producing 15 grape varieties, red grapes are the cornerstone, and you can judge these for yourselves at the wine estates, boasting more than 200!

Some of the renowned wineries to visit are Château de Beaucastel, Château Fortia, Château La Nerthe, Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe and Domaine du Pegau.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape tours from Aix-en-Provence

37 – Get your heart racing at Indian Forest Aix-en-Provence

Pretend to be Tarzan and Jane swinging between the trees on ziplines, crossing monkey bridges and balancing on slacklines at Indian Forest Aix-en-Provence .

Straddling the Arc River, the three-hectare property is an escapement of greenery decked with a lovely terrace under the treetops.

Offering over 135 outdoor workshops — either centered around sports, nature or adrenaline-inducing activities — there’s something new or exhilarating for everyone.

Try out Tarzan Jumps, play the bowling green or revel in the fun and adventure under twinkling stars during a night session. Plus, there is a playground for children aged three years old and up.

38 – Spend hours in Avignon

More medieval-picturesque than any postcard could do justice; from a distance, gape at giant towers and castle-like buildings on the hillside of Avignon.

From a Gallic stronghold to a Roman city to the capital of the papacy (from 1309 to 1377, the popes resided in Avignon) to stone-bounded ramparts, the history of this city is tenfold, still evident at every turn and town corner.

The whole town center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its centuries-old walls and structures conserved over the fleeting decades.

Begin your day at Place de l’Horloge, knocking back an espresso at one of the cafes of the main town square. There’s also a theater and vintage carousel. The city’s prominent Gothic Palais des Papes (Palace of Popes) is a few minutes’ walk from here. Comprising the Old Palace and the New Palace, 25 rooms and its gardens are open to the public.

Other things to do and investigate include checking out the Notre-Dame des Doms Cathedral (and the rest of its UNESCO-listed treasures making up its Episcopal Ensemble); discovering the Villeneuve-les-Avignon area and roads like Rue de la République and Rue des Teinturiers; and overeating at the Les Halles food market.

Crossing the Rhône River is the remains of the 12th-century Romanesque Saint Bénézet Bridge (also known as the Bridge of Avignon) — another official UNESCO site.

Avignon tours from Aix-en-Provence

39 – Leave with a smile after shows at Comédie d’Aix

Laugh until your bellies ache at the Comédie d’Aix — a 300-seater comedy house and theater delighting audiences since 2020.

With everything and anything under the comedy genre realm, expect to find tickets to one-man shows, hilarious duos, entire ensembles, children’s plays and live arts like magicians or musicians.

The institute gives professional lessons to aspiring actors, as well as classes for children (between the ages of five and eight), teenagers (between the ages of nine and eleven) or adults who want to enjoy a bit of acting fun or the aids it can give.

For example, working on coming out of your introverted shell or learning to be silly as if no one is watching.

40 – Traverse Sainte-Victoire Mountain, made famous in Cézanne ’s work

If your happy place is out in nature, sprinkled with a helping of mountain walks and climbs, Sainte-Victoire Mountain (also known as Montagne Sainte-Victoire) is calling your name — a destination that has galvanized countless artists and writers!

Reaching over 1,000 meters at its highest peak; it’s prized for its hiking treks, flora and fauna spottings, natural lakes, landscapes inspiring artists and rock climbing opportunities along its via ferrata, i.e., a technical mountain climbing route.

More outdoor activities to delight in are mountain biking, paragliding, kite-flying, trail runs and picnicking.

It makes for a fantastic car ride, and there are many religious sites to investigate here too. These include the 19-meter-high Croix de Provence perched on a ridge on the western side, the 17th-century Sainte-Victoire Priory and the Ermitage de Saint-Ser chapel.

Sainte-Victoire Mountain tours

41 – Treat yourselves to some fine dining

France is globally renowned for its cuisine and the finest cooking techniques. Originating in the country too is the Michelin Guide, and you can best believe the fine dining scene in Aix-en-Provence does not disappoint.

Food so pretty that you couldn’t imagine disrupting it, the plates out the kitchen of one Michelin-star Pierre Reboul are creative, imaginative and really beautiful!

Headed up by an acclaimed chef after whom the restaurant is named, one Michelin-star Mickaël Féval is a celebration of the owner’s own childhood memories and French cooking traditions. There are multiple set menus to choose from.

One Michelin-star winner Le Art is set up inside the stunning 18th-century Château de La Gaude. Find yourself at a loss for words as fanciful and imaginative plates arrive at the table, an epitome of fine dining.

For food that pops with color and utilizes seasonal ingredients only, book a table at Les Inséparables , featuring a lovely outdoor terrace.

Quintessentially French, the dining experience at Villa Gallici is lavish, to say the least, whether talking its French-Italian interiors or menus. Refined and elevated, it’s the whole haute gastronomie experience.

Designed as an ode to an empress and located within the 5-star hotel Villa Saint-Ange, feast on a seasonal menu inspired by the Mediterranean at Âma Terra .

Brainchild of chefs Kazunari Noda and Matthieu Dupuis Baumal, Kaiseki will win your heart with its robust flavors, refined techniques and fusion ingredients from France and Japan.

42 – Win big at Pasino Grand

Test your lucky streak at the Pasino Grand — a mash-up between a classic casino, a club and a game show — and is all about elaborate and extravagant game playing.

Splurging 280 slot machines, 137 electronic games and 26 table games, the casino is designed with alluring futuristic elements, oversized touchscreens, and live playing fields where the atmosphere is buzzing!

Even its GRANDioz restaurant employs an avant-garde setup decked in gold and black. They do an impressive Sunday brunch too.

43 – Enjoy beer tasting

We’ve all heard about French wine, but what is the beer scene like? Explore for yourself during a beer tour around Aix-en-Provence, heading into countryside scapes like Pays d’Aix or close to Sainte-Victoire Mountain, where you’ll find local breweries.

Veering past vineyards, lavender fields, olive tree groves and roads lined in cypresses, the Rognes tour route ends up at a brewery where the tastings start, and the tour lasts roughly two hours.

A second option is to spend a full day on a beer-sampling adventure — guaranteed to leave you feeling merry afterward. Stop off at a lakeside brewery, distinguishing between its crafts like the Blonde Famous Triple and the Blanche Calisson.

Ensuring you don’t have to worry about transport and allowing you to fully appreciate the various crafts you’ll be indulging in during tastings; expeditions are guided by a private driver.

beer tasting in Aix-en-Provence

44 – Catch a live concert at Arena Aix

Spot your favorite UFC fighter in the arena, listen to famous French singers or catch a hilarious comedian ripping up the stage at Arena Aix .

Plays, concerts, stand up shows, tributes and ballet performances occur regularly at the multifunctional hall.

Not just an events and concert venue, but trade shows and fairs are held here too, for example, a Habitat Show, a Paranormal Show and a Student Fair.

On the sporting end, the PAUC Handball Club has trained and played at the Arena Aix since 2017, transforming the Big Room into a court. Handball is similar to soccer (football), but instead of using your feet, the objective is to score a goal by throwing the ball and shooting with, well, your hands.

This same space is where the rest of the sports matches take place.

45 – See the cancan at Francky Folies Cabaret

Fun fact: Cabaret culture originated in Paris during the 1880s, with clubs across the county following in pursuit.

Established in the 21st century, Francky Folies Cabaret may be a newer dancer on the block, but it certainly retains and dazzles with the old-school thrills and allure of the traditional cabaret houses, from the stage to the bejeweled costumes to the performers.

Take your pick from either a lunch or dinner show as singers, dancers and transformists slinky across the stage, captivating audiences with sultry voices and moves like the cancan.

They offer a variety of themed shows on different nights of the week.

46 – Explore the nightlife

End off the day with an aperitif or nightcap at the best bars, sussing out Aix-en-Provence’s nightlife scene.

A total vibe; La Cocina Negra cocktail bar is set up inside a hidden cellar hinting at the Prohibition Era.

All the striped oranges and yellows inside Bières Paul Jack give it a totally funky 70s feel! Beer drinkers, their selection of craft bottles is on point!

Unassuming, affordable and a great spot for watching the world pass you by, Au P’tit Quart d’Heure is a lovely wine bar.

Serving up inventive drinks, Céleste is a cocktail bar that pays attention to presentation.

Offering a fine selection of vinos, including rare bottles, pop into La Méduse wine bar for a glass or bottle to share.

How to get to Aix-en-Province?

The closest airport to Aix-en-Provence is the Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) situated in Marignane (approximately a 30-minute drive).

If you’re keen on getting to your hotel or the city as soon as possible, consider pre-organizing airport transfers before your holiday begins in the South of France.

After landing and you’re all sorted and ready to exit the airport, your driver is there to greet you, holding a sign with your name on it. Hop into a comfortable private vehicle and then be whisked off to Aix-en-Provence.

Where to stay in Aix-en-Province?

Boasting such beauty, all of the accommodation around Aix-en-Provence is naturally stunning. Here are some of the best hotels and accommodation options.

Like a typical scene out of the French countryside, the 5-star Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel has a fantastic location just ten minutes from the town center, yet feels worlds away.

