Is there anywhere prettier than Provence? This region is packed full of the most gorgeous things to do – from iconic flower fields to world-class wine-tasting. It’s honestly one of my absolute favourite regions in France.
As someone who’s now visited several times, the city of Aix-en-Provence serves as the perfect base to explore all the region has to offer. That might leave you wondering, what are the best things to see in Aix-en-Provence?
This historic city has plenty of attractions of its own, along with enchanting day trips to the surrounding countryside.
In this travel guide, I’ll cover all of the top things to do in Aix-en-Provence itself, as well as some of the more unique attractions, and local day trips you absolutely can’t miss.
I’ve also included some questions I often get asked at the end – but if you need to know anything else, just let me know in the comments!
Things to See in Aix-en-Provence: at a Glance
Where to Stay:
Hôtel Bellegarde by Viktor: Good value, ideal Old Town location
Hôtel Particulier Le 28: Elegant hotel with spa and gardens
Château de la Gaude: Bucket-list château stay just outside the city
Best Time to Go: Summer is the best time for hot weather, but spring and autumn offer more comfortable sightseeing temperatures. Lavender season is from mid-June to August.
3 Unmissable Things to Do: Go on a chateau wine tasting tour, stroll the morning Old Town markets, and visit the Lavender Fields of the Vancluse Plateau.
What’s the Weather Like: May to October – Average daily high 25°C (77°F), November to April – Average daily high 14°C (57°F)
Top Tip: Don’t forget to ask for a table outdoors when making restaurant reservations in summer, as they often automatically assign you a table inside with online bookings.
20 of the Best Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence
1. Take a Walking Tour of the Old Town
I always recommend a walking tour as one of the first things to do in Aix-en-Provence, because the Old Town here is pretty big, and there’s so much to see.
A walking tour helps you quickly get your bearings, along with a little background on the city from a local. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to get tips and insider recommendations for restaurants from someone who actually lives in the area.
Most walking tours are just an hour or two and give a little flavour of the city, along with photo opportunities at the key sights.
This one includes stops at all the main spots, including the main avenue Cours Mirabeau, Aix Cathedral, Hotel de Ville, and pretty plazas throughout the Old Town. Your guide will point out celebrities’ homes and give a running commentary with fun facts about the local architecture.
2. Visit a Cat Library
Definitely one of the more unique things to see in Aix-en-Provence is this cute cat library!
This place is part animal rescue centre, part bookstore, and is just the purr-fect place (sorry!) to stop by for animal lovers.
Pop in, give the cats some fuss, and pick up a new holiday read.
I’ve got to admit, I’m always a bit dubious of cat cafes (sounds like a recipe for pet hair in my coffee?!), but this place is the ideal compromise.
An opportunity to pet local cats, speak to the owners, and browse an impressive selection of books while you’re at it.
See the cat library Instagram here.
3. Go Wine Tasting
If there’s one thing Provence is truly famous for, it’s wine. Specifically, rosé wine, which just so happens to be my favourite kind.
So if that’s the same for you, you’re in the right place. Aix-en-Provence is surrounded by impressive châteaux estates where wine production is truly a work of art, and it would be a crime not to visit some while you’re there!
The best way to stop by multiple estates while you’re staying in the city is with a wine-tasting tour. This is ideal as you also won’t have to worry about assigning a designated driver (kinda spoils the fun of a wine-tasting in my opinion!).
This is the tour we did, and I really recommend it! It includes several different châteaux in one trip, with added extras like photo stops and the opportunity to learn a little bit about the winemaking process along the way.
4. Stay in a Château
While staying in central Aix-en-Provence has its benefits, staying in a nearby Château offers a whole different experience.
If you’re travelling for a special occasion like a honeymoon or just looking for an elevated stay, this is definitely the way to go.
My favourite is Château de la Gaude, because it’s only a 10-minute drive from Central Aix, making it easy to get into the city for evenings out and the morning markets.
