Top Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence

About the City

Oh la la, Aix-en-Provence, nestled in the South of France, could be likened to a canvas where the brushstrokes of history, culture, and gastronomy blend to create a vibrant tableau! Let's take a whimsical stroll, shall we? Imagine sashaying through the sun-drenched Cours Mirabeau, flanked by plane trees that have seen more seasons than your grandma's cookbooks. This boulevard is a runway for leisurely musings and a living museum with fountains that gossip about the past as their waters murmur. Speaking of museums, the Musée Granet is like an all-you-can-eat buffet for your eyes, with art that spans the ages, from Cézanne's strokes to contemporary pizzazz. Cézanne's studio, by the by, is also here, whispering creative secrets to anyone willing to listen. But every coin has its flip side, non? The city can politely raid your wallet because, let’s face it, elegance and a Provençal postcode come with a price tag. And let's not get started on the merry dance of finding parking—it's a jolly jigsaw puzzle where your car is an unwelcome piece during peak times. So, rev up your appetite for culture, pack a few extra euros, and brush up on your parallel parking. Aix is ready to treat you to the charming hustle of French life, seasoned with a pinch of 'oh mon dieu, why is parking such a nightmare?'

Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence

Try lavender gelato!

Food & Drink

A specialty of the Provence region! Does it taste like soap to you?

Taste the Local Flavor at Aix Market

Sights

Put on your stretchy pants and dive into Aix Market! Sniff around for fresh lavender, taste some calissons (those sweet almond treats), and say 'oui' to all the cheese. Remember, calories don't count ...

Navigate an Antique Book Market

The Unexpected

Channel your inner bibliophile and get lost in a maze of vintage pages! On the hunt for that leather-bound treasure, you'll rub shoulders with fellow bookworms and local literati. It's more than a mar...

Embark on a Fountain Quest

The Unexpected

Grab your water wings and set sail on an urban treasure hunt! Aix is sprinkled with over a hundred fountains, each one unique. Splash into the story of each aquatic masterpiece. But don't just look, f...

Antique Market Stroll

Outdoors

Get lost amongst treasures of the past at Aix's famous outdoor antique markets. Who knows, you may find the perfect French knick-knack to take home!

Munch on a Fougasse

Food & Drink

Pull apart the fluffy insides of a fougasse, the ultimate Provençal bread that's like a hug for your taste buds. It's bread with a twist—literally—packed with cheese, olives, or even bacon!

Explore the villages of Luberon!

Sights Outdoors

Spend the day wandering through the picturesque villages of Luberon, located near Aix-en-Provence. Pictured here are the villages of Goult, Rousillon, and Lourmaron!

Hunt for Hidden Squares

Sights

Get your explorer's hat on and hunt for the quaint hidden squares of Aix. These tiny havens of peace are nestled all over town, offering a slice of serenity amidst the city buzz. Find a bench, take a ...

Discover the Charm of Quartier Mazarin

Sights

Stroll the leafy streets of Quartier Mazarin and marvel at the elegance of 17th-century architecture. It's where the old world meets the new in a classy handshake. So, take a walk, soak in the vibes, ...

Nibble on Calissons d'Aix

Food & Drink

Savor the sweet marzipan-like joy of Calissons d'Aix, a lozenge-shaped almond treat that's as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds! Get ready to taste the sunshine of Provence in each...

Experience Fromage Fest

Food & Drink

Cheese lovers, brace yourselves for a smorgasbord of fromage. Aix is your dairy-laden Eden; here you can nibble your way through Camembert, Roquefort, and all the chevre your heart desires!

Whiff and Woof Truffle Delights

Food & Drink

Embark on a culinary treasure hunt with truffle delights that'll have you sniffing out the best of Aix like a pro! From truffle-infused oils to the decadent shavings atop your omelet, this is a fungi ...

Relive History at Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur

Sights

Go all medieval and check out the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur. Its mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture is like a time machine. And it's way older than your Grandma!

Picnic with a View

Outdoors

Grab some local delicacies and have a picturesque picnic at the foot of the sweeping Sainte-Victoire mountain. Nothing beats munching on delicious French cheese while soaking up the Provençal sun!

Hike Sainte-Victoire

Outdoors

Strap on your boots and hike the paths Cézanne himself wandered. Conquering this limestone beauty gives you ultimate bragging rights — and some killer views of Aix!

Cycling Through History

Outdoors

Rent a bike and pedal past ancient Roman ruins, roll through vineyards, and wave at olive groves. Don't forget to stop and sample the local wine — hydration is key!

Indulge in a Thermal Spa Soak

The Unexpected

Time to dip those toes into something historic! The Romans knew how to live it up, and you can too in the thermal baths of Aix. Imagine you're a toga-clad traveler from yesteryears as you luxuriate in...

Discover Hidden Courtyards

The Unexpected

Who's up for a game of 'peek-a-boo' with history? Tucked behind unassuming doors and down narrow alleys lie secret courtyards. These hidden gems are oozing with charm and whispering tales of days gone...

Master the Art of Calisson Crafting

The Unexpected

Satisfy your sweet tooth by becoming a confectionery connoisseur! Dive into the sticky, sweet world of Calisson making – Aix's very own almond-shaped treat. Get those hands gooey as you mix almond pas...