Spend hours milling around the 5-star Le Pigonnet – Esprit de France’s gorgeous estate (the epitome of a Southern vineyard). The rooms are to die for, exuding old-world charm and luxury.

Every detail down to the last lick of wallpaper are thought of at 5-star Villa Saint-Ange , its rooms (more like a suite) designed with everything you need.

Done up in greens and warm woods, the rooms of the Boutique Hôtel Cézanne are sizey and equipped with all amenities, just five minutes around the corner from Cours Mirabeau. The historic building is over 100 years old!

If you’d prefer to stay outside the city and more amid the countryside, Château de la Gaude and Les Lodges Sainte-Victoire Hotel & Spa are no-brainers — both 5-star stays.

best hotels in Aix-en-Provence

Visiting Aix-en-Province on a budget?

It’s no hidden secret that France is one of Europe’s more expensive destinations. There are ways to save extra euros during your vacation, like with free walking tours in Aix-en-Province .

Lasting around two hours, classic walking tours are led by a local who is excited to share their knowledge, personal anecdotes and insider stories with you as you amble from one landmark to the next.

Get acquainted with monuments and points of interest such as the Fontaine de la Rotonde, Thermes Sextius, Cours Mirabeau, Aix Cathedral and more.

There is also the choice of purchasing a City Pass Aix-en-Provence , offered as a one, two or three-day option. It automatically grants you free admission to the city’s top attractions and tours, as well as free rides and access to local transport.

The pass includes entrance to over 12 must-see sites, 18 guided tours, a mini-tram tour and discounts at select restaurants.

Where to go next?

Every town and city along the French Riviera is unique, and there are many other fun things to do in Côte d’Azur.

The closest to explore is Marseille (just 40 minutes from Aix-en-Provence). As the capital city of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, it’s also the country’s second-largest city! Dripping in historic structures, from palaces to chateaux to cathedrals, the things to do in Marseille delight history boffs.

Rising to global recognition thanks to its annual film festival, there are plenty of other things to do in Cannes — a town that oozes romantic coastal charm. While Cannes is an hour and 45 minutes from Aix-en-Provence, Nice is a further 15 minutes.

Tan on its iconic pebblestone beaches, catch the tram downtown, dine at fancy restaurants, concoct your own perfume and explore its picturesque Old Town. There are plenty of enticing things to do in Nice .

There are many other great places to visit in France .

Renowned for its ancient structures and religious antics, the things to do in Avignon are once-in-a-lifetime. Famous for its wine, the things to do in Montpellier are an amalgamation of old meets new.

Famed for its food, markets and architecture, the things to do in Toulouse are perfect for a day trip or weekend away. Located where the Rhône and Saône Rivers meet, the things to do in Lyon (France’s third largest city) garner toward all types of travelers.

Final thoughts

We’ve never met anyone who didn’t fall in love with this enchanting town, and the things to do in Aix-en-Provence have a way of inspiring you — even if you didn’t ask for it.

If you’ve been lucky enough to traverse this part of France before, what are some of your favorite memories? Share with us in the comments; we love to hear from our readers.

As always, happy travels and au revoir !

Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence (France)

An urbane city noted for its elegance and high-culture, Aix has been settled by some of France’s preeminent minds and artists. Most notable of all is Paul Cézanne who immortalised the limestone peak of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, which rises to the east of the city. Provence is famously scorching in summer, but the streets of Aix are kept cool by the shade of its handsome honey-coloured buildings and plane trees, as well as the spray from the many fountains.

See the baroque and rococo 17th and 18th-century “hôtels” in the Quartier Mazarin, and stroll along Cours Mirabeau, the boulevard where Camus and Hemingway would have come for lunch when they lived in the city.

Lets explore the best things to do in Aix-en-Provence :

1. Aix Cathedral – triptych

Arriving at this monument on Rue Gaston de Saporta you’ll see right away how Aix Cathedral blends different styles and eras.

To the left is the gothic portal with beautiful sculpture and the Virgin with Child in the centre.

But next door to this is the romanesque entrance from the 1100s, which joins onto a much older Roman wall, believed to have belonged to a temple to Apollo.

The thing you have to see inside above all else is the 15th-century Burning Bush triptych painted by Avignon artist Nicolas Froment.

The middle panel portrays the Virgin and Child, with Moses in the foreground, and on the sides are René of Anjou and Queen Jeanne who commissioned the work.

Don’t resist the urge to see every nook and cranny of Aix’ old centre, north of Cours Mirabeau, for its gorgeous architecture, charming markets, unexpected historical flourishes and the constant feeling that you’re walking in the shoes of great artists and writers.

It’s a heady concoction, so you could use the city’s famous fountains as the basis for your tour.

Many of these are Roman springs and have been hydrating Aix for thousands of years, even if their design has changed.

There are cafes, boutiques, classic French amenities and galleries, and, in the Mediterranean style, there’s still a sense of bustle after midnight in summer.

Go to Rue Jacques de la Roque to see the old ramparts, take a coffee in Place de l’Hôtel de ville to study the Old Belfry, and its ancient Roman stonework at the base.

3. Cours Mirabeau

The fitting finale for your wander around the oldest part of Aix is Cours Mirabeau, below which are newer but no less wonderful streets of Mazarin.

This avenue has a wide walkway shaded by rows of lush plane trees, and is replete with mansions and restaurants that were the haunts of French cultural icons like Camus, Cézanne and Zola.

You can bask in their lingering glow at dinner or simply just come for a simple croissant and coffee in the morning as Aix stirs to life.

On the western limit is La Rotonde, possibly the most beautiful of Aix’ fountains, while the strangest, La Fontaine d’Eau Chaude is fed by a host spring, is covered with moss and creates a delicate mist on cold winter days.

4. Atelier Cézanne

Surrounded by olive groves and fig orchards on the Lauves Hill is Paul Cézanne’s studio where he worked for the last four years of his life.

It’s about 15 minutes on foot from the centre, and he would make a daily commute from his home on Rue Boulegon out to this studio, which had been purpose-built according to the artist’s own designs.

The place hasn’t been touched since he passed away 110 years ago, so for lovers of his work it’s a setting where you’ll almost be able to feel his presence.

His smock is hanging up, still stained with paint, and there are objects that appear in his work all around this single room.

5. Montagne Sainte-Victoire

The Cézanne theme continues at this renowned limestone ridge 20 kilometres east of Aix, and visible from his studio.

It was an inspiration for Cézanne who painted it many times, from different angles and in different lights.

The mountain peaks at over 1,000 metres and is scattered with little religious sites that you’ll meet unexpectedly, like the Priory of Sainte-Victoire or the Saint-Ser Hermitage, which is sculpted from a cave.

If you want to go to the top where a cross has been mounted, start at Barrage du Bimont and the round trip will take about two hours.

In mid-summer you might be just as happy to stay by the Lac de Bimont and savour the sight of the mountain without conquering it!

6. Musée Granet

In the old priory buildings of the Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte, the Musée Granet has a collection of almost 12,000 paintings, sculptures and historic artefacts.

And, you guessed it, one of the must-sees is the room dedicated to Cézanne, with nine oil paintings by the post-impressionist.

In recent years the museum has received a big donation from the Planque Foundation, created by the heirs of Jean Planque, a prolific Swiss art collector.

This has endowed Musée Granet with works by Picasso and Kandinsky to go with an already distinguished assembly of baroque paintings from the 17th-century French school, and the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens and Jacob Jordaens.

7. Hôtels Particuliers – Mazarine

When Michele Mazzarino was made Archbishop of Aix in 1645 he had some big plans for the city, and over the next few years ordered a whole new district below the Cours Mirabeau.

This was where the gentry and wealthy merchants would make their homes, in marvellous Hôtels.

Many of these are on the southern side of Cours Mirabeau overlooking the walkway, so this is a good place to start your walking tour, and there are many more to be found on Rue Mazarine, Rue Goyrand, Rue Carinale, Rue Roux-Alphéran, Rue du Quatre-Septembre and Rue d’Italie.

Stop at Place des Quatre-Dauphins for a photo of the fountain with four sculpted dolphins and dating 1667. Most agree that it’s the loveliest fountain in the city, which is saying a lot for Aix.

8. Hôtel de Caumont

On Rue Joseph-Cabassol is one of the few hôtels open to the public and among the most magnificent.

It’s a French “monument historique” and was built between 1745 and 1742 for the Marquess of Cabanes.

The interior has been conserved in all its 18th-century finery, with rococo gilded plasterwork and furniture.

One of the many fine rooms is the Salon de Musique, with a Louis XV-style harpsichord from the mid-1700s, a painted harp and armchairs with floral motifs.

The mansion puts on high-profile temporary art exhibitions: Canaletto in 2015, and then Turner in 2016.

9. Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte

Built in five short years between 1272 and 1277 this church was the first gothic building to be built in Provence.

It was built outside of the city on the road to Italy, and its appearance was inspired by the hospital of St.

John in Jerusalem, constructed during the crusades.

So that explains why there’s a military feel about this building, with loopholes either side of the portal and few large openings in the facade apart from the stunning rose window.

