Are you pondering a trip to visit Aix en Provence, the mesmerizing and famed wine-producing region of Southern France? Winalist know show to make your Provence vacation flawless and unforgettable.
The scent of lavender and olive trees, combined with the charming melody of cicadas make for an ideal spring or summer holiday! If you’re unsure whether Aix-en-Provence should be on your list and what activities await there – don’t worry, we’ve got it all sorted out for you.
Provence is a beautiful region of south of France, where French people adore spending spring or summer holidays – in the middle of lavender and olive tree fields, lulled by the melody of cigales (cicadas). If you are planning a trip to Provence and wonder if you should visit Aix-en-Provence, or what are the things to do in Aix en Provence, we got you covered!
Boasting an abundance of cultural, historical and architectural landmarks, Aix-en-Provence is the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxed stay in Southern France. With its convenient proximity to Marseille (just 45 minutes away by train), Nice or Cassis (both 2 hours away by car) this enchanting city offers something for everyone.
The city center of Aix en Provence can easily be visited on foot in 1 day, which is why we have prepared a selection of the essential places to see in the old town. For the most curious and nature lovers, we also have everything you need. Winalist gives you access to the best tourist activities in the surrounding vineyards of Provence.
Discover in this article our practical guide for a great trip to Aix en Provence!
Top 4 unmissable places in Aix en Provence, France
If you were to visit Aix during one day or a weekend, here are the places we recommend you see first:
- The old Town ;
- The Church of the Madeleine;
- Visit the studio of the painter Cézanne;
- See an exhibition at the Hôtel Caumont.
1. The Old Town of Aix
Keep your eyes peeled: the riches of the Old Town can be found around every corner!
From the Clock Tower to the cathedral, the narrow streets and small typical squares are a magnificent testimony to the Roman era of Aix-en-Provence. The Mediterranean atmosphere and the colorful houses are truly enchanting. It is called from time to time the “Florence of Provence”.
Aix-en-Provence is a spa town that has existed since Antiquity. The old town, to the north, will take you back in time, passing through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The old Aix is mainly pedestrian, which facilitates quiet walks.
To discover during your walk in the historic city center of Aix-en-Provence:
- The ancient baths of Sextius;
- The University Palace;
- The Cours Mirabeau;
- The Rotunda fountain;
2. The Church of the Madeleine
In front of the Palais de Justice stretches the Place des Prêcheurs, opened in the 15th century by King René. It became the center of public and social life before the Cours Mirabeau was created. This is where the Madeleine Church was built, where the famous painter Paul Cézanne was baptized.
Considered for a long time as the most beautiful place of worship in the Bouches-du-Rhône, this church is welcome to meditate of course, but also during days of walking in very hot weather to cool off.
Inside, you can admire several religious works, as well as a large organ like in many churches in town. Some paintings by great painters are also exhibited there, in particular the triptych The Annunciation by Barthélémy d’Eyck.
For several years, it was under renovation, which prevented visiting the interior, but its imposing facade was still beautiful and clearly visible. Today, the church is accessible to the public.
3. Cezanne’s studio
Aix-en-Provence held a special place in Cézanne’s heart; it was here that he painted his most beautiful masterpieces while perched atop of the Saint-Sauveur mountain, only 20 minutes from the Old Town centre. These were some of the last years of his life and what better time to perpetuate an art legacy?
An intimate environment awaits you, where you can uncover all of the pieces that comprised Vincent van Gogh’s daily life. In this place, his latest unfinished sketches will be displayed alongside materials and inspirations he used to create them. You’ll get a glimpse into his creative process like never before!
Immerse yourself in a world of sun-soaked mornings; this preserved place transports visitors to the same environment that Paul Cezanne once worked in. For an enhanced experience, it is highly recommended you schedule a guided tour with the tourist office – their speakers are extremely knowledgeable and fascinating! In conclusion, visiting Aix en Provence would simply not be complete without exploring this original, playful and creative site.
4. The Caumont hotel
If you’re in Aix en Provence, be sure to stop by the Center d’Art de Caumont. Located at 3 Rue Joseph Cabassol and built during the 18th century, this majestic private mansion is a Historic Monument filled with temporary exhibition spaces, period museum displays, a beautiful French garden and an elegant tea room/restaurant if your cravings hit! Audio guides are available as well as guided tours – each year they have major exhibitions open for viewing too!
Aix en Provence wine trip: visit the Provencal vineyards
Ready to set out on an adventure and peruse the stunning scenery of Aix en Provence? Or perhaps you want to immerse yourself in the culture of Provence vineyards? Either way, we have exactly what you need for a wonderful exploration!
Experience the incredible Provencal vineyards with Winalist’s partner winegrowers and producers. You won’t want to miss out on this special chance to go on tours of the wineries and sightsee while learning about the local grape varieties! Visit some of Aix-en-Provence’s most stunning wineries, create memories that will last a lifetime, and enjoy all its flavors!
Wine tourism in Aix-en-Provence with Vignevasion
Vignévasion, a wine tourism agency in Provence and partner of Winalist, is aimed at individual customers wishing to take advantage of a day or half-day tour in Provence as large groups or couples.
On a luxurious coach ride from the city center, you will have the opportunity to meet passionate vintners and artisans as well as explore Provence’s most stunning villages. Every tasting is accompanied by an explanation of its flavors and history provided directly by their passionate winemaker host on your journey!
