4 Best places to stay in Aix-en-Provence

This is as rare as a penguin in Provence: a thoroughly charming hotel in easy walking distance of Aix’s centre, for the same price as a faceless chain hotel in the suburbs.

Set on a quiet side street, the Cardinal is not only housed in a historic 18th-century building, but its decor wonderfully evokes the era of Cezanne, in his own hometown – but with lots of essential mod-cons, including a lift and wi-fi.

The friendly owners are keen to preserve its old-fashioned authenticity, and high-ceilinged rooms come furnished with marble fireplaces, antiques and chandeliers.

The location, only a few minutes from the beautiful Cours Mirabeau, is ideal for exploring the city. The Granet Museum and the Place des Quatre Dauphins, with Aix’s pretty fountain, are a stone’s throw away; the restaurants, bars and shops of the historic centre are a 5-10 minute walk.

The setting is magical, in an old stone farm immersed in some of the Luberon’s most beautiful landscapes between Cadenet and Lourmarin.  

Converted into a boutique hotel by Michelin-starred chef Reine Sammut and her husband, today the auberge is run by their daughter Nadia, who knows what’s what in the kitchen and offers courses in her groundbreaking, allergy-free ‘Cuisine Libre’. 

The superb food, made with ingredients freshly plucked from the property’s farm, is reason alone to stay, but it also makes a wonderful retreat to return to after sightseeing. There are lovely Mediterranean gardens filled with roses, a shimmering pool and stylish rooms. 

The Auberge hires out electric bikes for slow peddling around the Luberon.

In a handsome 19th-century stone building, this homely boutique hotel is a comfortable and great-value base for couples or families sightseeing in Provence.

Modern interiors done up in white, charcoal and purple are inviting, and the suntrap central garden courtyard – with its swimming pool and bar – is a lovely place to relax after sightseeing.

It’s a 15-minute walk from the historic centre of Aix-en-Provence – close enough for attractions and restaurants, but far enough that you feel the benefit of staying in a peaceful residential quarter away from the noisy tourist hordes. For those self-driving around Provence, it also offers a secure (and rare) place to leave the car (although booking a space in advance is essential).

This exquisite little boutique hotel in the centre of Aix-en-Provence occupies a typical 18th-century townhouse, where the owner – architect Laura Juhen – has spared no expense in creating four of the loveliest rooms in Provence.

Originally built in 1785, the house was once the home of Henriette Reboul, friend of Cezanne and Chanel, and today has a charming, hospitable atmosphere, thanks to the wonderful breakfast in the winter garden.

Perfect for a first-time visit or honeymoon, this place is as intimate and welcoming as staying in the home of a very chic friend, who just happens to have a mini-spa and pool in the basement.

Located in the Mazarin Renaissance quarter of Aix, a residential neighbourhood of similar townhouses on narrow streets that feels wonderfully peaceful, while still putting you close to the sights.