The highlight inside is the collection of art, with pieces by feted artists such as Louis Finson and Michel Serre.

10. Markets

You’ll have no doubt that you’re in Provence when you catch the scent of lavender while pottering around an open-air market in Aix.

They should be your first destination for fresh produce and Provençal delights.

There are food markets on Place des Prêcheurs and Place de la Madeleine on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday, and one every day on Place Richelme.

Don’t shop anywhere else if you’re staying at self-catered apartment! There’s also a flower market on alternating days on Place de la Mairie and Place des Prêcheurs, while on Tuesdays and Thursdays there are stalls selling clothing and fabrics on Cours Mirabeau.

11. Wine Tourism Château La Coste

Aix-en-Provence is in the second-largest wine-appellation in Provence, growing Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsaut grapes, and mostly producing reds but with a third of output taken up by rosés, which are fabulous in the summer.

The array of vineyards an caves around Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC is such that many people leave the decision-making in the hands of professional tour companies.

If you want a full-on experience you can go on an all-day tour.

But if you’re pressed for time Château la Coste is moments north of the city and puts on tours educating you about the grapes used in each bottle of wine and every step of how they’re fermented and aged.

The Château also has modern sculpture park with works by Tracey Emin and Andy Goldsworthy, to name two.

12. Camp des Milles

Southwest of the city is a memorial that might bring you back to earth after all the culture and beauty of Aix.

Camp des Milles is France’s only Second World War internment and deportation camp that to be preserved and open to visitors.

Between 1939 and an 1942 it processed thousands of prisoners from countries all over Europe, but especially German and Austrians who had fled to the South of France after the Nazis had seized power.

Numerous important artists and writers were interned here, like Max Ernst and the Nobel Prize laureate Otto Fritz Meyerhof.

There are video installations at the camp, and maybe it’s a place where you can take a moment to reflect before moving on to more indulgent pleasures.

13. Musée du Calisson

Calissons make a cracking gift to take home from Aix; these summery sweets are made from candied fruit and almond paste, and then covered with a layer of icing.

They also usually come in cute, vintage-style packaging.

Anyway, if you’d like to know how this favourite Aix delicacy is made you can visit the sleek and sustainable new factory at the Confiserie du Roy René, which is set within two hectares of almond groves.

On a tour you can walk on a mezzanine level above the factory floor and get to know the history, method and ingredients with interactive exhibits and displays of antique machinery.

14. Aix-en-Provence Opera Festival

It’s only right that Aix should hold one of France’s most celebrated cultural festivals, inviting the most famous opera performers from around the world.

Lasting throughout July, the festival has three main venues: The rococo Théâtre du Jeu de Paume, dating to the middle of the 18th century, the modern Grand Théâtre de Provence and the Théâtre de l’Archevêché in an unbeatable outdoor space in the courtyard of the Archbishop’s Palace.

It’s been going since 1948 and is known for its broad repertoire, staging modern operas by Benjamin Britten and Prokofiev as well as the classics by Handel, Wagner, Mozart and Verdi, a revaluating forgotten baroque operas.

15. Mini Tram

If time is of the essence or you have children that aren’t up to walking around Aix’ streets for hours the Mini Tram will give you a convenient summary of all the major sights.

It’s a stylish 57-seater road train, with a couple of cool high-tech touches, including multi-lingual commentary via a headset.

Another neat touch is the roof, which is transparent so you won’t have to crane your neck to see the loftier buildings.

So you’ll pick up tidbits about the city’s history that might otherwise have passed you by.

Tours take 45 minutes and depart from Brasserie Le Festival on Cours Mirabeau.

15 Best Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence (France):

Aix Cathedral - triptych
Cours Mirabeau
Atelier Cézanne
Montagne Sainte-Victoire
Musée Granet
Hôtels Particuliers - Mazarine
Hôtel de Caumont
Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte
Wine Tourism Château La Coste
Camp des Milles
Musée du Calisson
Aix-en-Provence Opera Festival

Walking Tour of Aix-en-Provence

I’m fortunate to have called southern France home since 2010 , and I’d like to make your next visit truly special with a guided walking tour of Aix-en-Provence. Aix ( pronounced “ex” ) is a vibrant city with fascinating architecture, charming traditions, chic restaurants, renowned festivals, and passion for life. I’ll share my passion and knowledge about this ville d’eau , and together we’ll discover some of the hidden treasures that many visitors overlook.

Aix-traordinary Provence

From its settlement by the Romans to the modern city of today renowned for music and the arts, there’s something special in Aix-en-Provence for everyone. I’ll create a guided walking tour for you so that you don’t just see Aix…you experience it. All kinds of bookings are welcome, from individuals and couples to families and small groups.

Getting to Aix-en-Provence

The Aéroport de Marseille Provence is located in Marignane to the north of Marseille and it will take you about 30-minutes to get to Aix-en-Provence by rental car, taxi or Uber (or you can also take the bus). If you arrive by the high-speed train (TGV), plan on about 20-minutes from the Aix-en-Provence TGV railway station to the city center.

My Tour Guide Reviews

Erin was a lovely host and we learned so much from her about the history of Aix. We highly recommend this fantastic tour. Our kids were engaged and interactive with Erin the entire time. Thanks again for everything Erin! We can’t wait to come back. – Brandy B.

My adult daughter and I had the good fortune to spend an afternoon touring Aix with Erin. Her warm and welcoming personality, coupled with her knowledge of the city made for one of the best days on our trip. I would highly recommend her to anyone visiting Aix. – Janet I.

Top 27 Day Trips From Aix En Provence In France

Posted on Published: June 5, 2020 - Last updated: December 8, 2023

Categories France , Travel

Centrally located in the South of France, there are endless possibilities for places to visit near Aix en Provence. It makes a great base city to tour the rest of the region. Here I’ve listed 27 of the best Aix en Provence day trips to get you started.

There’s a day trip from Aix for everyone on this list. The beach is a 30 minute drive away, hiking trails are less than 20, and there are countless little South of France towns all around to explore. You can easily visit lavender fields, wineries, and historical sites too.

Oh, and Aix itself is a pretty nice spot all on its own! So, here’s the ultimate list of the top 27 day trips from Aix en Provence.

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

The Best Day Trips From Aix #aixenprovence #daytripsfromaix #southoffrance #wheretogosouthoffrance

A Little Bit About Aix-En-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is my favourite city in the South of France. It’s not too big and not too small. There are more than enough cafés to enjoy , museums to visit, and breathtaking scenery to take in!

It’s also famous for being the birthplace of impressionist painter, Paul Cézanne. You can follow his entire life from birth to death in this city ( more about the city’s romance with Cézanne! ).

Hotel Recommendations In Aix?

Aix en Provence is a very small city in the South of France so there’s no bad location to stay during your visit. We stayed at an Airbnb in Aix because we were visiting for a month. Here are some hotel suggestions I found to stay at while in Aix en Provence.

I would recommend staying in an apartment get a more local taste of this small South of France town and a balcony is a must-have! I love Loft “Le Petit Séquoia for both of those features. You can sleep 5 people in this apartment on the edge of town and it has an unbeatable balcony for everyone to enjoy. See room rates and availability .

For a truly luxury getaway with a pool and spa to relax in the South of France, book a room at the Les Lodges Sainte-Victoire Hotel & Spa . Although it is further outside the city centre, they offer a truly relaxing South of France getaway. I mean, they have not one, not two, but THREE swimming pools! See room rates and availability .

If you want a luxury stay in the city, book Luxury Design Hotel Particulier le 28 where every room is different! They also have an indoor pool and give you one of a kind stay in Aix en Provence. See room rates and availability .

For a budget-friendly option in the city centre (on Cours Mirabeau) stay at Séjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau . They offer a full kitchen and apartment amenities to live like a local in Aix! See room rates and availability .

For more hotel accommodations in Aix en Provence, Click here .

sitting-france-airbnbsitting-france-airbnb

Planning Day Trips From Aix

You have four options for getting around the South of France for your day trips from Aix en Provence; the train, the bus, renting a car, or going on organized tours. We never took the train, but we did take the bus once and go on one organized tour. But our main mode of transportation was renting a car and driving.

The towns surrounding Aix-en-Provence are for the most part quite small. With this in mind, you’ll likely want to visit more than one in a day. There are a few exceptions (like Marseille) that are large enough to fill an entire day. More often than not, we found ourselves driving to 2 to 3 towns/attractions in one day.

Because you’ll probably end up going from town to town to see the main sites in each, the easiest and most flexible option is to drive. You can also opt to do half-day trips.

Plan the ultimate vacation

My digital travel planner template has everything you need to plan your vacation: research templates, travel planner itinerary, travel budget templates…etc. . You can print it out or use it digitally on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Aix En Provence Day Trips By Bus

The bus is one of the least stressful and cheapest modes of transportation for Aix en Provence day trips. You don’t have to worry about driving and parking in a foreign country.

The downside to taking the bus, of course, is that you are bound to their schedule. Another problem is that you have to make sure there is enough to do in the area you’re visiting. We were able to take the bus to Marseille for the day from Aix.

Again, since most of the towns aren’t that big, I wouldn’t devote an entire day to seeing them. If you aren’t going too far out of the city you can take public transport, but they also have intercity buses.

