Best 20 things to do in Aix-en-Provence, France

Welcome to the sunny streets of Aix-en-Provence, where relaxation and fun converge like a cheesy romance novel! Prepare yourself for a whirlwind of delightful activities that will make your Instagram followers green with envy. Explore the charming Old Town, frolic through the vibrant markets, and don't forget to quench your thirst with endless sips of local wine—nobody said all 20 things had to be sober, after all!

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1. Fontaine de la Rotonde

4.5 (7451)

Place du Général de Gaulle, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

As you make your way through the charming streets of Aix-en-Provence, you simply cannot miss the Fontaine de la Rotonde, a rotunda-shaped fountain that puts all other fountains to shame. With its elegant design and perfectly sculpted statues, it's like the Beyoncé of fountains, demanding attention from everyone who passes by. Don't be fooled by its tranquil appearance though, as this fountain has witnessed more pigeons performing synchronized dives than you can shake a baguette at.

www.aixenprovence.fr

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2. Le Grand Théâtre de Provence

4.6 (1217)

380 Av. Max Juvénal, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Welcome to Le Grand Théâtre de Provence, a magnificent architectural masterpiece in the heart of Aix-en-Provence. Be prepared to have your socks knocked off (don't worry, we will help you find them again) as you witness the grandeur of this theater that seems to have jumped straight out of a flamboyant Renaissance painting. The sweeping curves of its façade will make you wonder if the building is secretly auditioning for a role in a Cirque du Soleil show.

www.lestheatres.net

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3. Musée Granet

4.4 (3058)

Pl. Saint-Jean de Malte, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Nestled in the vibrant town of Aix-en-Provence, where the aroma of freshly baked croissants dances in the air, lies the enigmatic Musée Granet. This lively museum beckons visitors with its vast collection of exquisite artwork, enough to make even the most sophisticated art lover raise an eyebrow in awe. Take a delightful stroll through hallways adorned with masterpieces, and don't be surprised if a rogue statue or painting plays a cheeky game of hide-and-seek as you roam.

www.museegranet-aixenprovence.fr

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4. Place de l'Hôtel de Ville

Pl. de l'Hôtel de ville, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Welcome to Place de l'Hôtel de Ville in Aix-en-Provence, where the hustle and bustle of the city encapsulates the true essence of Provençal life. Here, you'll find ancient architectural delights mingling with trendy cafes and shops, like a quirky mixtape of the old and the new. Don't forget to take a moment and appreciate the elegant town hall, standing tall like the royal sibling who won't share their ice cream cone.

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5. Atelier Cézanne

4 (2201)

9 Av. Paul Cézanne, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Welcome to Atelier Cézanne, the cooler-than-average hangout spot for artists in Aix-en-Provence! This quirky former studio was once home to the legendary French painter, Paul Cézanne, who probably spilled more paint here than the average kid at a finger-painting party. With its rustic charm and paint-splattered floors (the latest trend in interior design, I hear), this place will make you feel like a rebellious artist even if your artistic skills are limited to stick figures. So grab your beret, channel your inner Monet, and get ready to immerse yourself in the whimsical world of Atelier Cézanne!

www.cezanne-en-provence.com

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6. Hôtel de Ville

3.7 (206)

63 Rue Espariat, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Welcome to the Hôtel de Ville in Aix-en-Provence, where good ol' municipal business meets architectural grandeur. Like a mélange of medieval charm and Renaissance flair, this marvelous building wears its historical significance like a beret, except in stone. From the massive clock tower, which may or may not be the secret time portal to the era of moustachioed lords, to the splendid courtyard where aldermen probably debated about the future of baguettes, it's a spot where you can soak up enough history to make your Instagram followers squeal "ooh la la."

www.hoteldefrance-aix.com

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7. Maison de Paul Cézanne

4 (43)

28 Rue de l'Opéra, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Welcome to Maison de Paul Cézanne in sunny Aix-en-Provence, where the artist himself once roamed, painting masterpieces and probably getting a sunburn. Get ready to step into the shoes of the legendary Cézanne and explore this charming 19th-century home, where he magically transformed humble apples into artistic miracles (sorry, no apple-based wizardry included). Discover the studio where Cézanne mastered the art of smudging paint on canvas and maybe even find some unfinished artwork that'll have you thinking, "Hey, I can do that too... or at least try!"

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8. Pavillon de Vendôme

4.2 (996)

13 Rue de la Molle, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Nestled in the heart of Aix-en-Provence like a picturesque bouillabaisse ingredient, the Pavillon de Vendôme is a charming architectural concoction that will delight your eyes and tickle your fancy. With its elegant, white stone facade and meticulously manicured gardens, you'll feel like a French aristocrat in no time – just make sure to leave your powdered wig at home. Step inside this quirky historic gem and discover a treasure trove of art exhibitions, antique furnishings, and a secret stash of baguettes, waiting to be devoured by hungry tourists (just kidding, only art here!).

www.mairie-aixenprovence.fr

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9. Musée des santons

4.7 (181)

65 Cr Gambetta, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Welcome to the Musée des santons in Aix-en-Provence, where miniature figures gather to showcase their impressive petite lives. This charming museum takes you on a journey through the whimsical world of santons, those delightful little clay figurines that seem to come alive with every blink. Prepare to be enchanted as you meander through the museum's exhibits, where you'll find an army of miniature bakers, mischievous cheese vendors, and even the tiniest of wine connoisseurs raising their glasses in salute.

