- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
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Why Visit Aix-en-Provence
Wondering what is Aix-en-Provence famous for? Its history as Roman Aquae Sextiae lives on through its 1,000 fountains. The Cours Mirabeau showcases its elegant past, lined with Baroque hôtels particuliers and fed by ancient thermal springs.
Just 30km from the Calanques' turquoise waters, Aix is a gateway to nature. Montagne Sainte-Victoire offers over 250km of trails. Explore the Bibémus Quarries for the unique views that inspired Cézanne, one of the top attractions in Aix-en-Provence.
A true Aix-en-Provence travel guide must include its markets. The Place Richelme market operates daily, offering local tapenade and olive oil. Try Calissons, a unique confection of candied melon and almonds, paired with a glass of Coteaux d'Aix rosé.
- Aix-en-ProvenceFrance
- Aix-en-ProvenceFrance
- Aix-en-ProvenceFrance
- Aix-en-ProvenceFrance
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild weather, fewer tourists
- Jul-Aughot, busy with events
- Wintercool, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #LightLayers
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- #PortableCharger
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 with side trips or beaches
- Euro (€)
- French
- Limited English in rural areas
- #CoursMirabeau
- #SaintSauveurCathedral
- #PaulCézanneMuseum
- #PavilionVendôme
- #GranetMuseum
- #AixEnProvenceMarket
- Stroll through Cours Mirabeau
- Visit local markets
- Explore Sainte-Victoire Mountain
- Try calissons
- Attend a wine tasting
Recommended Hotels in Aix-en-Provence by Experience
Things to do in Aix-en-Provence
Discover
What to see in Aix-en-Provence includes the elegant Cours Mirabeau, the historic Vieil Aix, and the esteemed Musée Granet. The city boasts ornate fountains, a stunning cathedral, and landscapes that once inspired Cézanne himself.
Experience
Explore the bustling daily market at Place Richelme for local produce. Attend the world-renowned Festival d'Aix-en-Provence for summer opera, or join a workshop to learn about making the traditional almond-flavored candy, calissons.
Cours Mirabeau
Tree-lined avenue with fountains and historic mansions.
Vieil Aix (Old Town)
Historic center with narrow streets and charming squares.
Atelier de Cézanne
The artist's final studio, preserved as he left it.
Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur
Cathedral with Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements.
Place Richelme Market
Bustling daily food market in a historic square.
Montagne Sainte-Victoire
Limestone mountain ridge, ideal for hiking and climbing.
Festival d'Aix-en-Provence
Annual international summer festival of opera and music.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS). The L040 Aix-en-Provence shuttle bus gets you from the airport to city center in about 30 minutes. For a train to Aix-en-Provence, the TGV station has high-speed links, while the central station serves regional lines.
Getting Around
The historic center is highly walkable. For longer distances, the Aix en Bus network is the main public transport in Aix-en-Provence. Purchase a multi-journey card ('carte 10 voyages') from a 'tabac' or the main bus station for better value.
Local Essentials
When considering car rental in Aix-en-Provence, note that driving in the old town is difficult due to narrow, pedestrianized streets. Utilize underground parking garages. When you plan a trip to Aix-en-Provence, remember daily markets can close streets.
Where to Stay in Aix-en-Provence
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Taste traditional food in Aix-en-Provence with sweet calissons and savory tapenade. Locals embrace the apéritif, a pre-dinner ritual with rosé. To truly explore the culture, eat dinner late, after 8 PM, like a local.
Enjoy
For fine dining, try Le Poivre d'Ane's intimate setting; book ahead. One of the best bars in Aix-en-Provence is Tapas Cafe, a bustling spot; arrive early. Sip coffee at the historic Les Deux Garçons; terrace seating.
Mitch
Creative tasting menus in a chic, modern setting. Reserve seats.
Le Poivre d'Ane
Inventive fusion dishes on a charming town square. Book ahead.
Toinou
Fresh oysters and seafood in a bustling market hall. Go early.
L'Alcove
Cozy spot offering refined Mediterranean flavors. Great value.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Aix-en-Provence's culture through its traditions. Witness the Fête de la Saint-Jean with bonfires celebrating the summer solstice, or the Bravade Calendale in December, a historic procession with folk music offering the symbolic pompe à l'huile.
Enjoy
Discover must-see modern Aix-en-Provence attractions. The city hosts the world-renowned Festival d'Aix-en-Provence for opera and classical concerts, and the Rencontres du 9e Art, a festival dedicated to comic and graphic arts.
Festival d'Aix-en-Provence
World-famous summer festival of opera and classical music.
Festival de Pâques (Easter Festival)
Major European classical music event held over two weeks.
Rencontres du 9e Art
Spring festival of comic books and associated arts with exhibits.
Fête de la Musique
Free city-wide music celebration on June 21 with live bands.
Fête de la Saint-Jean
Traditional midsummer event with bonfires and folk dancing.
Bastille Day
National holiday on July 14th with parades and fireworks.
Aix Christmas Market
Festive market on Cours Mirabeau with local crafts & food.
Simply Beautiful
Aix-en-Provence is a wonderful city for walking and just soaking everything in. Strolling down the Cours Mirabeau with its fountains and plane trees felt like stepping into a painting. It has a relaxed but classy feel without being stuffy.
Lovely and Historic
A very classic southern French city. The architecture is beautiful, and every little square seems to have its own fountain. I tried the local Calissons d'Aix, which were a unique almond candy. It's full of small shops and galleries.
Great base for exploring
Aix-en-Provence is not just about the city itself; the surrounding landscape is amazing. We took a day to hike around Montagne Sainte-Victoire, and the views were incredible. It's easy to get out of the city and see some of the beautiful Provence countryside.
Market Day Was the Best
We spent a whole morning at the market in Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, and it was fantastic. The smells of fresh flowers, cheese, and bread were everywhere. The sellers were friendly, and it felt like we were seeing a real slice of local life.
A Treat for Art Lovers
I came to see the connection to Cézanne and was not disappointed. The Musée Granet has a great collection, and you can really feel the artistic history of the area. It's a very cultured city with a lot to see for anyone interested in art and history.
So Walkable and Pretty
Loved wandering through the old town, the Vieil Aix. The narrow streets and old buildings are beautiful. It's so easy to get around on foot, and there are countless little cafes and fountains to discover. You can spend hours just getting lost.