Organized Tours From Aix En Provence

Organized tours are a great option for day trips from Aix en Provence. You can find all the organized tours the city offers from the tourist centre or you can book a tour through Viator .

As I said, the towns are quite small and remote. So either, there’s no bus or train that will take you there, and then there isn’t enough to fill the day with.

Day tours from Aix en Provence are peaceful ways to see all the main sites surrounding the city. The downside is that I find it’s definitely on the pricier side and you’re bound to the tour’s schedule.

See all the organized tours from Aix en Provence offered by the city here or see Viator tours from Aix en Provence here.

Renting A Car & Driving In Provence

Renting a car and driving is both the easiest way to get around and the most stressful for day trips from Aix en Provence. You can read my in-depth guide to driving and renting a car in the South of France .

There are a few things you need to take into account when driving through Provence. First, driving in Aix is not a thing. The streets are narrow, there’s no parking, and it’s all around pretty terrible, so you’ll want to rent a car for one day at a time. That means picking it up and returning it all in the same day.

With driving it’s also important to add more time than you think you’ll need for driving from point A to point B. You might want to stop along the way to take photos and you have to take into account the time it takes to find parking in each city.

You also have to plan your route carefully. For example, it takes an hour to drive from Aix to Avignon, and an hour and 10 minutes to drive from Aix to Gordes. But! Don’t think that it’s only going to be 10 minutes to get from Avignon to Gordes, it’s actually 45! That’s because you are now off the highway taking side streets.

If you are driving, you also need to take into account the time it takes to look for parking in each place.

You might also be interested in reading…

Provence Driving & Parking Tips For a Stress Free Vacation

Places To Visit Near Aix En Provence

1. mont sainte-victoire.

This is a famous mountain just outside in Aix. Mont Sainte-Victoire was the subject of many of Cézanne’s paintings.

There are several hiking trails with breathtaking views, for any desired hiking level. You don’t even have to hike to the top, which is 2 hours each way. There are also two dams you can hike to, or the Bibémus Quarry.

How To Hike Mont Sainte-Victoire From Aix

This is one of the day trips from Aix en Provence that you can make into what you want! The mountain is accessible by car and city bus. You can either spend your entire there or just go for the morning or afternoon.

Just be sure that you pack a picnic lunch to enjoy with a view! Read more about hiking Mont Sainte-Victoire !

picnic-on-st-victoire aix france hidden gem

2. Bibémus Quarry

Within the mountain is the Bibémus Quarry. It was Cézanne’s second love, but he painted it just as much as the mountain.

Visiting Bibémus Quarry can be an alternative to or combined with visiting Sainte-Victoire.

Once again, you can either drive or take the bus here but you can only visit the Quarry with a guided tour. The guided tours stop at the end of October, during the low season. Find more information here .

Carrière de Bibémus by Paul Cézanne day-trips-aix

3. Musée Calisson

You won’t find a Calisson anywhere else in the world; these sweet treats are local to Aix. One of the main attractions in Aix is to visit the largest manufacturers of these desserts, Roy René.

This is one of the best places to visit near Aix en Proence if you don’t want to rent a car. It will fill up about half your day, but you can take the city bus there, which will take about 20-minutes. You can find your route online here .

The manufacturer offers tours , or you can wander the museum at your own pace. You’ll learn everything from their history to how Calisson are made today.

4. Visit A Winery (Or Two)!

As many of you are probably aware, France is all about wine. But Provence is actually all about rosé. It’s important to taste and indulge in the local culture, right? So it’s a must to visit at least one winery while in Aix-en-Provence.

Lucky for you, there are many places to visit near Aix en Provence that offer wine tastings. The downside is that it can be quite a challenge to get to them. You’ll most likely need to rent a car or book an organized tour .

One of the more well-known wineries to visit is Château La Coste . It’s at a large castle, surrounded by huge grounds filled with art sculptures that you can explore. You can actually make it here by bus, but it involves a 4 km walk and trusting a sketchy bus schedule. I’d recommend renting a car for the day if you want to come here.

Or you can go on an organized tour. We chose the half day (english) tour with Vignevasion (see all their tours they offer in Provence here ) loved it! We booked it through the tourist office and was guided by a local from Provence.

She was knowledgeable about both wine and Provence, and gave us useful tips for wine tasting and the rest of our stay in Aix! The best part about the tour is that there’s a max of 10 people in the group so it’s a pretty personal tour.

If you do decide to rent a car and go on your own, please make sure you have a designated driver.

Organized Wine Tours From Aix en Provence With Viator

Cotes de provence wine tour.

Mas de Cadenet wine tasting
Domaine Terre de Mistral Wine tasting
Pass by Col de Rousset

View on Viator.com >>

Provence Wineries and Luberon Villages

Drive through Montagne Sainte Victoire
Visit Lourmarin, Gordes, Roussillon villages

Private Full Day Wine Tour in Provence

Hotel pick up and drop off
A private tour through Provence
Three wine tastings

5. Camps des Milles

A day trip (or half-day trip) to Camps de Milles is the ultimate outing for history buffs. This is an internment camp in the South of France that opened in 1939.

You’ll most likely need a car to get here, from what I could tell it isn’t along any bus routes, but it’s only a 20 minute drive away by car.

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6. Cassis: Bec De L’Aigle (45 mins)

Cassis is a quintessential beach village where all the locals from Aix go on a beautiful summer day because it’s so close to the city. You will need a car to get here though.

As we didn’t visit Aix during beach season, we didn’t end up visiting Cassis. But it’s on our list if we ever get to come back. If you’re not much of a beach person (like us), there are also hiking trails, or you can go on boat tours.

If you want to escape the tourists for a bit, our Airbnb host recommended heading to Bec de L’Aigle (the Eagles Beak). It’s a lookout point outside the town.

7. Lourmarin (45 mins)

Lourmarin is known as one of the most beautiful villages in France. There’s a castle to explore, along with many cafes and restaurants for coffee and dining (each one more delicious than the last as I hear it).

They’re very proud that Nobel Literature Prize winner Albert Camus was born here too.

8. Marseille (1 hour)

Marseille is the capital of the Provence region. Although it hasn’t had the best reputation throughout the years, it has really improved. But if you’re still a bit uneasy about it, making a day trip there from Aix is the perfect excuse to check it out so you avoid staying overnight.

There’s more than enough to fill your day here; museums, outstanding views, and of course, the beach!

Plus, there’s a bus to Marseille from Aix every 30 minutes! So it’s one of the easiest day trips from Aix en Provence to plan. I was advised not to even attempt driving to and in the city. Apparently the driving in Marseille is worse than driving in Aix!

How To Make The Most Of One Day In Marseille – A Suggested Itinerary

Is Marseille Safe? The Truth About Marseille & What It’s Like To Visit

Day Trips From Aix En Provence To The Côtes D’Azur

This is the Mediterranean coast of the South of France, famous for all its bougie beach towns. There are four main cities that you can visit in the Côte D’azur aka the French Riviera: Saint Tropez, Cannes, Nice, and Èze .

You can visit a few of them in one day from Aix, or you can spend an entire day exploring just one.

You’ll want to rent a car to get to these beachside cities though . You can either drive straight there on the highway (paying for toll roads) or you can take a scenic route along the coast (but it can add quite a bit of time). Google Maps will be your best friend here, you’ll want to compare several routes and choose the best one for you!

When we visited the Côte D’Azur, we made a quick stop in Cannes to spend a few hours in Nice. We then drove through Èzes and finally stopped in Monaco for a few hours as well.

Read more How To Visit The Côte D’Azur in One Day From Aix

streets-nice-one day Côte D'azur day-trips-aix

9. Saint Tropez (1h 40)

Saint Tropez is one of the closest places to visit near Aix-en-Provence in the Côte D’Azur. I really wanted to make it to Saint Tropez but we didn’t have enough time to stop there in the end.

The biggest draw for me was the Butterfly Museum, but there are loads more things to do there! Like stare in awe at all the yachts on the coast, or take part in their booming nightlife.

10. Cannes (1h 40)

Next along the coast is Cannes, famous for the Cannes Film Festival. Of course, if you aren’t travelling during the right time of year, there won’t be much to see here.

There’s a beach to relax on, the Musée des explorations du monde, and church at the top of the hill.

11. Nice (1h 50)

Nice reminded me of an Aix-en-Provence on the beach! It’s a lot warmer here because it’s on the water, but it’s also quite a bit more expensive to stay overnight (hence why we chose to stay in Aix instead!).

Nice is a beautiful destination for a day trip from Aix en Provence. You can sit (or walk) along the beach, hike up to the top of the mountain for a view, or get lost in the narrow winding streets.

12. Èze (2h 00)

Èze is a small seafront town is sandwiched between it’s more well-known neighbours, Nice and Monaco. If you don’t get back on the highway, you’ll end up driving through it on your way from Nice to Monaco.

We didn’t have enough time to get out and walk around, although I would have loved to. If you decide to stop here, there is a botanical garden and hiking trails to explore.

Day Trips From Aix En Provence

13. monaco (2h 10).

