Top 12 Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence, France
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Wondering what to do in Aix-en-Provence, France? Well, we are Aix-en-Provence lovers over here, so you’ve come to the right place!
Firstly, Aix-en-Provence is by far the classiest town in all of the South of France, if you ask us. It is a city for history and culture lovers alike and aims to seduce its visitors with winding cobbled streets, Parisian-style boutiques, and bustling markets selling just about everything you can imagine. Aix (Aix-en-Provence’s nickname which is pronounced like the prefix “ex”) is well known in France for its influence on art and religion, as well as its charming old town atmosphere.
Great as a base for exploring, Aix-en-Provence has a lot to offer visitors for its rather small size. A large portion of the town has become fully pedestrianized over time, making it incredibly easy to see all corners of this elegant town.
In this article, we’ll review 12 amazing things to do in Aix-en-Provence, France.
Commençons! Let’s start!
12 Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence, France
To help you make the most of your experience, here are 12 amazing things to do and must-see activities on your Aix-en-Provence trip.
1. Soak up French culture at Cours Mirabeau
Lined with a variety of nostalgic cafes, boutiques, and restaurants, Cours Mirabeau is without a doubt one of the top things to do in Aix-en-Provence!
Perfect for traveling on foot, public traffic is not allowed on this tree-lined boulevard which leads towards Aix’s Old Town. Stop by one of the many shops and boutiques to pick up trinkets or souvenirs you want to bring home from your journey. Then, grab a cup or coffee or indulge in something scrumptious like calissons, diamond-shaped sweets that are local to Aix.
2. Visit the Aix-en-Provence Cathedral
Built on the site of a historic 18th century Roman Forum the Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence is one of the most visited sites in the whole region of Provence. It has been a holy place for thousands of years, and one of the most prominent religious landmarks in France—and for good reason.
The cathedral is located in the Old Town and has been built and rebuilt during the 12-19th centuries. Due to the constant reconstructions, it has architectural features combining 3 different styles (which is not uncommon to see in places of worship in Europe). Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque all shine in the Aix Cathedral.
Entry to the cathedral is available daily from 8 am-6 pm, with Sunday Mass at 10:30 am and 7:00 pm. It is free for all visitors and is only a 15-minute walk from the train station. With this in mind, stop in for a peaceful moment or two.
3. Shop the Markets
Aix-en-Provence is famous for its many markets around town, which happen all throughout the year. The markets around the city are perfect for indulging in all five senses and are particularly wonderful locales to learn about French culture and practice French with locals.
Be sure to hit these three markets in Aix-en-Provence:
- Daily Farmer’s Market (open 365 days a year),
- Everything Market (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
- Aix-en-Provence Flower Market (every day but the first Sunday of the month)
Interestingly, markets around the city sell everything imaginable from soap to fabrics to housewares, and many more pop up during the summertime. You won’t be sorry if you stop by any of these markets!
Want to get the most out of your market experience? Check out this Local Specialties and Wine Tour to taste local specialties while learning about Provence from a seasoned guide.
4. Tour the Paul Cezanne Studio
Characterized by small, thin brush strokes and lots of light 19th century Impressionism is king across Provence, and the region is often referred to as the ‘Land of the Painters. Aix itself was home to famed painter Paul Cezanne.
Although Cezanne was against the art movement in the beginning, he became one of the most well-known impressionist painters in France, implicating idyllic and majestic landscapes in his artwork, inspired by his birthplace, Aix-en Provence, of course.
Stop by Cezanne’s studio (Atelier de Cezanne), his former home and studio. Now a museum, it was in this home that he shined as an artist, and paintings created here now live in museums all over the world.
In addition to a studio tour, stroll in the The Field of Painters. In this public park, you can get a glimpse of Cezanne’s inspiration for his paintings, including a spectacular view of Sainte-Victoire mountain, which is featured in many of his works. (More can be found on visiting Mont Saint-Victoire below.)
