A charming town in the southern part of Provence 34 km north of Marseille, with a magnificent old town, the famous tree lined Mirabeau boulevard and its beautiful fountains, and the sites and landscapes which inspired Cezanne who was born and lived in town.
The town is a popular destination referred to as mini-Paris, surrounded by the Luberon massif in the north, rolling countryside covered with vineyards, olive groves, Sunflower, and fragrant Lavender fields. Stroll the narrow cobbled streets of the picturesque old town (Vieil Aix), admiring the 17th to 19th centuries beautiful mansions, the small quaint squares, and the marvelous fountains. Enjoy the street markets, boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants.
Start your old town tour at Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, with its 17th century town hall, the 16th century Tour de l’Horloge (clock tower) and the monumental fountain at its center. Visit the Cathedral of the Saint Sauveur with its 5th to 17th centuries mix of Architectural styles, and the 13th century Gothic church of Saint Jean de Malte, home to a beautiful art collection. Enjoy walking along the picturesque Mirabeau boulevard (Cours Mirabeau) admiring the magnificent 15th -18th century mansions and the beautiful fountains position in both ends and in the center of the street.
Enjoy the weekly street market, window shop the numerous small shops and boutiques, and relax in one of many cafes and restaurants. You can also ride the Mini Tram town tour out of Brasserie Le Festival on the boulevard. Another area to explore is the quaint 17th century residential Mazarin Quarter home to marvelous old mansions, boutique hotels, small local shops, and charming cafes. At the quarter’s center admire the Place des Quatre Dauphins with the unusual 17th century Fountain.
Aix-en-Provence is also a hub of fine arts with the impressive Granet Museum home to various collections of paintings and sculptures, the Atelier Cézanne where the famous 19th century French post-Impressionist painter worked in his last years, The Vasarely Foundation Art and Architecture Center presenting contemporary artworks, and more.
While in Aix be sure to enjoy the lively street markets scattered throughout town such as the big Le Grand Marche open-air market at Mirabeau Boulevard and the food markets in Place des Precheurs, Place de la Madeleine, and the daily market in Place Richelme. Stroll and relax in The Painters’ Park (Le Terrain des Peintres), a beautiful hillside park off the city center with an open-air gallery displaying reproductions of Cezanne’s paintings.
Vasarely Foundation
Fountain de la Rotonde
Park Vendome
In May through to September enjoy the music and festival scene in town with various concerts and cultural events including the Aix-en-Provence International Opera Festival throughout July.
At night you will always find a place to party in one of the clubs, bars, pubs, or in the town’s Casino.
Out of town, TheTjoy.com recommends a vineyard tour, visit Camp des Milles World War II imprisonment camp, and the Sainte Victoire Mountain, a favorite painting subject of Cezanne. Other attractions are Ventabren, a picturesque hilltop village and the impressive 19th century Aqueduc de Roquefavour, the world’s largest stone aqueduct.
If you want to make Aix-en-Provence the hub of your travel to Provence, you will have several 1-3 day tour options to select from, such as to Marseille, Cassis and the overwhelming Calanques, Avignon, Arles and the beautiful Camargue National Park, Luberon Region, Gorge du Verdon, and to the chic and glamour French Riviera (Cote d’Azur) and its beautiful beach resorts.
Access Aix-en-Provence by driving, using the Eurostar or TGV trains, or by flying into Marseille Airport (MRS) in Marignane.
Spend 1-2 days in town and more if you plan to visit other Provence destinations out of Aix-en-Provence.