www.santons-fouque.fr

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10. Musée du Vieil Aix

4.1 (161)

17 Rue Gaston de Saporta, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Welcome to Musée du Vieil Aix, or as the savvy locals call it, the "oldie but goodie" of Aix-en-Provence. This charming museum is like a time capsule, taking you back to the good ol' days when selfies were non-existent, and people admired art without having to hashtag every brushstroke. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich history of Aix, where you can see everything from ancient artifacts to the world's longest (and most unfortunately styled) wig collection.

www.aixenprovence.fr

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11. Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte

4.5 (326)

24 Rue d'Italie, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Nestled in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, the Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte is a tantalizing treasure for both history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. Prepare to be dazzled by its distinctive blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, because no one does mashups like the Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte. Don't be fooled by its unassuming facade; step inside to discover its jaw-droppingly beautiful interior, where sunlight filters through exquisite stained glass windows and ancient stones whisper secrets of the past.

paroissesaintjeandemalte.fr

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12. Les Deux Garçons

3.6 (950)

53 Cr Mirabeau, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Welcome to Les Deux Garçons in charming Aix-en-Provence, a café with a history as rich as the chocolate croissants they serve. This delightful establishment has been around since 1792 and has become a beloved spot for both locals and visitors with a hankering for caffeine and a side of people-watching. Be prepared to be transported to a place where life moves at a leisurely pace and your coffee cup seems to magically refill as you soak up the atmosphere and indulge in their delectable pastries.

les2garcons.fr

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13. Le Pavillon Vendôme

4.2 (996)

13 Rue de la Molle, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Le Pavillon Vendôme in Aix-en-Provence is like the ultimate 'Where's Waldo?' experience for your eyes. This architectural gem has more intricate details than an elaborate puzzle, keeping you entertained for hours. The garden is a haven for elusive cats who seem to have mastered the art of Zen, making it the purrfect place to soak up the tranquility. So, bring your magnifying glass, a camera, and a whimsical sense of adventure, and get ready to dive into this picturesque wonderland!

www.mairie-aixenprovence.fr

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14. Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine

4.6 (17)

10B Av. Louis Amouriq, 13290 Aix-en-Provence, France

Welcome to Aix-en-Provence, home to the magnificent Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine! Prepare to have your socks knocked off as you step into this architectural marvel. With its towering spires and intricate details, this holy hotspot will leave you wondering if you've stumbled into a fairytale. Don't forget to snap a selfie with the angels on top, but be warned, they've developed quite the diva complex over the years!

egliseinfo.catholique.fr

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15. Jardin d'Albertas

4.4 (862)

Les Jardins d'Albertas, D8N, 13320 Bouc-Bel-Air, France

Welcome to Jardin d'Albertas, the French equivalent of a botanical wonderland on steroids! Prepare to be awestruck by the enchanting symphony of meticulously manicured hedges, as if the plants themselves went to art school and aced every class. This verdant paradise is so picturesque, you'll feel like you've entered an over-the-top romantic comedy set, with the flowers playing matchmaker to bees and butterflies.

www.jardinsalbertas.com

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16. Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur d'Aix-en-Provence

4.5 (2960)

34 Pl. des Martyrs de la Resistance, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Welcome to the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur d'Aix-en-Provence, where you'll find a little more than just salvation, and a whole lot of beauty! This hidden gem of Aix-en-Provence boasts stunning Gothic architecture that will make even the most religiously apathetic person whisper, "Holy moly!" Inside, prepare to be wowed by the intricate stained glass windows that are undoubtedly the original Pinterest inspiration for all church decor.

paroisses-aixarles.fr

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17. Sainte-Victoire Mountain

4.7 (304)

Montagne Sainte-Victoire, 13126 Vauvenargues, France

Welcome to Aix-en-Provence, where the breathtaking Sainte-Victoire Mountain awaits to stretch your calf muscles and make Instagram filters irrelevant. This rugged natural wonder, resembling a pancake dropped from the celestial kitchen, offers hiking trails that will have you questioning your life choices and wondering who stole the oxygen. As you ascend, brace yourself for stunning panoramic views that will make you forget all about the blisters and wonder if this mountain has secret teleporting powers.

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18. Le Musée des Tapisseries

3.8 (115)

28 Pl. des Martyrs de la Resistance, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Welcome to Le Musée des Tapisseries in Aix-en-Provence, a place where threads come to life and tapestries grace the walls like well-dressed wizards! Step into this textile kingdom and be prepared to be woven away by the stunning artistry of these enormous fabric masterpieces. Yes, these tapestries are so intricate that even your grandmother’s crocheted doilies would blush with envy!

www.aixenprovence.fr

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19. Place des Quatre-Dauphins

4.3 (632)

Pl. des 4 Dauphins, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Tucked away in the charming streets of Aix-en-Provence lies the hidden gem known as Place des Quatre-Dauphins. Here, you'll find a fancy fountain, not just any fountain, but one featuring four cheeky dolphins who seem to have stolen all the best French jokes! As you sit on one of the surrounding benches, savor a croissant and relish in the delightful blend of history, humor, and dolphins in this unexpected oasis.

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20. Cours Mirabeau

Cr Mirabeau, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Welcome to Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence, where the streets are as charming as the locals' accents. This picturesque promenade is perfect for those who need a break from stuffing their faces with croissants (not that it's possible). Stroll along and enjoy the sight of elegantly dressed residents pretending not to notice the glaring price tags on the designer stores.

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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.

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