Aix en Provence
On highway A7 and route N7, 35 km from Marseille and 30 km from Marseille-Marignane International Airport.
Aix-en-Provence, a superb regional city to discover
Protected by the Montagne Ste Victoire which rises to 1,011m. Aix is surrounded by a countryside full of authentic Provencal houses and traditional French style gardens. The name Aix comes from the source discovered when the city was founded in 123b.c. by the Romans.
Visit the ancient capital of Provence
Aix was the capitol of Provence in the 15th century. Wealthy merchants and local dignitaries helped turn this city into the Florence of Provence as we know it today. One can find all the beauty of the noble Provence of the17th and 18th centuries: handsome houses of the upper class, private mansions, city squeres bursting with flowers, ancient fountains and shaded narrow streets.
A city that has always attracted writers and artists
Aix was the inspiration to many of the greatest writers and painters : Guigou, Stendhal, Mistral, Zola, and Cézanne. There is even a special Cezanne tour which one can follow through the streets of Aix stopping at points marked with a C. As a city of art and culture Aix possesses a wealth of superbe architecture that has been carefully preserved and restored.
A city centre with a rich heritage
Walking through the Cours Mirabeau and the Rue Gaston de Saporta one can admire the private mansions with their sculptured doors and windows and the intricate iron work on the balconies. Discerning shoppers choose the elegant boutiques in the quartier Mazarin.
Festivities in Aix en Provence
Concerts and operas: the Festival d'Art Lyrique et de Musique in summer
Every summer, the International Festival of Lyric Art and Music presents a sumptuous line-up of divas and maestros, and the dance festival is also internationally renowned.
The Christmas Market in winter
In December, the Aix Christmas market is a major event, with its market of 13 desserts, its bravades and its santon fair. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the traditions of Christmas in Provence and stock up on local produce for the festive season.
Our map of Aix en Provence
To find your way around Aix, you can use our interactive map of the city. It also works on mobile phones, and we've included some of our recommended accommodation in the town. You'll also find a slideshow of Aix-en-Provence with photos taken by our team in the city to inspire you to visit Aix.
Visit a vineyard near Aix-en-Provence
Château Paradis is a splendid winery of the Coteaux d’Aix en Provence appellation. You will find there red wines with light tannins, light and fruity rosés. Located at 20 minutes from the north of Aix-en-Provence, the estate will show you the diversity of its wines and terroirs with a tour or tasting. See the winery’s visits
Aix: the city of spices.
Aix en Provence is also famous for its spices. We recommend "L'Etal des Epices". Initially present on the markets of Aix en Provence and the surrounding villages, in 2007 their stall became one of the first shops to buy spices online. But their ethos hasn't changed: advice, a wide choice of spices, herbs, rare peppers, teas and infusions, and whenever possible, the promotion of local producers.
What to see
Cathedral St. Sauveur.
The Hôtel de Ville.
The Tour de l'Horloge.
The quartier Mazarin and its narrow streets.
The Granet museum.
Cézanne workshop.
The Cézanne trail.
The Old Aix museum.
Vendôme Pavilion: French gardens and collections of furniture and art objects.
Leisure activities
Swimming pool. Horse riding. Golf. Tennis. Squash.
Night Clubs. Theaters.
Walks, hiking.
Museums. Casino. Shopping...
Hotels
Close to the TGV train station and International Airport
56 design rooms with air-conditioning, satellite TV and free WiFi
Jacuzzi, sauna and fitness centre. Restaurant - Bar Lounge
A short walk from the old town - Free access to spa - Beautiful garden
Provencal-style rooms, air conditioned with free Wi-Fi and mini-bars
Gym & Spa Sensoriel. Sauna, hammam, and jacuzzi
Bed and breakfast
3 luxury and charming bed & breakfast incl a 60m² suite with 100m² terrace
in a 18th C renovated house
Swimming Pool - 5 ha park - Quiet
Holiday rentals
A holiday rentals selection
Specialized real estate agency
Accomodations
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Holiday rentals.
Campsites.
Your questions about Aix en Provence.
You've sent us lots of questions about Aix. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions.
Where to eat in Aix-en-Provence?
Head for the city centre near the Cour Mirabeau, where you'll find a host of Provencal and more modern restaurants, including many pleasant terraces in fine weather. Provencal cuisine, pizzerias, the choice is vast!
Is life good in Aix-en-Provence?
Yes, it is! It's great to live in Aix-en-Provence because it's a big city without being huge, with lots of entertainment, restaurants and bars. It's a wonderful city, with excellent transport links and only a few kilometres from the Luberon and the Mediterranean. It's a city that attracts more and more residents year after year.
Where is Aix en Provence?
Aix en Provence is in the Bouches du Rhône department (in the Provence Alpes Côtes d'Azur region), 30 kilometres north of Marseille. Its ideal location between the sea and the mountains makes it one of the most pleasant towns in Provence. Nearby villages include Venelles and Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde.
What to do and where to go in Aix?
Stroll around the old town
It's great fun to wander around the historic centre of Aix. The historic monuments, pretty squares, art galleries, Provençal craft shops, small restaurants... all contribute to the pleasure of strolling and living in Aix en Provence.
The Aix en Provence market
There are 3 markets a week in Aix-en-Provence: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays on Place Verdun and Place des Prêcheurs, but the big Saturday Provencal market takes place on Cour Mirabeau. A great place to stock up on local produce!
Hiking near Aix
The Pays d'Aix is full of very pleasant walks. Head out of the town through the pretty Aix countryside to the famous Montagne Sainte-Victoire, where you'll find plenty of signposted hiking trails to immerse you in the scents of thyme and rosemary and a magnificent panorama from the summit.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Saint Marc Jaumegarde (6 km), Châteauneuf le Rouge (9 km) and Venelles (10 km).