Nestled in southern France not far from the Mediterranean coast, lies the affluent city of Aix-en-Provence—fondly known as Aix. The city is famed as the birthplace of Paul Cézanne, and among things to do are visiting the painter’s former home and studio and following the city’s "Cézanne trail." The essence of Aix lies in savoring simple pleasures, from people-watching at cozy cafés to wine tasting to strolling its Provençal markets. With art museums, beautiful fountains, nearby lavender fields, and charming villages, you won’t likely exhaust things to do in Aix-en-Provence.
The lavender fields of Provence bloom through summer (June-August), but don’t expect to have the views to yourself—tourist traffic peaks at this time. Sunny days often stretch out into fall, and September-October can be an ideal time to visit Aix-en-Provence, with fewer crowds and the wine and olive harvests in full swing. This is the season for leisurely hikes and bike rides, stopping along the way to sip Provence rosé amid the vines.
The narrow streets and jam-packed parking lots of Aix-en-Provence make it tricky to drive in the city—a smarter choice is to park at the Parc Relais just outside of town and hop on the shuttle bus instead. Aix’s leafy plazas and lively street markets are best explored on foot, but buses and taxis are easy to find if you need a break from walking. Alternatively, make like a local and hire a bike to cruise around town.
Fromagerie du Passage along Cours Mirabeau will transport cheese lovers to fromage heaven—head up onto the terrace and order a planche (cheese plate) with up to 25 regional cheeses. For those with a sweet tooth, pick up a bag of calissons d’Aix, the town’s ubiquitous candies made from melon and almond, or try the cake version from Maison Weibel.
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Aix en Provence is known for the Cours Mirabeau, a tree-lined thoroughfare with shops, cafes, and fountains. The Aix Cathedral is another well-known attraction, celebrated for its mélange of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It also houses two important pieces of 15th-century art: the Burning Bush Triptych and the stone Aygosi Family Altar.
...MoreAix en Provence's top attractions include the Granet Museum, with its large collection of 15th- through 19th-century artwork and Aix Cathedral, which boasts a mix of architectural styles. Other popular attractions include Cezanne's old studio, which is now a museum, and the Cours Mirabeau, a popular stretch of tree-lined promenade.
...MoreAix en Provence has a strong musical culture, and going out to concerts and performances is one of the more popular activities in town. While there are performances staged throughout the year, visit in July to check out the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, an international celebration of opera.
...MoreNo. Aix en Provence is the name of a city in the Provence region of Southern France. The name literally translates to Aix in Provence. There are a few other Aix places in France, including Aix-sur-Vienne (Aix on the Vienne River) and Aix-les-Bains, named for the town’s thermal baths (bains).
...MoreAix en Provence’s overall ambiance is what makes it so special. This charming university town is full of old architecture and museums, and it's just a short jaunt from the beaches of the French Riviera. Aix also has great weather throughout the year, with mild winters and hot summers.
...MoreIf you aren’t familiar with French, the “aix” in Aix en Provence might throw you off—it’s pronounced just like the letter “X.” The city’s name is generally pronounced by anglophones as ex-on pruh-vonce. However, most people familiar with the city simply shorten it to “Aix.”If you aren’t familiar with French, the “aix” in Aix en Provence might throw you off—it’s pronounced just like the letter “X.” The city’s name is generally pronounced by anglophones as ex-on pruh-vonce. However, most people familiar with the city simply shorten it to “Aix.”
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