Magical Aix-En-Provence: A 3-Day Family Adventure!
Discover the charm of Aix-en-Provence with your loved ones and create lifelong memories in the heart of France.
19 July 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Aix-en-Provence, located in Southern France, offers a delightful family-friendly trip filled with culture, history, and natural beauty. Explore the charming streets lined with pastel-colored buildings, visit the iconic Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, and take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Cours Mirabeau. With its abundance of parks and gardens, there are plenty of outdoor spaces for children to play and enjoy a picnic, making Aix-en-Provence an ideal destination for a memorable family vacation.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into the charming and family-friendly Hotel Cézanne, where art meets comfort.
- Wander through the lively Cours Mirabeau, lined with vibrant cafes perfect for people-watching.
- Get lost in the narrow streets of the old town, stumbling upon hidden fountains and picturesque squares.
- Visit the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, an architectural masterpiece adorned with intricate detailing.
- Treat your taste buds at the bustling Les Deux Garçons, a historical café with delectable pastries and strong coffee.
- Begin with a visit to the Musée Granet, housing an impressive collection of works by Cézanne, Renoir, and Van Gogh.
- Stroll through the tranquil Jardin de la Ville, a serene oasis perfect for a relaxing picnic.
- Explore the Atelier Cézanne, the former studio of the great artist, offering insights into his creative process.
- Immerse yourself in the colorful market of Place Richelme, where locals gather to sell fresh produce and artisanal goods.
- Indulge in a delightful dinner at Chez Jo, a cozy restaurant serving mouthwatering Provençal cuisine. Don't miss their famous tarte tropézienne!
- Embark on an excursion to Valensole, a mesmerizing village renowned for its lavender fields. Lose yourself in a purple dream.
- Stop by the Château de Lourmarin, a fairytale castle surrounded by picturesque gardens, providing a glimpse into centuries of history.
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Les Terrasses du Luberon, a charming restaurant boasting panoramic views of the Luberon Mountains.
- Visit the Château La Coste, an art-filled vineyard where contemporary sculptures blend harmoniously with the vine-covered hills.
- Bid adieu to Aix by savoring a delicious dinner at La Tomate Verte, a rustic restaurant offering incredible flavors inspired by Provence's countryside. Bon appétit!
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Aix-en-Provence by plane is to fly into Marseille Provence Airport and then take a shuttle or train directly to Aix-en-Provence. The airport is located about 25km from Aix-en-Provence and the shuttle or train takes about 30 minutes.
Car
The best way to get to Aix-en-Provence by car is to take the A7 highway from Lyon or Marseille. From Lyon, it takes about 2.5 hours and from Marseille, it takes about 30 minutes. You can also take the scenic D7 road from Marseille to Aix-en-Provence which takes about 45 minutes.
Train
The best way to get to Aix-en-Provence by train is to take the high-speed train (TGV) from Paris or Marseille to Aix-en-Provence TGV Station. From there, you can take a local train or shuttle into Aix-en-Provence. The TGV from Paris takes about 3 hours and from Marseille takes about 15 minutes.
Boat
There is no direct way to get to Aix-en-Provence by boat as it is an inland city. However, you can take a boat tour from Marseille or Cassis which will take you to various coastal locations near Aix-en-Provence. From there, you can take a shuttle or train into Aix-en-Provence.
Bus
The best way to get to Aix-en-Provence by bus is to take the Eurolines bus from various cities in Europe or the Navette Marseille-Aix bus from Marseille. The Eurolines bus drops you off at the main bus station in Aix-en-Provence while the Navette Marseille-Aix drops you off at various locations in Aix-en-Provence. The travel time depends on your starting location.