Monaco, Monaco, Monaco. The hotspot for the rich and famous! This independent microstate is the strangest place I’ve ever been to and you can visit it in just one day from Aix en Provence. Monaco is an entire country, but you can walk from one side to the other in a matter of minutes.

Monaco is separated into Old Town and New Town. New town is made up of quaint streets and the port. Old town is up the hill with museums, the palace, and botanical gardens to explore.

But for me, a stop here was all about taking in the breathtaking views of the homes built all the way up the mountain. You also can’t forget to make your way to the infamous Monte Carlo casino… what is it famous for anyway? Does anyone even know?

Places to visit near Aix en Provence in the Côte D’Azur

14. Les-Baux-de-Provence & Carrières des Lumières (1 h)

Les Carrières de Lumières is a must-see in the South of France. This is an art exhibit that is literally built into its surroundings. Every year it features a different artist whose art is projected onto the walls. The experience is incredibly immersive and like no other art exhibit I’d ever been to before.

Less than a 15-minute walk from the exhibit is the small town, Les-Baux-de Provence. This stunning and medieval town is filled with tourist shops and fancy restaurants.

There’s also a castle to explore at the top with rewarding views of Provence. You can also check out the Santon Museum while you’re visiting!

Organized Tours From Aix en Provence

15. Saint-Remy de Provence (1 h)

If you aren’t interested in Les-Baux-de-Provence, you can visit Saint-Remy de Provence instead. It’s not walking distance, but it’s only a short drive from Carrière de Lumières.

Instead of exploring a castle, there’s a Monastery you can tour as well.

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16. Avignon (1h)

If you grew up in Quebec, then you’ll know all about Avignon. That’s because It’s the subject of a popular French nursery rhyme ” Sur Le Ponts D’Avignon” (On the Avignon Bridge).

We were very pleased to find out that there is in fact a bridge in Avignon, and it used to be very important. Today only half of the giant influential bridge remains, but you can walk on it and learn all about it’s history.

If you aren’t interested in the bridge, there are some museums to explore and incredible views. Avignon is one of the bigger cities, so it’s one of the only day trips from Aix en Provence that you can do in only one city.

We only spent the morning in Avignon, splitting the afternoon visiting L’Isle-Sur-La Sorgue, Gordes, and Roussillon. Read about our road trip from Aix here .

17. L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue (1 h)

L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, A.K.A. the Venice of the Comtat (Venice of the County). The Sorgue river runs through this town with water mills, making it a picture-perfect location.

Honestly, the best thing to do here is to walk along the water and do some antique shopping! Did you know it hosts one of the largest antique markets in France!

18. Gordes (1 h 10)

Gordes is another enchanting medieval town but it’s built entirely on the mountainside. It was built like this for protection, as fortification from enemies.

The biggest draw of visiting Gordes is the view of the city itself. It’s incredible! We didn’t even bother going inside because we heard that the driving might be difficult.

But there are things to do in the town as well, like explore the castle and caves.

19. Roussillon (1 h 10)

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you arrive in Roussillon. Roussillon is known for producing ochre (yup, the paint colour). The town is surrounded and built on red ochre rocks. The colour palette of the town was painted to match the rocks, it’s unbelievable!

The main attraction is hiking the Sentier de Ochre. This trail gives you a front seat to the beautiful and unique terrain.

The Best One Day Road Trip From Aix [Avignon, Gordes, Roussillon]

20. National Park de Camargue (1 h)

National Park de Camargue is one of the best Aix en Provence day trips for nature lovers. This massive National park is filled with wetlands and unimaginable wildlife. It’s not uncommon to spot cattle, beautiful white horses, and even flamingos here!

Make sure you bring your tripod and zoom lens on this day trip from Aix en Provence.

Read more about The National Park de Camargue .

21. Nîmes (1 h 20)

Nîmes is all about Roman history (along with Arles and Uzès). In fact, there are several well-kept Roman monuments that you can still see today.

The main one being the Roman amphitheatre that is still in use today (like a mini-coliseum). Not too far from the city, you also have the Pont du Gard…

22. Arles (1h)

Like Nîmes, Arles has remnants of the Roman Empire, like an amphitheatre and a coliseum. But, what sets Arles apart is that Vincent Van Gogh spent a lot of time here, and took inspiration from the town.

Many of his famous works are in fact of Arles, like the painting of a room was based off of his apartment in Arles!

Day Tours From Aix en Provence

23. Pont du Gards (1h 20)

This was one of my favourite places to visit near Aix en Provence. We were almost going to skip it but decided not to at the last minute, and I’m so thankful we didn’t.

This world relic dates back to the first century AD! It’s part of an aqueduct the Romans built to get fresh water from Uzes down to Nîmes. The size is unreal for something built in those times.

You can spend an entire day at the Pont du Gards, especially during the summer months. Pack a picnic lunch, go on a hike, or even go swimming, all with views of this piece of history insight. Read my post about how to spend an entire day visiting the Pont du Gards !

We only spent half the day here since we combined it with a stop in the morning at the Carrière de Lumières and les Baux-de-Provence. But you can also add it to a stop at either Arles, Uzès, Nîmes or even Avignon!

The Incredible Pont Du Gard Aqueduct: A Must-Visit In France

24. Uzès (1h 40)

Past the Pont du Gard is the city of Uzès. You won’t hear about the Roman Empire here but the 12th-century castle Duchy. It’s actually still lived in today by the current Duke of Uzès and his family.

You can go on a tour to see the underground cellars, the current family apartments, and climb the tower for outstanding views.

25. Gorge de Verdun (2h)

Gorge de Verdun is one of the most magnificent areas in the South of France. It’s one of the most rewarding yet terrifying day trips from Aix en Provence . This is where the driving is at times the most terrorizing, but the views make it all worthwhile.

Depending on your interests, you can spend your day at the Gorge doing many different outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and horseback riding.

You can also spend the day in the car driving around the Gorge from viewpoint to viewpoint. There are several towns along the way where you can make a pit stop.

26. Sillans-La-Cascades (1 h 10):

Into waterfalls? From the town of Sillans-la-Cascades, you can go on a short hike to see one! ‘Cascades’ actually translates to waterfall.

Aside from the waterfall, there isn’t much else to do here. You can walk by the Remparts which is the last standing wall of the old castle that used to be here. You can also make friends with the many outdoor house cats you’ll meet on the streets of the town.

We stopped here in the morning before driving to the Gorges de Verdun.

27. Montpellier (1 h 50)

Tired of jumping from small town to small town on day trips from Aix en Provence? Then make the trip to Montpeillier. It’s the third-largest city in the South of France (after Marseille and Nice).

This is a great option if you’re looking to stay in one spot for the day. It’s a real city to explore with museums and aquariums, and even a city hall.

Bonus! Day Tours From Aix En Provence To See Lavender Fields

If you’re lucky enough to be in Provence from mid-June to early July you can visit the lavender fields in bloom on day trips from Aix en Provence. There are many fields within reasonable distance from Aix. You can either drive to one yourself, or you can go on an organized tour.

Vignevasion (the wine tour company we went on) offered day tours from Aix en Provence to lavender fields that sounded amazing! Check out all their tours here . You can also book tours from Aix en Provence to see the lavender fields through Viator.

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Sunday 28th of August 2022

Loved reading this Thank you. We are off there in 2 weeks for 4 days and cannot wait.

Yay!! Thank you :D Have a GREAT time!

Saturday 20th of June 2020

Such a great guide! Provence is on our bucket list! :)

Thank you! Oh, you should really go, it's amazing!!

Sunday 14th of June 2020

Great guide! I love Cannes and Nice and I'm so looking forward to be able to go there again

Thanks! Me too!!

Saturday 13th of June 2020

This is embarrassing but I had never heard of Aix En Provence until I moved to Canada and became friends with a french girl who as from there! She always spoke about it and showed me beautiful photos but I did not know just how many amazing spots were close enough for a road trip! She did often talk about Nice though, it looks like a lovely little beach.

Not embarrassing at all! I'd never heard of it before I started looking into the South of France for vacation! Nice has a great beach, although it's not your typical sandy beach, it's all rocks.

Ahh this made me remember a lot of my childhood holidays! We used to go to France a lot and the photos bring me right back ^_^ Such a great post and so many awesome places to visit, I definitely need to convince my boyfriend to come here with me sometime!

So happy I could bring you back to such happy-sounding memories :) You definitely have to plan a trip there with your BF, it's such a romantic place!

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Aix-En-Provence

Days 13 & 14.

Aix-En-Provence was our last stop and it had all gone by so fast. We started with a walk through the city. Another beautiful place with great markets, buildings and food. And a bit of sunshine and warmth! We stayed at Hotel Aquabella. It was very nice, probably the nicest of the trip. Dinner at the hotel on our final night was bittersweet, as we knew the party was almost over. A good meal helped ease the pain. We had Avocado Tartar with Parmesan Crisps, 7h Shoulder of Lamb with Zaatar and Mashed Potatoes and Lettuce and for dessert, Chocolate Ice Cream Parfait with Hazelnut Crumble. I think the word I used to describe it was "divine"! After dinner, we had a nice champagne toast as we said our goodbyes. The tour was over, but our travels continued. We made our way to Nice, then Cinque Terre and a few more towns in Italy, then back to Nice for a few days. See our adventures in the Wanderin g section. And a few weeks after this trip ended, I took off on a new European adventure with my family. Sometimes you just can't get enough! My passport is ready for the next one, wherever it may be. Can't wait!

