What To See While Visiting Aix En Provence

Aix en Provence, a chic, but unpretentious University town, known as Provence’s cultural capital. It’s another must-visit location in France. This is where Post-Impressionist Paul Cézanne was born and lived, and many famous artists came to paint, like Pablo Picasso, who lived, and is buried here. Novelists Ernest Hemingway and Emile Zola also lived here, as well as other notable creative personalities. This post covers what to see while visiting Aix en Provence.

What To See In Aix En Provence

“Cézanne Walk”

Cezanne was born, worked, and died in Aix, so there are many references to the places that were part of his life here. Exploring these historical spots is one of the top things to see and do in Aix en Provence.

You can pick up a walking map at the tourist center and follow it, or just refer to the map as you run into the metal ‘Cézanne’ studs in the streets and walkways. The later worked better for me as there are many tiny streets not on the map.

There are 32 locations on the map, but the top sites include the following. Note that two of the top sites listed below require a tour (once you get here). To do so, it’s best to buy tickets in advance, at booking.aixenprovence, or at the tourist center.

Le Terrain Des Peintres, or Painters Park

About a 15-minute walk from his studio is Painters Park, another spot Cézanne painted with his favorite view of Sainte-Victoire Mountain in the background. A display of several of his works from this area are also here.

Les Carrieres De Bibemus Quarry Et Le Cabanon De Cezanne

A little out of the city is the abandoned quarry where Cézanne painted other famous works and the building where he kept his supplies. Visits here are via tour, which takes about an hour. This tour requires the ability to walk on uneven ground.

Ecole De Dessin – Musee Granet

Cézanne was a student at this school, taking the second prize for drawing in 1859.

Walk Cours Maribou, The Main Boulevard

This stately, tree-lined street was once filled with horse-drawn carriages. It’s the perfect place to walk and soak up the ambience here. Lined with many cafes and several fountains, it divides the city into Quartier Mazarin, the new town, and Ville Comtale, or old town. If you like to shop, Aix is also known for its shopping and this street is lined with many famous name brands.

Top Markets To See In Aix En Provence

Provencal Market, Le Grand Marche

Le Grand Marche, one of the top markets to see in Aix en Provence, is held Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. Full of traditional Provençal linens and textiles, soaps, pottery, local produce, and clothing. It’s held on the main street, Cours Maribou, although often spills into the side streets.

Flower Market, Le Marche Aux Fleurs

Also on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays there’s a lovely little flower market. This market fills Place de l’Hotel de Ville, or Town Hall square, with color.

Farmers Market

This food market, located at Place Richelme, is open every morning. Mainly for locals, it’s a great market to explore, with locally grown produce, local specialties, meats, cheeses, and more.

Top Museums To See In Aix En Provence

Wander Its Pedestrian Streets

This city is so beautiful, just wandering through the stately squares and labyrinth of lanes is fantastic. As you walk, you’ll find lots of lovely cafes to sample the incredible food here.

Festival d’Aix

This annual international music festival, Festival d’Aix, usually takes place in the summer. Although mostly devoted to opera, there is also orchestral, chamber, instrumental, and other musical forms. Packed with open-air concerts and events, this is a cultural highlight in Aix.

Note On Where To Stay In Aix

Staying right in the city of Aix is convenient, but can also be expensive. A tip to save money is to stay in Tholonet, a 15-20 minute bus ride away. There’s frequent bus service, although it’s not exactly punctual.

Day Trips From Aix En Provence

This region is so beautiful and has so much to offer, there are several great day trip options.

Sainte-Victoire Mountain

If you are into hiking, there are several paths and sites on Sainte-Victoire Mountain.See visorando.com for more details.

St Remy

This charming little town was where Van Gogh committed himself to the asylum, St Paul Mausole, and where he created some of his best works, like Starry Night. You can visit the room he stayed in and walk in his footsteps. This village also has galleries, markets and cafes, as well as great Roman ruins. It’s located just south of Avignon, also about an hour north of Aix.

Gordes

Another spectacular day trip from Avignon is Gordes, the most beautiful hilltop village in Provence. This picture perfect village has quaint cobbled streets, a medieval castle, bustling Tuesday morning market, lovely cafes, and stunning views! Gordes is about an hour drive north of Aix. There’s also a bus, which takes about two hours.

Roussillon

Roussillon, famous for its striking red cliffs and old ochre quarries, sits at the foot of Monts de Vaucluse, inside the Natural Regional Park of Luberon. It’s located about an hour north of Aix, or about 15 minutes from Gordes.

Lourmarin

The charming Provençal village of Lourmarin is nestled amongst olive groves and vineyards. It’s worth a visit to explore its windy cobbled streets lined with charming homes, see its castle, and visit its many art galleries. Lourmarin is about 40-minute drive north of Aix. You can also take a taxi or a bus, which takes about an hour.

Arles

Arles, about an hour northeast of Aix, is best known for its Roman archeological ruins and where Vincent Van Gogh created many masterpieces.

Camargue

Camargue, famous for its images of mostly white, long-haired horses running on the beach, is also known for its Camargue bulls, bred for fighting, and a large bird preserve. The once wild horses, however, are now mostly domesticated and bred under strict guidelines.

Lavender Fields

Visiting Provence is extra special from mid-June to mid-August, as this is when its lush lavender fields bloom. Especially the Valensole Plateau area, which is about an hour northeast of Aix. Peak blooming varies based on weather conditions, so it’s best to book a local tour guide, who will know where the best blooms are.

Want More Of France?

About an hour north of Aix is Avignon. This city was the seat of the papacy in the 14th century, moved from Rome due to conflict and chaos. Its Palais des Papes, the Gothic palace built for the 7 popes that reigned here, is the largest Gothic medieval Palace in the world.

The Cote d’Azur, or French Riviera, is also just a short drive from Avignon. This 550 mile stretch of sun, sand, and crystal-clear azure waters is known as a playground for the wealthy. Explore laid-back coastal cities along the Mediterranean like Cassis, St. Tropez, Cannes, Nice, Antibes, and more.

Of course you can’t miss France’s most visited city, Paris, one of the most romantic cities in Europe. And from Paris, there are several must-do day trips, like the Palace of Versailles, or Giverny, to see Claude Monet’s house and gardens.

If you want to explore some of France’s more historic smaller cities, consider popular cities like Strasbourg, Lyon, Brittany, and Mont Saint-Michel.

And to learn more about France’s outstanding wines, there’s also Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and the Loire Valley. Each with their own incredible terroir, varietals, and historic architecture.

To see all the places to fall in love with France in, as well as tips on money, safety, scams, and how to best get around, see my France Travel Guide.