They have an incredible wine cellar for tastings, multiple pools dotted around the expansive grounds, and edgy sculptures that give the whole place a super arty feel.
See rates and availability here.
5. Take a Food Tour
Along with wine, the region surrounding Aix-en-Provence is well-known for its ultra-fresh and tasty produce, from fat heirloom tomatoes to the quintessential herbs de Provence, and of course, lavender oils and soaps.
The best way to really get to the heart of these flavours is with a food tour, and it’s one of my favourite things to do in almost any destination, honestly. But France does food tours especially well.
I’ve done a few No Diet Club tours now, so if they have one in the city I’m visiting, I always pick it! They’re always in a small group, and a bit more fun and edgy than your typical tour.
The one in Aix-en-Provence includes super local flavours like lavender ice cream, freshly baked Madelines, and more local specialities.
6. Shop at the Marche Provencal
You absolutely can’t visit Provence without stopping by the Marche Provençal. In Aix, it’s almost impossible to miss, because it’s held every morning at Place Richelme from 8am to 1pm, right in the heart of the Old Town.
After a quick breakfast nearby (we loved Brunchailia), spend some time rubbing shoulders with locals at the market. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, it’s the perfect opportunity to pick up some goodies to cook with or graze on – they’ve got everything from super fresh fruit and veg to fragrant herbs and local olive oils.
It’s also a good spot to pick up a foodie souvenir.
7. Check out the Art Centre in the Mazarin Quarter
One of my favourite spots in Aix-en-Provence was the Hôtel de Caumont, an elegant art centre tucked away in the gorgeous Mazarin Quarter.
Even before you step inside, it feels special, with its grand courtyard, beautiful old mansion and peaceful gardens.
The exhibitions change throughout the year, but honestly, the building itself is part of the experience. Wander from room to room, then finish with a coffee in the very chic surroundings.
8. Look Out for the City’s 30 Fountains
Did you know Aix-en-Provence is also known as the City of a Thousand Fountains? In reality, there are only about 30, but you’ll spot them everywhere – in nearly every square and on many Old Town street corners.
One of the most famous is known as the Fountain of the Four Dolphins, located in a small square named after it. It’s worth checking out, but we loved stumbling on the other ones, like the grand one in Place d’Albertas and the adorable Fontaine des Trois Ormeaux on a quiet intersection of the Old Town.
See how many you can spot as you stroll around – this could be a fun thing to do in Aix-en-Provence with children too!
9. Visit the Nearby Lavender Fields
Of course, one of the most famous things to see in Aix-en-Provence is the nearby lavender fields. Unfortunately, these aren’t available all year round, so you’ll need to time your visit to the summer months, between around mid-June and August.
We went most recently in late June, and they were already in full bloom, as you can see from the photos.
If you don’t have a hire car, the best way to visit the lavender fields from Aix is by jumping on an organised tour.
This organised day trip includes all your transport, multiple lavender photo opportunities, and usually stops at some of the charming Provencal villages on the way back, like Sault and Moustiers-Saint-Marie.
10. Check out the Musée du Vieil-Aix
If you want to understand a little more about the city beyond the pretty streets and café terraces, Musée du Vieil-Aix is well worth a stop.
It’s set inside a historic mansion and focuses on the story of Aix-en-Provence, with artefacts and artworks that bring the city’s past to life. I found it a lovely, chilled-out museum rather than an overwhelming one, so it’s perfect if you want something cultural but still easy-going.
It’s only a few euros to enter, and you can pay at the door. Here’s a link to the museum website so you can see what exhibitions they have on.
11. Watch the Sunset at Place des Cardeurs
Place des Cardeurs is such a lovely spot to end the day in Aix-en-Provence.
It has that relaxed, golden-hour vibe, with restaurant terraces spilling out across the square and everyone settling in for an evening drink or dinner.
I loved it most around sunset, when the light softens, the buildings start to glow, and the whole place feels properly Provençal. It’s not a big sightseeing moment, but it’s exactly the kind of simple, atmospheric stop that makes Aix so easy to fall for.