Our local guide, Corrine, pointed out a lot of historic sites and told us about the university, churches and artists the town is known for, painter Paul Cezanne being the most famous. You can visit his childhood home.

On our way out of town, we discovered a great breakfast place, Betty's Resto. The owner is a French woman who has been collecting American memorabilia since she was 13. She was very friendly and fixed us a huge breakfast of scrambled eggs on a biscuit, fruit salad, veggie salad, a great potato/cheese dish and coffee in Route 66 mugs. Oldies music played while we ate. The place mats were vinyl albums. So cute. Great last memory of Aix!

Although the tour was over, Sara and I stayed a few extra days here and were able to experience market day. Another fantastic market with beautiful vegetables and fruits and flowers. And so m uch seafood....some types I had never seen before, including mesh bags of small live creatures, I think some type of crab, that looked like they were doing their best to escape and make their way back to the sea.

Aix-en-Provence is a city known for its exceptional lifestyle and Tastes of Provence invites you to discover it through your tastebuds. We offer you an immersive experience designed to help you understand the French “Art de vivre”, meet locals and enjoy the daily traditions

Join our passionate gourmet guides for a unique taste of the lifestyle of magical Aix-en-Provence on a gourmet walking tour of the city. We will stroll through historic golden streets, dipping in and out of food shops, tasting local specialties and learning learning tidbits of history during our foodie tour.

You’ll rub shoulders with locals in one-of-a-kind food shops and the daily farmers market, tasting seasonal sweet and savoury specialties of the region. Your guide will explain the history behind the city’s food highlights, while meeting the families who run the best addresses in town. Our morning tours take in the 700-year old market square, where you’ll discover the seasons, tasting fruits and vegetables, harvested just the day before.

From our signature Farmers Market & Food Shop Tour, our Afternoon Delights tours or other options for private groups, you’ll find a food tour that tempts your appetite.

After all, isn’t this why you came to France?!

FARMERS MARKET & FOOD SHOP TOUR

Enjoy an immersive morning farmers’ market and local food specialists tour that will dazzle your tastebuds and your senses…

Foodies’ Guide to Aix-en-Provence

All guest receive a copy of the Foodies’ Guide to Aix-en-Provence, packed with restaurants and shopping suggestions, dining out tips, local wine information and seasonal recipes!

Rick Steves in his « Provence & French Riviera » guide talks about us

« Tastes of Provence offers guests a unique “taste” of daily life and food in Aix-en-Provence. You can join a small-group, gourmet walking tour with Mathilde and Jennifer, meeting locals in specialty food shops and at farmers markets while tasting sweet and savory regional specialties. You’ll learn about history behind the city’s food traditions while meeting the families whose businesses represent the best addresses in town. »

They also talk about us:

+ French TV France 3, Aix Farmers Market with Mathilde (in French): watch the show.

+ The Travel Hack Weekend Travel blog (in English): read the article.

+ Traveling Chic blog (in English): read the article.

+ Jill, My Dreamy Provence blog (in English): read the article

“If you like history and food then this is a fantastic tour! We were so bowled over the knowledge and passion of Jennifer and she was also a personable and fun guide. Ending the morning with some delicious cheese and wine was fantastic. Highly recommended.”

- The highlight of our trip to Provence

“Great tour with our guide Mathilde. It was a wonderful way to get oriented to this special city. We had many opportunities to taste a variety of foods. Each tasting was accompanied by fantastic descriptions from our guide. She knew many of the local vendors which was really nice. We also had a delicious wine tasting”

- Great tour

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The Seasons of Tour de l’Horloge in Aix-en-Provence

Bell Tower Hotel de Ville Aix-en-Provence #AixenProvence @PerfectlyProvence

After 18 years in Aix, I only realized that it’s actually someone’s job to clamber up narrow staircases and reach across the void inside the Tour de l’Horloge to manoeuvre the four (4) statues around every 3 months when the season changes.

It’s down to (or should we say up to) the concierge of the Mairie, who says he didn’t realize this was involved when he took over in 2018. Continue reading here for the original article.

Aix: Hôtel de Ville

The Hôtel de Ville was constructed in the middle of the 17th century when Aix en Provence was Provence’s capital. Throughout France, the Hôtel de Ville (town or city hall) is where the elected representatives gather. Often this is also the location where administrative requests occur. As in other towns, all Aix residents who wish to marry must do so at City Hall. Only the civil ceremony is considered legal in France. Church weddings can only occur after the civil service.

Walk up to the majestic carved wooden doorway of the Hôtel de Ville typical of the architecture of Aix. The stone came from the nearby Bibemus Quarry.

Aix: Tour de l’Horloge

The clock tower was built in 1510 on Roman foundations when timepieces were rare. Bell and clock towers are typical of Provencal architecture, and the presence of a public clock demonstrated the city’s importance to both townsfolk and other cities.

As Lynne mentions in her article, the tower houses an astronomic clock (1661) with four wooden statues representing the seasons. The four statues are moved manually at the start of each season. The rather ornate wrought iron structure surrounding the bell is known, in Provence, as a campanile. The powerful mistral winds can blow for days here, and these structures prevent the bell from ringing randomly. The bell rings hourly, and the belfry serves as a passageway along Rue Gaston de Saporta.

The Fountain and Square

The Town Hall fountain was sculpted by J.P. Chastel in 1756 and is known as the Four Seasons fountain. Again, the Roman past’s importance is made clear by incorporating a Roman column saved from nearby ruins.

The square is beautiful, but it is also highly relevant to town life. If you enter the square on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday morning, you will be greeted with the riot of colour of the flower market. Tulips, mimosa and the bright ranunculi are among the flowers grown locally; many varieties arrive from other parts of the world via Hyeres, France’s largest wholesale flower market and the 4th largest European market.

Hall aux Grains

Constructed in 1717, the Hall aux Grains for regional grain trade. In Provence, and indeed throughout France, decorative buildings’ construction was not reserved for the nobility. Buildings of public interest were also considered works of art. Today the building houses a post office.

Chastel sculpted the triangular portion of the façade showing an older man holding an oar, symbolizing the Rhone River and its navigation. The Rhône originates in Switzerland and runs through principal French cities like Lyon, Orange, and Avignon before reaching the Mediterranean’s delta and the Camargue .

The goddess Sybille symbolizes the Durance River, with her trailing leg representing its frequent flooding. The grapes and lemons in her left hand represent food cultivation made possible by water supply and fertile soils. Canal systems diverted water from both rivers irrigating farmland and provided Marseille’s drinking water, as its freshwater springs were insufficient.

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Aixcentric was set up by Lynne Alderson three years ago as a channel to send out info on events taking place around Aix as well as news, relevant books, the latest films, new shops and of course where to eat locally. Why? According, to Lynne: "It came about out of frustration with the lack of communication in the town. Posters would suddenly go up about an event that week. No prewarning. I had difficulty too in finding information from many of the tourist offices. Things are slowly getting better and there is sometimes information in English. Hopefully by keeping an eagle eye on the local press and talking with contacts in town, I can publicize fun things that people would otherwise miss. It's a ragbag of info that I come across on my travels. I've published nearly 600 posts now and have lots of followers so hopefully, it is fulfilling its role of helping people, residents and visitors alike, get the most of their time in Aix." For what is going on in Aix-en-Provence, Lynne has you covered at Aixcentric

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Aix-en-Provence, city of Paul Cezanne

If you’d like to feel the presence of a man for whom “art is a revelation of an exquisite sensitivity”, then here, in Aix-en-Provence and the Aix Region, is where you can have that uniquely authentic, vivid and intimate Cezanne experience.

Discover the sites that inspired him

Cezanne's studio

In his quiet, brightly-lit studio , you’ll see the objects which were dear to him, the models for his final still-life paintings, his furniture, equipment he worked with, a thousand tiny details which connect you to the works of art created within these walls and today exhibited around the world. This is where you will feel the master’s presence most strongly, in the human simplicity of his everyday life.

The studio is closed for works. Reopening planned for spring 2025.

Bastide du Jas de Bouffan

At the bastide du Jas de Bouffan , today listed as a historical monument along with its grounds, a guided tour will tell you what this family property meant to the painter: a place where he lived, an anchor point, the theatre for his first paintings and a creative studio. Cezanne’s favourite views which appeared in fifty or so of his oil paintings and watercolours will also be revealed as you tour the country house.

The bastide is closed for works. Reopening planned for spring 2025.

Bibémus quarries

At the heart of the Grand Site Sainte-Victoire, the Bibémus quarries will unveil their majestic beauty on a trail created around the cottage where Cézanne stored his canvasses and sometimes used to sleep. On this 7 hectare plateau of extraordinary natural architecture, you will enter the master’s creative process (motifs, viewpoints, composition, geometrical approach, colours…). It is quite an emotional experience and you’ll understand how cubism was born here with a few world-famous paintings.

