What to Do in Aix-en-Provence?
1. Aix’plore
All year round, there are many ways to Aix’plore in every possible way! But one of the best is simply to wander through the city’s streets while looking up. Aix is full of charming little alleyways where getting lost is part of the adventure!
And if you’d like to be guided during your exploration of Aix-en-Provence, we invite you to join us for a tour filled with fascinating stories and anecdotes!
2. Savor the Calisson
Whoever visits Aix-en-Provence cannot miss tasting the famous Calissons d’Aix! As the name suggests, this is the city’s signature treat. This almond-shaped confection is made from a smooth paste of candied melon and finely ground almonds, often flavored with orange blossom.
According to legend, one of King René’s cooks created this delicacy for the wedding between King René and Jeanne de Laval. The queen, known for her rather stern demeanor, is said to have smiled for the first time upon tasting it…
And you—will you smile when you try it?
There are many shops where you can find them, such as Parli, Brémond, or Les Calissons du Roi René.
3. The fountains’s Tour
It’s said that in Aix, every street leads to a fountain… With its nickname “the city of a thousand fountains,” you can’t walk around Aix without coming across one! Each one more beautiful than the last, they guide you through the old town, each with its own unique story. To discover them, just follow the sounds of Arthur, Jérôme, or Mylène.
one private tour is available: Fountains & Gardens departing from the Aix-en-Provence Tourist Office or, upon request, from your hotel if it’s located in the historic center..
4. The Musée Granet
The Musée Granet is one of the most beautiful museums in France. Inaugurated in 1838, it occupies the former Palace of the Knights of Malta. For several decades, the building also housed a free drawing school where a certain Paul Cézanne studied.
Spanning over 4,000 square meters, the museum showcases its collections of paintings and sculptures from the 14th to the 20th century. You’ll find works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Ingres, Cézanne, Giacometti, and many more.
With your entrance ticket, you also gain access to Granet XXe – Jean Planque Collection. This collection consists of around 300 paintings, watercolors, and drawings, featuring works by artists such as Picasso, Dubuffet, Renoir, Monet, De Staël, Van Gogh, Bonnard, Braque, and others.
Each year, the museum organizes two to three temporary exhibitions. In the summer of 2018, it hosted a major exhibition featuring Picasso-Picabia.
5.The Provençal Markets
You could almost say, exaggerating just a little, that there are as many markets as there are fountains! Handicrafts, antiques, flowers, regional products, textiles, and more—you’re sure to find something to delight you. There’s no day in Aix without a market! Just make sure to check the schedules and locations of the market(s) you’d like to explore.
6. Hôtel de Caumont, Art center
Just a few steps from the Cours Mirabeau, this recently restored private mansion immerses you in the 18th-century atmosphere. The richly decorated salons, where you can comfortably sit to enjoy a drink and delicious treats, will surely captivate you. The French-style garden, restored according to the original plans, with its wall fountain, is equally enchanting. Every year, the art center hosts two temporary exhibitions showcasing renowned artists.
7.Walk in the Footsteps of Cézanne
The former capital of Provence has seen the birth and presence of many illustrious figures. However, one name stands above the rest: Paul Cézanne. Yes, we are in the city of the father of modern art, the Master of Aix! We’d be happy to organize a tour focusing on Cézanne, guiding you through the city, the narrow streets, past his last studio, Atelier des Lauves, or even along the Cézanne Route.
You can also investigate a stolen painting with the mystery game “A Forgotten Theft”!. All you need is a smartphone and to install the “Atlantide IO” app! Then, simply purchase the mission here, and you’re good to go!
8. Stroll along the Cours Mirabeau and have a drink
The former carriageway is the most popular and lively spot in the city. On the old town side, bars and cafés, including the famous Deux Garçons (or Les 2G to locals), line up one after another, welcoming you throughout the day. A tip for enjoying a drink: settle on a terrace! You’ll have a perfect view of the beautiful façades of the private mansions that follow each other along the street…
… And many more things to discover!
Since the decree of November 29, 2017, Aix-en-Provence has been classified as a “Tourism Resort.” This certification ensures the quality of the city’s offerings, highlighting the variety of cultural and sports activities throughout the year, including the Easter Festival, the Festival of Lyric Art, and the Iron Man event.
Aix is also home to creative venues like the Ballet Preljocaj, the Grand Théâtre de Provence, the Théâtre du Jeu de Paume, and the Pavillon Noir, among many others.
Finally, Aix is a place for relaxation and entertainment with a spa (actually located above the remains of the Roman baths) and a casino.
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