12. Eat at a Traditional French Bistro
Aix-en-Provence is literally crammed with gorgeous, traditional French bistros, so it’s hard to go wrong for an evening out.
However, we did find some of the best bistros were a little bit tucked away, while the ones in the main squares and near the Cours Mirabeau were a bit more tourist-orientated.
Some of our absolute favourites were:
Le Ramus – exceptional food in a tiny plaza packed with other bistros and locals.
Girafe – at the top of the Place des Cardeurs mentioned above, perfect for a sunset dinner.
Chez Féraud – Tucked down the old streets of Aix, this is the one for classic, homely Provençal dishes.
La Cerise sur le Gâteau – Tiny, simple and very local-feeling, with just a few tables on a quiet square and fresh organic food cooked by the owner
In peak season, you’ll definitely need to book tables in advance, and don’t forget to ask for a table on the terrace in summer!
13. Visit a Local Olive Oil Farm
Provence might be better known for its rosé wine, but there are lots of olive oil farms in the countryside surrounding Aix that are worth a visit too.
I honestly used to think olive oil was just… olive oil, but when you go to a tasting you realise how wrong you’ve been. Different oils have SUCH different flavour profiles, and it’s so fun tasting one after the other, from mellow green ones to rich fruity ones and even flavoured ones.
This olive oil tasting workshop takes place a short drive outside Aix, but worth the extra little trip, especially if you have a longer itinerary.
14. See the Artwork of Cézanne at the Musée Granet
You can’t really visit Aix-en-Provence without spending some time with Cézanne, and Musée Granet is one of the best places to do it.
The museum has a brilliant mix of art, from older works to more modern pieces, but the Cézanne connection makes it feel especially rooted in the city’s history.
I loved seeing his work in the city that shaped him. Also, you can have fun afterwards spotting Mont Sainte-Victoire and the landscapes that inspired him around Provence.
Admission to the museum is free for under-18s and costs around €14 for adults, and you can usually pay on entry. Here’s a link to the website for more details on visiting.
15. Take on the Aix Treasure Hunt
A treasure hunt is definitely one of the best things to do in Aix-en-Provence with kids or just a fun group activity if you prefer games and activities to museums and art galleries.
Along with a guide, you’ll follow a series of clues that take you around the city, spotting some of the most famous monuments along the way. Plus, you even get a locally themed foodie ‘treasure’ at the end of it!
16. Shop for Your Next Signature Scent
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region is renowned for its perfume, with villages like Eze and Grasse being famous for their fragrance houses like Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard.
In fact, when we visited Eze, we even did a custom scent creation workshop at the Franognard parfumery, which makes the perfect souvenir to take home.
However, if you’re not visiting those places on your Provence itinerary, you can simply pop into the boutique shops to buy a new scent instead. Perfumes in the region are built on fragrant local ingredients, from the famed lavender to aromatic jasmine and orange blossom.
I absolutely adore the Fragnoard perfumes and get so many compliments when I wear them! Something a little bit different to the typical designer scents, and the perfect souvenir to take home.
17. Visit Famous Nearby Villages
While Aix-en-Provence is a vibrant Provencal city, part of the region’s charm is the smaller villages dotted around the countryside.
Some of these are super close to Aix, so it’s easy to tick off a few in a day trip, including the fairytale spots like Lourmarin, Moustiers-Saint-Marie, and the Medieval Gordes.
If you don’t have a hire car, this highly-rated tour helps you tick off all of the most beautiful villages within a reasonable distance of Aix-en-Provence, with time to take in the viewpoints along the way.
18. Try a Painting Workshop in an Art Gallery
If you’re feeling inspired by Cezanne and the artistic vibe of Aix, why not try a painting workshop?
Taking place in a charming local gallery, this workshop also includes a wine tasting (because why not, we’re in Provence after all).
After the wine tasting, you’ll be guided by a local artist in an acrylic painting session, with the option to take your creation home with you.