5. Orient yourself with an Aix walking tour
Aix-en-Provence is very walkable and perhaps best seen on foot—like many of the nearby towns. Take a walk through town to explore tourist attractions in Aix-en-Provence, local hot spots, and perhaps even stumble upon a few surprises.
While we love to meander on our our own, walking tours are an excellent way to orient oneself to a new city. You can always hop on a free walking tour of Aix (11 am daily except Sundays and holidays). We’ve found that free tours can get quite crowded, and we end up spending a lot of time waiting on others.
Instead, you may prefer heading out on a private walking tour of Aix-en Provence. On the tour, learn everything you need to know to thoroughly enjoy your trip by asking all the questions you want of a local guide who knows and loves all things Aix!
6. Visit the Hôtel de Caumont
Dating back to the 18th century, the Hotel de Caumont was once the most majestic mansion in the Mazarin Quarter, an area of Aix that is compared to Paris’ Marais. Currently, it’s an art gallery dedicated to the major artists that came out of the area, but it reminds visitors of the aristocracy that once reigned in the area.
Tours of the Hotel de Caumont are available daily, with or without a guide provided. Audio guides are also available in French English and Spanish, explaining major points of interest and over 20 different pieces of artwork.
7. Savor the tastes of the region on an Aix-en-Provence food tour
To indulge in the tastes Aix-en-Provence has to offer (e.g. charcuterie, artisanal olive oil, and truffles), why not join a small gourmet walking tour of the city? Since I love to walk, and I love to eat, the I think this Tastes of Provence tour is perfection!
On the tour, a friendly guide will accompany you as you zigzag through through Aix’s historic streets searching for local gems. Hop in and out of food shops and eateries both old and new, and devour treats at Aix-en-Provence patisseries. Wine, beer, and soda included.
Insider Tip: If you happen to be around Aix-en-Provence in the summer, don’t miss out on the Festival de la Gastronomie en Provence. Pop-up shops will be set up all around the main square of the city center with local produces, wines, and much more. Cooking classes and workshops are also available.
8. Picnic at Parc Jourdan
Nature lovers will be pleased to see that Aix-en-Provence has a multitude of parks for its small size. Amongst the sweetest of these parks is Parc Jourdan. Once you get to the park, enjoy one of the many walking paths, gardens, flowers, and its breathtaking fountain.
Surely, Parc Jourdan is one of the most peaceful places in the city and the penultimate place for an afternoon picnic. Thus, pop into one of the many shops or markets to pick up bread, wine, and cheese before heading there.
It’s also an ideal place to enjoy the sunset at the end of a long day of Aix-en-Provence sightseeing. Check out it’s fantastic views towards the west of the city.
9. Take an E-Bike tour of Mont Sainte-Victoire
As mentioned above, Mont Sainte-Victoire was the subject or backdrop of several paintings done by impression painted Paul Cezanne. Instead of walking, what better way to explore the mountain and surrounding area than on a guided E-Bike tour?
E-Bikes have quickly become very popular in the South of France. An excellent alternative to walking on a warm day, an e-bike ride allows visitors to see sights up close and personal, not to mention the fun of feeling like a kid again.
Even if it is your first time on an E-Bike, the terrain throughout the tour is very beginner-friendly and great for any athletic ability. Full- and half-day tours are available. In truth, don’t miss out on this spectacular tour of Mont Sainte Victoire as it has high potential to be the biggest highlight of your entire visit!
Of course, don’t forget to insure your trip, whether you’re planning to do some light exercise or not. Travel insurance can cover trip interruptions, injury, and other mishaps. Don’t leave home without out it; we certainly don’t!
Editor’s Note: Don’t forget to insure your trip, whether you’re planning to do some light exercise or not. Travel insurance can cover trip interruptions, injury, and other mishaps. Don’t leave home without out it; we certainly don’t!
