Visiting Aix-en-Provence is akin to travelling back in time to old-world France where centuries-old buildings occupy leafy boulevards and bustling public squares. Alfresco cafes and fine-dining restaurants sit alongside historic art museums, expansive parks and student-filled bars.
Things to do in Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence’s pedestrianised city centre is characterised by architecturally stunning buildings, such as the 16th-century Aix Cathedral, which showcases a medieval baptistery, Romanesque cloisters and Neo-Gothic cornices. It’s a short walk from the Pavillon Vendôme, which is housed inside a 17th-century pavilion and features rotating national and international art exhibitions.
You’ll also find a wealth of restaurants and bars within the historic old town, including gourmet French eateries such as La Chimère Café and Drôle d'Endroit. Join the city’s lively student population in popular bars and pubs, including Le Brigand, Le Manoir and O'Shannon. The latter is an Irish-style pub with pints of Guinness and hearty Irish fare.
Are you looking for a picturesque place to stroll with your partner? Wander beneath the canopy of trees along the Cours Mirabeau, a wide thoroughfare with street performers and stalls. You can also venture down to Parc Jourdan, which has expansive grassy lawns, beautiful statues and a bubbling water feature.
Art lovers are spoiled for choice in Aix-en-Provence, from the renowned optical and kinetic artwork at the Fondation Vasarely to the vintage folk art in the historic Musée du Vieil-Aix. You can even experience a very intimate art journey into the private studio of famed French artist, Paul Cézanne, which has been turned into a museum displaying his furnishings, work tools and some of his creations.
Getting around Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is about 25 kilometres from Aéroport Marseille-Provence, but can also be reached by long-distance buses and trains. Shuttle buses run from the airport, while public buses service the outer suburbs. The town centre is best explored on foot.