One day in the charming Aix-en-Provence- 10 things to include

03.04.2023.

Nestled in the heart of Provence Aix bursts with elegance. Only 25 km from Marseille, it’s easy to visit Aix-en-Provence with the train. Beach doesn’t define its charm, rather an artistic vibe of of its streets.

The honey-coloured buildings offer the relaxing time at some of the numerous bars and restaurants. The labyrinth od streets give throne to the central promenade Cours Mirabeau. You can enjoy the stunning shade of the lush trees, an imposant remark of the city.

Aix-en-Provence is the birthplace of Paul Cezanne and its unevitable to explore its artistic heritage.

See also: Cassis town and hike to Calanques near Marseille

Wonder at Cours Mirabeau

Cours Mirabeau is a vibrant heart of Aix, an elegant and wide promenade full of bars and restaurants. Fountain La Rotonde beautifully frames the relaxing vibes of the Cours Mirabeau. Just across the fountain you’ll find the Tourist office.

While visiting Aix during the winter time, I couldn’t witness the fabulous tree lines. Still seeing some Christmas stands was a wonderful opportunity. It wasn’t so rich though and totally different to the gorgeous vibes of Alsace during Advent.

You may not even notice La Fountaine d’Eau Chaude in the middle of the promenade as it’s covered with moss. It’s such an unusual one, popping up with questions.

Not only you can admire the soft atmosphere of Aix, but absorb the cultural sense of the city. Iconic figures like Camus, Cézanne and Zola used to visit the surrounding restaurants. It’s such a thrilling feeling to know that these amazing artists lived nearby.

Discover some of the numerous fountains

Aix bursts with fountains and it’s often referred as a city of thousand fountains. More precisely, it has about 200 fountains- such a hidden gem to know.

Place de Quatre Dauphines glorifies the lovely statue of four dolphines, which dates back to 1667.

Place d’Albertas is the perfect example how the fountains in Aix look like. The Baroque style of this small square took the roots with the rich Albertas family. Having the theatrical performances is the main reason to have such fountains.

La Place de Hotel de Ville

The fantastic tower that holds the shine to represent Aix belongs to one of the loveliest square. The clock tower was once belfry standing adjacent to the town hall. The Baroque style stands out among the palette of many others.

Hotel de Ville or Town Hall is a gracious building with the Italian charm. Corn Exchange Hall is another imposant building that shows importance of corn industry.

The square hosts a Flower market each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Lovely pastry shops

Aix holds a rich variety of pastry shops that just invite you to get it. Amorino that lies next to Place de Hotel de Ville is an exquisite example. It offers not only ice-cream of various flavours and floral shape, but also waffles. Ice-cream with macaroni so you shouldn’t miss this creative treasure.

Calissons is a delicacy that originated in Aix, even having its own pastry shop. This sweet consists of ground almonds and paste of dried fruit (usually melon or orange). Thin layer of icing comes on the top.

Book in bar is an awesome blend of library and caffe and ovewhelming richness of books. You will have a double win as it’s located just across hotel Caumont.

Atelier Cezanne

Atelier Cezanne hides in the idyllic corners of olive and fig garden, only 15 minutes from the city centre. It has been untouched since his death and thus holds an authentic vibe of Cezanne. In this small museum you can testimony Cezanne’s artwork, furniture and working tools.

Cezanne used to paint outdoors in his garden so don’t miss to discover the roots of the iconic painter. The presence of Cezanne is deeply present as it’s been untouched since his death.

The entrance is 6,5€ and for additional 3€ you can have the audio guide.

Hôtel de Caumont- Art Centre

The marvellous Hotel Caumont is one of the rare hotels open to the public. On Rue Joseph-Cabassol this hotel is a pure treasure of the city. The 18th century style defines its style, specially rococo.

It was built for the Marquess of Cabanes and nowadays it deserves a title of the „monument historique“.

The elegance of Art Center today shines with exquisite exhibitions and gardens. While touring the hotel, you can relax in the lovely caffe inside. The Musique Room is a highlight of your visit and includs harpsichord, painted harp and armchairs.
Visiting Hôtel de Caumont is a fabulous opportunity to discover the French life in south France. The price to enter the Hotel depends about the temporary exhibitions (usually about 14€). The entrance fee is only 6,5€ when there are no exhibitions.

Fancy dinner at hotel Caumont is a fantastic experience with a garden view.

Museum Granet

The rich collection of Musée Granet includes almost 12 000 paintings. The special focus deserves Cezanne’s room with nine oil paintings. The oldest museum in Aix gives a warm welcome in its large rooms.

It’s definitely the exceptional museum in the whole France. The self-portrait by Rembrandt enjoys the particular interest to all the visitors.

From the 14th to the 20th century Granet Museum delights giving scope to the great names. Impressionist art is the highlight of the musuem and includes the artworks from Degas, Monnet and Van Gogh.

Some notable names from the 20th century include Alberto Giacometti, Pablo Picasso, Giorgio Morandi, Paul Klee. Cultural events and concerts take an honour to happen in Museum Granet.

Mejanes library

Mejanes library initialy poured my interest to visit Aix. Mega books that decorate its front are definitely so inviting. It lies a bit out of the centre, about 15 minutes from the train station. It’s still not particularly far.

Library is part of Cité du Livre complex, where numerous events happen. Cité du Livre consists of various cultural institutions and restaurants.

Existing from 1810, originally it was situated in the City Hall. Later it changed the location to the tobacco factory.

The highlight of the Mejanes library is the rich collection of the Marquess of Méjanes- Jean-Baptiste Marie du Piquet.

Artisan shops in Place Richelme

Place Richelme is the most abundant market in Aix, where you can enjoy the picturesque atmosphere. It offers the vibrant charm at the centre of Aix.

It’s food market during the day and becomes an elegant place to go out during the evening inside its bar. The surrounding streets are full of artisan shops that create chocolate delicacies as the pure art.

Park Jourdan

You can find a lovely oasis of greenery at the outskirts of Aix- in park Jourdan. The picturesque and calm treats come from the small lake and lots of lawn. During the weekend many families tend to gather. The linden trees offer a dose of magical feeling.

Bonus point- Cezanne’s trail

The city deserves a special point of view, due to its most famous citizen- Paul Cezanne. Exploring the city following the Cezanne’s traces will give the justified shine of art.

The trail starts at the Cours Mirabeau, next to the bronze statue of Paul Cezanne. His school, house and favourite caffes continue along the route. It also includes the  Saint Jean de Malte church where Cezanne got married.

The self guided tour follows the little C at the pavement. The calm cemetry frames up the Cezanne’s story.

The Tourist Offers offers the guided tours too.

Final thoughts

Aix dwells in the artistic atmosphere that shines at the hidden corners. The pedestrian charm of Aix absorbs its soft vibes. It’s a cute place to enjoy the local delicacies and observe the life goes by.

The cultural treasure here starts with numerous festivals for every musical taste. Aix will offers the sympathic experience through the golden streets where art rules.

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