19. Take a Day Trip to Cassis and the Calanques National Park
If you want to add a little coastal energy to your trip, Cassis is one of my favourite towns on the Côte d’Azur, and conveniently, one of the closest to Aix-en-Provence. It’s about a 40-minute drive between the two, or you can head there on an organised tour.
While the harbour itself is drop-dead-gorgeous with its pastel-painted houses and waterside restaurants, a boat tour of the Calanques is even more dreamy. I’m convinced the Calanques are why it’s called the Côte d’Azur (blue coast), because this is some seriously sapphire water.
You can book a full-day tour that includes a wine tasting on the way back, as well as free time to explore Cassis and a quick boat tour of the Calanques.
20. Spend One Day in Marseille
One final day trip to round off this list of things to do in Aix-en-Provence, and it’s a big one!
Marseille is, of course, a famous port city on the French Riviera, and while it gets a bit of a reputation for being ‘not as pretty’ as some of the other Riviera cities – I honestly believe that’s a big part of its charm!
If you’re flying in or out of Marseille Airport on your way to Aix, you can always stop by the city as well.
Check out Cours Julien for colourful street art, indie shops and terrace drinks, or try Le Panier for cute stairways and murals. You can also stroll the massive harbourfront or eat your way around the city with a street food tour.
Things to see in Aix-en-Provence: FAQs
Is Aix-en-Provence worth visiting?
Yes, Aix-en-Provence is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you love elegant old towns, pretty squares, Provençal markets and slow, café-filled days.
It’s one of the loveliest city breaks in the south of France, with Cours Mirabeau, fountain-lined streets, art museums and a strong connection to Paul Cézanne, who was born in the city and painted many of the landscapes around it.
It is also a brilliant base for exploring Provence, including the Luberon, Marseille, Cassis and the countryside around Mont Sainte-Victoire. Here’s an itinerary for a 7-day trip around Provence and the Côte d’Azur.
What are the best beaches near Aix-en-Provence?
Aix-en-Provence is inland, so there are no beaches in the city itself, but you can reach several beautiful Mediterranean spots by car or public transport.
For an easy city-beach option, head to Marseille’s Plage des Catalans or the Prado beaches, which are good if you want sea, sand and facilities within about 40 minutes driving.
For somewhere more scenic, Cassis is one of the best choices, with pretty beaches, boat trips and access to the Calanques. Carry-le-Rouet is another lovely option on the Côte Bleue, with beaches, coves and a relaxed seaside feel, while La Ciotat is great for a classic beach day with a longer stretch of coastline.
What to do in Aix-en-Provence, France if it’s raining?
If it rains in Aix-en-Provence, lean into the city’s museums, galleries and café culture. Musée Granet is one of the best rainy-day options, with collections ranging from the Renaissance to modern art and works connected to Paul Cézanne to discover.
The Vasarely Foundation is a brilliant stop if you fancy something a bit different, with huge geometric artworks and optical illusions that feel completely unlike Aix’s usual old-town charm. Or you could even try your hand at painting yourself with an art workshop.
Hôtel de Caumont is another beautiful indoor option, set inside an 18th-century mansion with major temporary exhibitions. You can also visit Cézanne’s studio, browse boutiques in the old town, settle into a café around Cours Mirabeau, or spend a slow afternoon eating your way through Provençal restaurants and patisseries on a food tour.
How to get to Aix-en-Provence?
The easiest way to get to Aix-en-Provence is usually by train or by flying into Marseille Provence Airport. Aix-en-Provence TGV station is around 15 minutes from the city, with shuttle buses running to the Aix-en-Provence coach station. The city is also well connected by TGV, with Paris around three hours away by high-speed train.
If you’re flying, Marseille Provence Airport is around 25 minutes from Aix-en-Provence, making it the most convenient airport for most international visitors. Driving is also straightforward, especially if you want to use Aix as a base for wider Provence road trips.
Have more questions? Feel free to drop me a line in the comments!
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