10. Stroll through Vieille Ville Aix (Old Town)
The Old Town, or Vieille Ville, is the heart of Aix-en-Provence. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Aix, look no further the cobbled streets of Old Town. Well preserved, it reminds residents and visitors alike of the medieval era.
In addition to the dozens of restaurants, cafes, and shops Old Town has to offer, it is also the home to some of the most magnificent architecture in the city including Musée du Vieil-Aix, the cathedral, and the original site of the Roman Forum. In fact, most people worked and resided here during ancient Roman times. Be sure to check out the Roman pool, now a modern-day thermal bath, located right outside of the Old Town.
Beware: there are places where the cobblestone streets become narrow and uneven. However, it’s handicapped and wheelchair accessible so that everyone can ponder, dream, and soak in the atmosphere of Old Town Aix!
11. Check out provincial wineries
A visit to Aix-en-Provence, or any town in France for that matter, is never complete without tasting the local wine. As we all know, the French are experts when it comes to wine and generally take great pride in that fact. Although not as popular as Bordeaux, the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire has some of the best wineries in all of the country.
Aix-en-Provence itself is recognized for its large selections of rosé wine in along with more traditional white and red varieties. Most wineries and vineyards in the area provide daily tours and tastings for visitors, usually in the morning and early afternoon hours.
Rather than figure out how to get yourself to and from the winery and fight the crowds, make a day of it by participating in a wine tour. On the Aix-en-Provence: Half-Day Wine Tour, admire the stunning landscape of the Sainte-Victoire mountain and learn all about wine making at two family-owned wine estates. Vineyard and tasting access included. Yum!
12. Read at Bibliothèque Méjanes
If you’ve never been to France, you will soon become aware of how treasured Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s The Little Prince is. Actually, it’s one of the best-selling and most translated books of all time!
A reminder for adults to not take everything so seriously, remember the dreams you had as a child, and to never lose the power of imagination, Aix-en-Provence is the ideal setting to read this classic.
The public library, otherwise known as the Bibliothèque Méjanes, was established in 1810 and was the home to many other complexes before it was transformed into its most prized identity: a stunning architectural entrance consisting of three giant-sized books including The Little Prince!
Visit the library, and take note: even though you are small in size compared to the large world we live in, your existence is still of much value.
Best Booking Tools for France
Check out our recommended booking tools for self-planned itineraries:
Flights:
- Google Flights – Start your planning here. To get an idea of flight prices and routes, browse Google Flights by using the explore map.
- Skyscanner – Find flights and route connections that other search engines miss.
- Expedia – Best all around flight booking tool, search for hotels, flights, cars, vacation packages, and cruises. No matter where you are going, this booking tool helps every type of traveler get the best value every time.
Accommodations:
- Booking.com – Access a clear, easy, and transparent hotel booking process that includes hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and more. It’s great for anyone who likes to stay organized and do research.
- Hostelworld – The leading provider of online hostel reservations to budget, independent, and youth travelers, Hostelworld has has a great search interface and the largest inventory of hostels to choose from.
- Airbnb – Rent a room or entire apartment to live like a local. (Use my link to get $65 off your first stay)
Transportation:
- Rome 2 Rio – Begin planning your in-country travel with this website offering air, train, bus, or taxi routes.
- Rail Europe and Trainline (our preference) – For train and bus travel in Europe, try these two. You can also purchase train and bus tickets directly from suppliers.
- Bla Bla Car – Find a carpool ride with this ridesharing APP. Just chip in for gas!
Travel Insurance:
- World Nomads – Don’t forget to protect your investment from trip interruptions to unexpected injuries.
Go to our resources page for more booking tools we use to plan our trips.
Ready to visit Aix-En-Provence?
Our advice in regards to falling in love with Aix-en-Provence? It’s pretty easy to do. All you need to do is embrace your surroundings, and you’ll get a taste of all the best things to do in Aix-en-Provence, France.
PS: Don’t forget to visit Aix’s amazing Visitor Center (located just west of Cours Mirabeau) for more details on Aix sightseeing!
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