Several experiences are offered by Vignevasion:
- “Wines, Lavenders and Photoshoot”
- “Provence Gourmande”: discovering the wines and olive oils of the Aixoise countryside
- Discovery of the wines of Provence
Visit wineries close to Aix en Provence
Come and join us for an extraordinary experience in Aix en Provence! From small family wineries to more renowned sites, our wine tastings & tours will provide you with an incomparable opportunity to escape the mundane. Accompany your friends or family as we converse with passionate vintners eager to share their stories and insights. We promise a memorable moment that you won’t soon forget!
How to best enjoy Provence Rosé wine than in a Provencal winery!
Things to do in Aix en Provence: Top 3 activities
Here is our selection of the Top 3 ideal Aix-en-Provence activities for a successful stay.
1. Climb the Sainte-Victoire mountain
The Sainte-Victoire mountain is one of the must-sees in the Pays d’Aix. Located to the east of Aix-en-Provence, this small mountain is known worldwide largely thanks to the sixty works of the painter Paul Cézanne of which it is the subject.
For lovers of climbing, hiking and nature walks, this is paradise. The present Sainte-Victoire mountain benefits from lush Mediterranean and south-alpine vegetation due to its geographical orientation. There are no less than 900 different flowering plants!
The hike is fairly easy to the Pic des Mouches via the Versant Nord; it takes about 1h30 of ascent and 1h of descent. From the immense cross of Provence at the highest point, you will observe the infinity of an immense valley, the Lubéron, the Esterel massifs and will see the northern districts of Marseille.
2. Taste the famous calissons of Aix
A great Aix en Provence tourism activity, is to visit the Léonard Parli confectioner’s house, located at 35 Avenue Victor Hugo. This was the first factory of Calissons d’Aix, founded in 1874 by Léonard Parli, a Swiss confectioner passing through the region. For more than 150 years, the factory has passed down its secrets from generation to generation to produce delicious calissons. To be enjoyed on the spot with a coffee to spend a pleasant moment in the shop.
At the Roy René confectionery (53 Route d’Avignon), discover a cultural, fun and interactive trail that will delight young and old alike. At the Calisson museum, you relive the gourmet epic of Roy René through reconstructions and exhibitions. But above all, you can watch the making of nougat and Calisson d’Aix directly in the confectioners’ workshop.
The self-guided tour for this activity is free, and the guided tour with tasting costs €6 per adult (free for children).
3. Visit of the Mazarin district
Built in the 17th century, the Mazarin district is one of the most popular in Aix-en-Provence. During your walk, you will discover the most elegant and sumptuous villas built throughout the 18th century. This district is a symbol of the prosperity of the wealthy craftsmen, merchants and great bourgeois of the time.
Start your visit by rue Cardinale, a major axis, by visiting the Hôtel de Gallifet, dedicated to contemporary art. You can also enjoy its interior garden, in the shade of hundred-year-old trees. Not far from there is the impressive fountain of the Four Dolphins. Sculpted in 1667 by Jean-Claude Rambot, it symbolizes the typical Baroque art of the city of Aix-en-Provence.
At the end of the street, you will find the Saint-Jean de Malte church which is the only Gothic building in Provence. Among the most beautiful works exhibited there, The Crucifixion painted by Delacroix is the centerpiece. In the immediate vicinity, you can also enjoy the Granet museum, one of the most important in the region (about 750 permanent works, including several masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, or even Pablo Picasso, and many sure Paul Cézanne, the child of the city.
FAQ & Useful Resources
What do you call the inhabitants of Aix-en-Provence?
There are several ways to name them. In general, they are called the “Aixois”. Otherwise, they are the Aquisextain(e)s, or Aquisestain(e)s.
How to get to Aix-en-Provence?
3 hours from Paris and just over 1 hour from Lyon, Aix-en-Provence is connected to the whole of France thanks to the TGV. The train station is located 2 minutes from Cours Mirabeau. Marseille Provence Airport in Marignane may be an option for travelers coming from the North of France.
Where to park for free in Aix-en-Provence?
The closest free car park to the city center is that of Casino Supermarché (1, avenue Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny). At the main entrances to the city, the relay car parks are fenced and guarded car parks with frequent and free bus shuttles to reach the city center for only €2.20 per day.
Useful addresses and tips
The Aix-en-Provence Tourist Office is located at 300 Avenue Giuseppe Verdi. In particular, you can buy the CityPass there, which gives access to many activities including guided tours, museum tickets and discounts at partner establishments.
What to eat when you visit Aix ?
It’s perhaps a cliché to come to France for the food and drink, but Aix is nonetheless a gourmand’s paradise. Head to the daily market in Place Richelme (open every day of the year until 1pm) and the surrounding streets to find artisan shops that treat chocolate like an art form and olive oil like delicate perfume. The Rue d’Italie is full of delicatessens, independent cheese shops and great butchers and bakers, where you can pick up a rotisserie chicken for lunch and fresh baguettes. Aix’s dining scene is exploding, with some 700 restaurants of all kinds and styles. Choose one with an outside terrace and have a glass of local rosé wine in the sun.
Where to shop when you visit Aix ?
Aix is nicknamed the 21st arrondissement (district) of Paris, which reveals itself in its elegantly dressed residents who love to shop. Aix has independent fashion boutiques dotted all over town, as well as all the usual international and national chains. Shops are increasingly opening all day and on Sundays, but the trend is still to open from 10am to 12pm and again from 2pm to 7pm after a long lunch break. Many places are still closed on Sundays and Mondays, including restaurants.
Where to sleep when you visit Aix ?
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 decor and kitchenettes. A breakfast buffet is available.
– 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 decor, as well as an outdoor swimming pool and sundeck. A breakfast buffet is available.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Aix-en-Provence ?
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 Ste-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.
