Aix-en-Provence Hotels

Artistic Aix-en-Provence

Ditch the walking shoes and blow the dust off your oxfords – it’s time to get your fancy pants on in Aix-en-Provence. One of the richest parts of France, this city is also proof that good things really do come in small packages.

Lovers of art, literature and classical music flock to this part of the world to look down their noses on anyone sporting a fanny pack and wearing flip-flops. But don’t let that put you off, because there’s enough in Aix-en-Provence to satisfy every visitor. Sample the local produce at the City Market and Saturday Market, splurge on flora at the Flower Marketin the Place de l’Hotel de Ville,and nibble on something dainty at the foodie hub Place Richelme.

Explore Aix-en-Provence on foot and you’ll stumble across weird and wonderful architecture, pop-up galleries and great hidden places to eat, drink, see and be seen.

Aix-En-Provence’s Top 10

Aix-en-Provence History

• Place d'Albertas – A typical 18th-century square that grants tourists a feel of being transported back in time.
• Palais de Justice – The former home of Aix-en-Provence’s law courts.
• Cité Universitaire (Université de Provence Aix-Marseille) – Aix en Provence's acclaimed university.
• Rotunda Fountain (Fontaine de la Rotonde) – Built in 1860, this stunning fountain is an impressive landmark.
• Entremont Oppidum – The ancient site of a Gallic settlement.

Aix-en-Provence Art & Culture

• Musée d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum) – This Aix-en-Provence museum contains one of France’s greatest collections of dinosaur fossils.
• Atélier Cézanne – The cottage in which impressionist painter Paul Cézanne resided and worked.
• Musée de Vieil Aix – A museum dedicated to displaying traditional Provençal folk art.
• Musée de la Faïence Paul Arbaud – This museum contains one of the world’s most prominent collections of Provençal earthenware.
• Musée des Tapisseries – A tapestry museum housed in a former archbishop's palace.

Aix-en-Provence Shopping

• Mazarin District – This where the greatest antique shops can be located.
• Place des Prêcheurs Market – The city’s main market, located next to the Palais de Justice.
• Place de l'Hôtel de Ville Market – This market sells fresh produce every day.
• Monoprix – Found on the Cours Mirabeau, this city centre supermarket is where groceries, clothes, cosmetics and stationery can be purchased.
• Carrefour Les Milles – Located on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence, this large supermarket and bustling shopping centre is popular with the city’s locals.

Gay & Lesbian Aix-en-Provence

• Le Spartacus – A gay electro club located between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille.
• Le Divino Club – A gay bar with a great ambience and fashionable décor.
• La Maison Jaune – A prominent restaurant famous for being gay friendly.
• Mediterranean Boy – A quaint gay bar open from late evening to early morning.
• Le Cha Do – This colourful gay bar offers a unique experience of an evening in Aix-en-Provence.

Aix-en-Provence Outdoor

• Park Jourdane – This vast city centre park is styled on a classical French garden. During the summer, visitors can enjoy open-air entertainment.
• Parc Saint Mitre – Locals and visitors love to take a stroll along this park’s tree-lined avenues.
• Jardin du Pavillon de Vendôme – Located within the Old Town, this formal garden is one of Aix-en-Provence’s most popular places to delight in a stroll in glorious surrounds.
• Parc Rambot – A park containing several children's play areas.
• Parc de la Colline de Cucques – Visitors to this park can take pleasure in the beauty of its pine trees.

Aix-en-Provence Sport

• Watch the Association Sportive Aixoise football team play at the Stade Geoges Carcassonne.
• Visit the Golf International de Chateau l'Arc, located 15 kilometres from Aix-en-Provence.
• Catch the Festival Internationale de Danse in August. Classical and modern dancers come from
across the globe to perform.
• Watch the International Tournament of Badminton if visiting in October.
• Enjoy watching the Pays d’Aix RC rugby union club at the Stade Maurice David.

Aix-En-Provence Events

January’s Old Book Market is held at the birthplace of author Emile Zola, attracting bookworms from around the world.

The Stamp Fair and Philatelists Festival comes to town in February, along with avid stamp fiends keen to show of their wares.

The Salon des Antiquaires draws antique dealers and Antiques Roadshow fans to the city in droves each May.

Put your dancing shoes on in August for the Festival Internationale de Danse.Classic and modern dance companies from all over come to perform.

December’s New Oil and Truffle Fair celebrates the first pressing of the olives, and is a chance to sample the tasty local truffles.

When To Go

Aix enjoys approximately 300 days of sunshine each year. Sweet!

Summer temperatures average around 29ºC (84ºF), while winter daytime temps stay around 11ºC (52ºF).

Prices increase with the summer crowds, so early spring or late autumn may be better times to visit.

Getting Around

Aix-en-Provence is a small city, so it’s quite easy to walk to most sights and eating spots if you’re staying centrally.

The bussystem is fairly efficient and also connects to nearby towns such as Marseille. If you’re staying for a few days, buy a discounted multi-pack ticket.

Taxis can be found outside most bus stations or dialled from the desk of after-dark hot spots.

General Information

Attractions & Activities

Restaurants & Nightlife

Climate

HotelClub Blog

Best Culinary Hubs In France

Best Places In France For A Summer Fling

France: Best Restaurants With A View

48 Hours In The South Of France: A Luxury Guide

Top Rail Passes To Explore Europe