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Aix-en-Provence

  • Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France

Last updated: 22 September, 2024
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Known as the ‘Florence of France’ or the ‘City of a Thousand Fountains’, Aix was the capital of Provence for centuries, a heritage reflected in the richness of its art, churches and golden-stone townhouses from the Renaissance to the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, every one out of five residents is a student, giving the old town a youth and vibrancy.

Famous among musical circles for its prestigious classical music festival and the European Music Academy, romantics and art lovers come in search of Cézanne, who immortalised the surrounding landscapes, especially the breathtaking limestone crag of nearby Mont Sainte-Victoire.

Did you know?

Aix is known as ‘the City of a Thousand Fountains’, for its twenty-or-so magnificent fountains found in the city centre. Look out for La Rotonde (1860), the most imposing, and the Fountain of the Four Dolphins (1667), the prettiest.

Tours, tickets & transfers

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

  • Marseille

See the best of Cassis and Aix en Provence, two gems of the Provence region, on this 7-hours tour with a local guide. Setting off from Marseille, your tour passes along the stunning Route des Crêtes before stopping to soak up views of Cassis from Cape Canaille. Take a sightseeing cruise(own expense) from Cassis Harbour and see three of the famous Cassis calanques (rock formations). In Aix-en Provence, stroll on the famous Cours Mirabeau dotted with refreshing fountains. Admire the private mansions from 17th and 18th centuries. Free time before returning to Marseille. Numbers are limited to eight on this small-group tour ensuring you’ll see everything with personalized attention from your guide. The tour is provided from 12.00 pm to 7.00 pm.

Price €99

Min age 4

Rating 4.44 / 5 [120 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Aix-en-Provence

Want to get an unforgettable experience ? Join me to discover and enjoy the beautiful city of Aix, the heart of life style of Provence with it’s wonderful architecture, historic monuments and gastronomic treasures. Come over to my tour in Aix-en-Provence and discover the traditional provencal market, where spectaculor color, variety of flavor and smell will open all your senses. Let’s taste local savory product like tapenade, herbs, olive oil, anchoïade, lavender, the famous Calisson, Rosé wine or Pastis. Through the heart of the historical city I will share with you history and anecdoctes about the city where Paul Cézanne was born and Zola grew up. You will have plenty of time to take pictures of the magnificent fountains as we walk along this romantic city. We will go to stunning hidden spots that only local knows about. Food market is only in the morning, in the afternoon we can have others local products to taste. The Tour could be in English, Spanish, French

Price €67

Min age 15

Rating 4.95 / 5 [74 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Marseille

Provence private tours from Marseille Cruise Terminal to Provence Area  3-8 hours in  shore excursion through Marseille,aix en Provence  And Cassis calanques for panoramic views of the Côte d’Azur from Cap Canaille. Explore the ancient seaside village of Cassis or enjoy a cruise to view the ‘fjords of the French Riviera’ before returning to Marseille to tour the city’s main sights like Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Abbey of St  victor 

Price €1,100

Min age 0

Rating 4.47 / 5 [46 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Travel advice

When to go

Provence is at its seductive best in June and the first half of July when the lavender and sunflowers bloom and festivals are in full swing. It’s hot, but even hotter in August, when French families take their holidays and everything is packed.

April, May, September and October are delightful, uncrowded and mild. Many sights are closed down by mid-November until Easter; also in winter, it’s far more likely to rain and stay overcast until the fierce mistral wind blows, often for several days in a row, gusting up to 100km per hour, but sweeping the sky crystal clear.

Getting there and away

The closest airport is in Marseille, around 25km away; take a taxi from there, or take the airport shuttle to the Marseille train station, where there are very frequent trains to Aix, a 35-45 minute journey. Aix also has a TGV terminal, with trains from Paris arriving in only 3.5 hours.

Getting around

Aix is a picturesque, compact town with narrow lanes – so the best way to get around is by bike or on foot. Streets are pedestrian-friendly, and there are numerous bike hire options. There’s also an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams, which provide convenient access to various attractions and neighbouring towns.

Get the Aix Tourist Pass for free buses, special discounts, free entry to attractions and free guided tours. Available for 24, 48 and 72 hours.