What Can You Experience in Aix-en-Provence in Just One Day? Is It Worth the Visit? Absolutely!. France is undeniably stunning, and it’s a challenge to explore every corner in a single trip. Ideally, each location would warrant at least five days, but that wasn’t feasible for us. Unfortunately, Aix-en-Provence didn’t make the cut, as we opted to spend four days in Montpellier instead. So, what can you do in Aix-en-Provence in a single day? No matter when you visit, Aix-en-Provence serves as a fantastic base for discovering the rest of Provence.
Discover the Vibrant Street Life in Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence will enchant you with its baroque architecture. The city’s streets and squares are bustling with energy, and its fountains are full of charm. Surrounding country homes are still encircled by gardens and parks, reminiscent of centuries past. The city offers Provence markets, gourmet French cuisine, lively festivals, music, and art. It’s the land of Cézanne and one of Europe’s premier opera festivals. Welcome to Aix-en-Provence!
In contrast to Beaune in Burgundy, where we only stayed for a night, Aix-en-Provence is much more accessible for a day trip. Although I wished we could have spent more time here.
What to Do in Aix-en-Provence in One Day
Located in Southern France’s Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, Aix-en-Provence was established in 122 BC and was a notable hub for artists, lawyers, and nobles in the 15th century. Notably, Paul Cézanne and Émile Zola spent their formative years here. The Mazarin district still features aristocratic townhouses. The city itself is relatively compact, with a population of around 140,000. Its youthful ambiance is due to its status as a university town, with about 20% of its residents being students.
Shopping in Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a prime shopping destination. Ols Aix showcases top fashion, while “Les Alles Provencales” features major brands. Daily markets offer everything from food and flowers to textiles and souvenirs. During the summer, a market on the main street provides a variety of gifts.
Exploring the City on Foot
One of my favorite ways to experience Aix-en-Provence is by strolling through its streets. The city’s Baroque architecture ranks third in excellence after Paris and the Palace of Versailles (you can read more about these by following the links). Take a leisurely walk along Le Cours Mirabeau, one of the city’s most vibrant areas. Wandering through the city allows you to soak in its atmosphere and truly feel its essence.
Caumont Art Center
The Caumont Art Center, located in a beautifully restored 18th-century mansion, is a highlight of Aix-en-Provence. The restoration took 18 months, and the center now houses a collection of fine arts, ranging from classical to modern pieces. It hosts two major exhibitions annually: one in the summer focused on a single artist and another in the winter featuring significant private collections.
Cézanne’s Legacy
Paul Cézanne, a renowned French painter deeply connected to Aix-en-Provence, expressed his deep affection for his birthplace with the sentiment: “When you’re born there, it’s hopeless; nothing compares!” As a teenager, Cézanne realized his artistic calling while exploring the Aix countryside with Émile Zola. You can immerse yourself in Cézanne’s world by visiting the streets and landscapes that influenced his work.
One must-see is the most opulent mansion in Aix-en-Provence, where period furnishings and beautiful French-style gardens offer a glimpse into the past. Don’t miss the tea room with a terrace leading to the gardens, which transforms into a bar in the evening.
Cézanne Atelier and Carrières de Bibémus
Explore the Cézanne Atelier and follow the trail of Cézanne’s artistic journey. You can view the props used in many of his paintings and enjoy breathtaking views of the Sainte-Victoire mountain from Chemin de la Marguerite. The Carrières de Bibémus, with its striking colors, was a significant inspiration for Cézanne’s works.
The tour of the Carrières de Bibémus is a one-hour walk through Mediterranean woodland, culminating at Belvedere with stunning views of Sainte-Victoire Mountain. You can also embark on a self-guided walking tour of Aix-en-Provence, following Cézanne’s footsteps by looking for nails stamped with a “C” along the footpath.
Musée Granet
Visit Musée Granet, one of France’s finest museums, showcasing collections from Rembrandt, Cézanne, Ingres, and Meyer. The museum spans from the 14th to the 20th centuries, including works by Impressionists and Post-Impressionists like Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas, as well as major 20th-century artists. For more details, visit the museum’s official website.
For those planning multiple museum visits and guided tours, consider the Aix-en-Provence city pass, which may offer savings. Check the Aix-en-Provence Tourism Board’s official site for more information on pricing and inclusions.
Day Trips from Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. Provence is France’s oldest wine region, with five Appellations d’Origine Protégées (AOPs) guaranteeing quality. Wine-tasting tours are available, such as those offered by Viator, which include visits to local wineries. The Villages of Luberon tour is particularly popular, offering wine tastings and exploration of the Luberon region.
Lavender Fields
No visit to Provence is complete without a trip to the lavender fields. Be mindful of the season and temper your expectations. You can choose between a self-drive or guided tour. A self-drive tour offers flexibility but requires navigation skills, while a guided tour provides a structured experience and historical insights. Check out my post on the Valensole Plateau for a map of the fields.
Other Day Trip Options
Consider visiting Gorges du Verdon, often referred to as the French Grand Canyon. Viator offers guided tours to this stunning location, including stops at the Lake of Ste-Croix and Notre Dame de Lorette. A self-drive tour with an overnight stay in nearby Moustiers Sainte-Marie or Castellane can also be a great option, allowing you to explore the Gorges du Verdon National Park at your own pace.
Accommodation in Aix-en-Provence
During our road trip, we stayed at the Appart’hôtel Odalys Atrium, an apartment hotel with essential amenities and a convenient location just 180 yards from the old city entrance. It was a great budget-friendly option for a short stay.
Dining in Aix-en-Provence
After arriving in the early afternoon, we struggled to find food until later in the day due to the local siesta. We eventually discovered Le Petit Bistrot on Le Cours Mirabeau, which served excellent burgers, desserts, and wine. For those staying longer, Le Petit Bistrot is worth a visit. You can check their availability and reviews on TripAdvisor.
Aix-en-Provence is an ideal spot for a brief visit and serves as a perfect base for exploring Provence. With its vibrant arts scene, music festivals, and numerous day trip options, there’s plenty to discover. For more suggestions and tips, visit the Aix-en-Provence tourism board’s official site.