Where to see works by Cezanne in Aix-en-Provence?

Granet Museum

10 of Cezanne’s oil-paintings are owned by this museum, which is considered as one of the finest in France.

From 1857 to 1862, Cezanne studied drawing and copied paintings such as Kiss of the Muse by Frillié, The Prisoner of Chillon by Edouard Dubuffet and Peaches on a dish from the French school of the 17th century. A group of watercolours and drawings, also owned by the museum, is put on public display every 3 years to help conserve them.

Good deal: a ticket to cut the line with the Aix-en-Provence City Pass .

In the steps of Cezanne

Following in Cezanne’s footsteps, you’ll walk through the painter’s life, from the house where he was born to his final resting place in Saint-Pierre cemetery. You will see the town as the artist experienced it by following an elegantly signposted trail which includes significant places, landmarks of his youth, the houses of his family and those close to him and cafes he went to with friends.

Walk in the footsteps of Cezanne and visit the city as he lived it.

A Cezanne experience with your smartphone in the real world!

Available free of charge on Apple store and Google Play

Guided visits around Cezanne

For more information.

A site dedicated to Paul Cezanne, his biography and the 3 sites in Aix-en-Provence that inspired him. You'll also find practical information about visiting the sites, the programme and virtual galleries of his paintings.

> www.cezanne-en-provence.com

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Wine tour in Aix en Provence

Our Aix en Provence Wine Tour is made to explore the gorgeous landscape of Aix en Provence in the South of France. The beautiful Mountain Sainte Victoire was made famous by the painter Cézanne.

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Les bibliothécaires et l’ex réseau petite enfance s’associent pour les petits. Photo Le DL/M.P.

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2025, 06/03: Pleasures of Provence—Solo Friendly

Discover the irresistible allure of southeastern France during this quintessential Provençal experience. Unpack once and enjoy first-class accommodations for seven nights in the heart of magical Aix-en-Provence. Walk in the footsteps of great painters, savor immersive cultural experiences and visit picturesque French villages. In Aix, stroll the storied Cours Mirabeau and relish a tour of Paul Cézanne’s atelier. Then, tour the medieval Papal Palace in Avignon and witness the engineering marvel of UNESCO-inscribed Pont du Gard. Along the way, behold France’s “most beautiful village,” Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, tour van Gogh’s Arles and captivating Les Baux and St. Remy, admire the lovely towns of Lourmarin and Cucuron, and explore France’s oldest city of Marseille. Join truffle hunters as you search for the elusive “black gold,” sample a tasting and learn to play the local game of pétanque. Plus, savor fresh seafood in a Cassis fishing village, and enjoy a tour and tasting at an olive oil mill and a Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard. This small-group itinerary features engaging lectures and a generous meal plan, including wine with dinner.

Trip Details:

Dates : June 3–11, 2025 Activity level :

2 Buffaloes: Moderately active. Moderate walking required, often on uneven or steep terrain. May involve traveling in small boats or other vehicles.

Tour operator : AHI To book call : 800-323-7373 Pricing : From $4,495

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«Paie en cash»: à son procès, Donald Trump confronté à un enregistrement embarrassant

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Une conversation enregistrée entre Donald Trump et son ancien avocat Michael Cohen incrimine un peu plus l’ancien président.

«Paie en cash» . Ces mots, provenant de la bouche de l’ancien président, ont résonné dans la salle d’audience du tribunal à Lower Manhattan jeudi 2 mai, comme l’ont rapporté les médias américains présents. Au cours de cette nouvelle semaine de procès de Donald Trump dans l’affaire Stormy Daniels , l’enregistrement d’une conversation entre le magnat de l’immobilier et son ancien avocat Michael Cohen a été diffusé dans la salle. Le plongeant encore un peu plus dans la tourmente.

«Super coup de fil, d'ailleurs. Génial», débute l’enregistrement. C’est la voix de Michael Cohen, l’ancien avocat de Donald Trump, qui poursuit : «Je dois ouvrir une société en vue du transfert pour toutes ces informations au sujet de notre ami David, vous savez... Pour que... Je vais le faire tout de suite», continue-t-il . «Et j'ai parlé à Allen Weisselberg de la façon de mettre tout ça en place», dit-il, faisant référence à l’ancien directeur financier de la Trump Organization.

Tout à coup, la voix de Trump retentit : «Alors, qu'est-ce qu'on doit payer pour ça? 150?» , rétorque-t-il. «Oui, et c'est pour toutes les choses» , répond alors Michael Cohen. « Donc je m'occupe de tout ça. Et j'en ai parlé à Allen, quand il faudra financer ça… » « Attends, comment ça, financer ? » réplique Trump. L'avocat répète : « Il faudra qu'on lui paie quelque chose. » Donald Trump lance alors : «Paie en cash». «Non non non, je gère la situation» , conclut Michael Cohen.

«On ne voulait pas qu'elle gêne M. Trump»

Cette conversation, enregistrée le 6 septembre 2016 - soit deux mois avant l’élection présidentielle - semble faire référence au paiement de David Pecker - ancien patron de tabloïd - à Karen McDougal , une mannequin de Playboy avec qui Trump avait eu une relation. L’homme de 72 ans a été le premier témoin appelé à la barre. Il a raconté avoir acheté l’exclusivité du témoignage afin qu’il ne soit pas publié ailleurs. « On ne voulait pas qu'elle gêne M. Trump ou qu'elle affecte sa campagne», avait-il déclaré.

L'ancien président des États-Unis est poursuivi pour la dissimulation dans les comptes de son groupe , la Trump Organization, d'un autre versement de 130.000 dollars, sous couvert de «frais juridiques» , pour acheter le silence de l'ancienne star du X Stormy Daniels à la fin de la campagne de 2016. Elle aussi affirmait avoir eu une relation sexuelle avec le candidat, en 2006, alors qu'il était déjà marié à son épouse Melania Trump. Une relation niée par l’ancien magnat de l'immobilier .

ÉCOUTEZ L’ÉDITORIAL

Procès, scandales, adversaires: pourquoi rien n’arrête Donald Trump
Donald Trump devant le tribunal de Manhattan: sexe, complot et tabloïd
Procès de Donald Trump : un jury complet a été sélectionné
Donald Trump

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le 04/05/2024 à 07:34

Il sera réélu, qui au il ait fait ou fasse.

le 03/05/2024 à 23:25

Préparons les oranges. Enfin!

Loin de moi

le 03/05/2024 à 22:19

Une goutte d’eau dans l’océan des turpitudes trumpistes

Comment le Japon a (presque) éradiqué la délinquance

ENQUÊTE - Depuis le pic atteint il y a une vingtaine d’années, l’Archipel a réduit sa criminalité des trois quarts. Pour 100.000 habitants, le taux de vol avec violence est par exemple de 1,2 au Japon, contre 44,3 en France.

«Le califat est la solution» : en Allemagne, la classe politique vent debout après une manifestation d'islamistes

Un millier de personnes ont appelé à l’instauration d’un califat à Hambourg en Allemagne. L’association organisatrice, proche des Frères musulmans, a déjà fait parler d’elle lors de précédentes démonstrations de rue.

«Le sexe est un fait biologique» : au Royaume-Uni, le NHS opère un tournant majeur sur le sujet de la transidentité

Le National Health Service a publié une mise à jour de sa «Constitution». En particulier, il ne sera plus possible pour les femmes transgenres de demander l'accès aux espaces de repos et d'hygiène réservés aux femmes.

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Aix-en-Provence, France
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COMMENTS

Welcome to Aix en Provence
Organize your stay in Aix-en-Provence with Tourist Office ... Domaine Tour Campanets, Le-Puy-Sainte -Réparade. 🔸 Les Nuits [en mouvement] du Château La Coste, le 20 avril dès 17h30, Le-Puy-Sainte-Réparade. ... 🔸1er Festival Lips #1 Deep Speech, du 12 au 14 avril, Chapelle Venel et parc du Val de l'Arc Aix-en-Provence. 🔸Le Liban ...
Aix-en-Provence
Picturesque Provence Thriving On ATP Challenger Tour Entering its 10th year on the ATP Challenger Tour, the Open Aix Provence Credit Agricole has fast become one of the signature clay-court events on the calendar. During the second week in May, players and fans flock to the French town of Aix-en-Provence, where Diego Schwartzman lifted the ...
Aix-en-Provence Travel Guide
Cotes de Provence Wine Tour from Aix-en-Provence (130 reviews) from $108.10. ... The summer months see an influx of Parisians and international travelers escaping to the south of France, so hotel ...
2024 Open Aix Provence
The 2024 Open Aix Provence (also known as the Open Aix Provence Crédit Agricole for sponsorship reasons) is a professional tennis tournament to be played on clay courts.It will be the eleventh edition of the tournament, and part of the 2024 ATP Challenger Tour.It will take place in Aix-en-Provence, France between 30 April and 5 May 2024.
Guided tours of Aix-en-Provence with the Tourist Office: program
What better way to discover Aix-en-Provence than on a guided tour with an enthusiastic guide. All our tours leave from the Tourist Office. visitor; groups & travel trade; ... Lo esencial de Aix-en-Provence 27/03, 08/05, 19/06 to 11/09: BOOK NOW: THURSDAY: 10 am > 12 pm: Aix and music 28/03 to 04/04, 20/06 to 29/08: BOOK NOW: 10 pm > 12 pm:
The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Aix-en-Provence Itinerary
Planning a 1, 2 or 3 days in Aix-en-Provence itinerary is one of the joys of mapping out a trip to this area of France. Aix-en-Provence is a charming city in the glorious south of France, known for its rich cultural heritage, varied architecture and stunning natural surroundings. Founded by the Romans in 123 BCE, Aix was once the capital of the ...
How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Aix-en-Provence, France: Itinerary
Gare d'Aix-en-Provence; Aix-en-Provence TGV; Make sure to book your ticket to arrive at the Gare d'Aix-en-Provence, as this is the station that is closest to the city center. The TGV station is the high-speed rail station, and it is located 16km southwest of the city. You can either book your tickets at the train station or online at SNCF ...
11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Aix-en-Provence
2. Cours Mirabeau. Perhaps the liveliest spot in Aix-en-Provence, the Cours Mirabeau is a graceful avenue shaded by giant plane trees and lined with cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. This pleasant promenade is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, an alfresco lunch, or a coffee stop at an outdoor terrace.
Aix-en-Provence travel
Aix-en-Provence. A pocket of left-bank Parisian chic deep in Provence, Aix (pronounced like the letter X) is all class: its leafy boulevards and public squares are lined with 17th- and 18th-century mansions, punctuated by gurgling moss-covered fountains. Haughty stone lions guard its grandest avenue, cafe-laced cours Mirabeau, where fashionable ...
Aix-en-Provence
Official ATP tennis draws for singles, doubles and qualifying from men's professional tennis tournaments on the ATP Tour.
The BEST Aix-en-Provence Tours and Things to Do in 2024
The best indoor activities in Aix-en-Provence for rainy days are: From Marseille: Marseille, Aix-en-Provence & Cassis Tour. Marseille Port: Shore Excursion to Aix-en-Provence Marseille. From Marseille: Aix-en-Provence and Cassis Shore Excursion. Aix-en-Provence: Guided Foodie Tour with Tastings.
46 Fun Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence, France
1 - Explore historic Vieil Aix. Entering a part of Aix-en-Provence where cobbled streets intertwine, narrow alleyways dazzle with terra cotta buildings dripping in vines and centuries-old history greets passers-by in brickwork and stone structures, Vieil Aix, i.e., the Old Town is the perfect starting point. Read more.
15 Best Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence (France)
Lets explore the best things to do in Aix-en-Provence: 1. Aix Cathedral - triptych. Source: Travel-Fr / shutterstock. Aix Cathedral - triptych. Arriving at this monument on Rue Gaston de Saporta you'll see right away how Aix Cathedral blends different styles and eras.
THE TOP 10 Aix-en-Provence Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)
2H: Wine-Tour in Provence. 24. Sainte-Victoire route: Climb aboard a sidecar and drive along the beautiful roads of Aix and its vineyards. Follow in the footsteps of the renowned painter Paul Cézanne by admiring the famous Sainte-Victoire, represented on the artist's canvases.
Walking Tour of Aix-en-Provence
Walking Tour of Aix-en-Provence. I'm fortunate to have called southern France home since 2010, and I'd like to make your next visit truly special with a guided walking tour of Aix-en-Provence.Aix (pronounced "ex") is a vibrant city with fascinating architecture, charming traditions, chic restaurants, renowned festivals, and passion for life.I'll share my passion and knowledge about ...
Top 27 Day Trips From Aix En Provence In France
This trail gives you a front seat to the beautiful and unique terrain. You might also be interested in reading…. The Best One Day Road Trip From Aix [Avignon, Gordes, Roussillon] 20. National Park de Camargue (1 h) National Park de Camargue is one of the best Aix en Provence day trips for nature lovers.
The best 10 Free Walking Tours at Aix-en-Provence
Find the best Free Walking Tours in Aix-en-Provence with Local Guides and give what you want at the end of the visit! Ready for fun? 👉 Book online for free! ... France Free walking tours in Aix-en-Provence 439 opinions from other walkers about Aix-en-Provence tours 4.74 ... Free walking tour in Lloret de Mar Free walking tour in Blanes
Aix-En-Provence
Aix-En-Provence was the last stop on our Rick Steves Eastern France tour. It is in the south, so it was sunnier and warmer than the other places we visited to the north. It is a university town with a lot of young people and also has bountiful markets, tree-lined streets, beautiful buildings and ancient fountains. It was the home of several artists, including Post-Impressionist painter Paul ...
Taste of provence
Rick Steves in his « Provence & French Riviera » guide talks about us. « Tastes of Provence offers guests a unique "taste" of daily life and food in Aix-en-Provence. You can join a small-group, gourmet walking tour with Mathilde and Jennifer, meeting locals in specialty food shops and at farmers markets while tasting sweet and savory ...
30 Best Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence (France)
The ultimate travel guide for Aix-en-Provence, France including 30 best things to do in and around Aix - a charming, sultry city nestled in the south of France. ... If you're eager to discover the exquisite taste of southern French life and art, a tour of the Hotel de Caumont is a must while in Aix. A good alternative would be the Hotel Des ...
Frances Tiafoe, Fabio Fognini could clash in Cagliari ...
Frances Tiafoe and Lorenzo Musetti headline this week's ATP Challenger Tour 175 event in Cagliari, Italy, where the top-seeded American could face home favourite Fabio Fognini in the second round.. Tiafoe, 26, received a wild card into the Sardegna Open, where 15 players inside the Top 100 of the PIF ATP Rankings are set to be in action.Argentine Mariano Navone, Christopher Eubanks, Lorenzo ...
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is famous for its outdoor markets, handsome pedestrian lanes, and its cultivated residents who embrace the good life. Nowhere else in France is l'art de vivre (the art of living) so stylishly lived. It was that way when the French king made the town his administrative capital of Provence, and it's that way today. For a tourist, Aix-en-Provence is happily free of any obligatory ...
The Seasons of Tour de l'Horloge in Aix-en-Provence
The Hôtel de Ville was constructed in the middle of the 17th century when Aix en Provence was Provence's capital. Throughout France, the Hôtel de Ville (town or city hall) is where the elected representatives gather. Often this is also the location where administrative requests occur. As in other towns, all Aix residents who wish to marry ...
Aix-en-Provence, city of Paul Cezanne
At the bastide du Jas de Bouffan, today listed as a historical monument along with its grounds, a guided tour will tell you what this family property meant to the painter: a place where he lived, an anchor point, the theatre for his first paintings and a creative studio.Cezanne's favourite views which appeared in fifty or so of his oil paintings and watercolours will also be revealed as you ...
Wine tour in Aix en Provence
The AOP Côteaux d'Aix en Provence is the most Western appellation of Provence wines. It gathers 79 producers united around a group of top quality wines. Main red grape varieties are Grenache , Cabernet Sauvignon , Carignan , Cinsault , Syrah and Mourvèdre. They are fragant when young, yet can accquire a dense aromatic complexity after a 5 ...
BEST OF U2 with 4U2 on TOUR 6MIC Aix En Provence
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Aix-en-Provence Travel Guide

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Getting Around Aix-en-Provence

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How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Aix-en-Provence, France: Itinerary, Map, & Tips

Is one day enough in Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence Market

One Day in Aix-en-Provence Itinerary

Stroll through the market

Visit the flower market at the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville

Grab a madeleine from Madeleines De Christophe

Wander along Cours Mirabeau

Have lunch at a local restaurant

Check out the Hôtel de Caumont Art Exhibitions

Visit the Musee Granet

Wander around the fountains in old town

Grab a pre-dinner cocktail at Céleste

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Map of Aix-en-Provence

Where to stay in Aix-en-Provence

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One Day in Aix-en-Provence FAQ

Is it worth visiting Aix-en-Provence?

Can you walk around Aix-en-Provence?

What is the best village base in Provence?

More information for your Provence, France Trip

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11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Aix-en-Provence

1. Vieil Aix (Old Town)

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46 Fun Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence, France

1 – Explore historic Vieil Aix

2 – Revel in the music of candlelight concert

3 – Meander along Cours Mirabeau

4 – Run through lavender fields

5 – Photograph Cathédrale Saint Sauveur

6 – Day trip to dreamy Luberon

7 – Admire Pavillon Vendôme

8 – Go truffle hunting

9 – Visit Atelier de Cezanne (Cézanne’s studio)

10 – Take an epic sidecar tour

11 – Pay respects at the Site-Mémorial du Camp des Milles

12 – Stretch your legs at Climb Up Aix – Les Milles

13 – Sightsee the area during an e-bike tour

14 – Become enchanted by Chateau La Coste

15 – Indulge in a wine tour

16 – Beat the clock out of an escape room

17 – Explore coastal Cassis

18 – Discover 10 paintings of Cezanne’s at Musée Granet