Aix-en-Provence is in the South of France, but a standard Côte d'Azur city it is not.
Technically, it’s part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, giving it a personality to suit every situation. It’s a great homebase for a beach trip to the coast, a photoshoot in France’s lavender fields, and a day spent hiking Lac du Bimont.
But don’t be in a rush to say goodbye.
This musical, medieval city in the French countryside is well-worth a longer visit.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Suchan. Image Location: Cours Mirabeau, Aix-en-Provence
How to pronounce Aix-en-Provence
French can be an intimidating language and by no means will anyone expect you to speak it perfectly. However, knowing how to pronounce Aix-en-Provence should probably be on your to-do list if you’re going to stroll its medieval streets.
This is how oui do it:
- Aix is pronounced “x”, the same way you’d say the letter.
- En is pronounced “on”, similar to the way you’d say “en-route”.
- Provence is pronounced “prov-ons”.
Put it together: Aix-en-Provence is “X On Prov-ons”.
Getting to Aix-en-Provence
Aix marks the spot:
🚉 Main station: Gare d’Aix-en-Provence
🚆 Train time from Marseille: ~45 minutes
🚆 Train time from Lyon: ~3 hours
🚆 Train time from Nice: ~4 hours
🚆 Train time from Paris: ~4.5 hours
🚆 Train time from Bordeaux: ~7 hours
Where to stay in Aix-en-Provence?
There are multiple city-center hotels in Aix-en-Provence that range from lavish amenities to cozy B&B service. Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel spoils you with skyline-view private balconies, a spa, and a restaurant worthy of its five-star price tag. Le Mozart is much more low-key, which is ideal for travelers who want to spend as little as possible for a comfy bed in between lavender field visits.
The best restaurants in Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence has 3 Michelin-starred restaurants, each with a single star. Seafood and seasonal produce line the plates of Mickaël Féval, while Pierre Reboul focuses on creative cuisine and Le Art blends Provençal tastes with Japanese trademarks. Those with more rustic tastes will find La Brocherie’s cote de boeuf won’t leave your stomach longing.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Jan Butchofsky. Image Location: Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, Aix-en-Provence, France
What to do in Aix-en-Provence
There are three major reasons why you may find yourself in Aix-en-Provence: taking a day trip from Marseille, seeing the yearly lavender field bloom, and spending a few days immersed in the Provence region’s art, cuisine, and landscape.
Things to do on a day trip
With only a few hours in Aix-en-Provence, you should start with a walk down Cours Mirabeau, the city’s main street. You’ll spy dozens of fountains, street food stalls, and boutiques to fill your social media feed, stomach, and suitcase. Free concerts pop up throughout the year so follow your ears when you hear a tune—if you're in the city in July, you'll likely catch the Aix-en-Provence festival, one of classical music's best-known summer festivals. Munch on a sweet calisson while taking your pick of half-a-dozen art museums (we suggest checking out the Rembrandts at Musée Granet).
Things to do if you have a few days
All of the above can fit nicely into a multi-day Aix-en-Provence itinerary. Anyone interested in WWII history should venture to the outskirts of the city to the Camp de Milles, a former internment camp. Artist Paul Cézanne brought a bit of fame to the Aix, so you visit his studio and follow a marked route that walks you through his life. Or grab your own spot in the limelight when you hit it big at the Pasino Grand casino. When the sun sets, concert halls like Grand Théâtre de Provence provide hours of entertainment while watering holes like Le Cézanne Bar serve up people watching.
See the famous French lavender fields
Lavender season in Provence stretches across the entire summer, though the fields peak at different times based on altitude. Loads of lavender field tours launch from Aix-en-Provence and wind all the way up to Avignon, but you could find your own way via train or bus. The village of Valensole is quite a popular destination; should you want to smell the flowers closer to Aix, Terre Ugo is ten minutes from the city center.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Chris Hellier. Image Location: Valensole Plateau, Provence, France
Find Aix-treme savings on train journeys
Trust us: this is one Aix you’ll never want to forget. Download the Trainline app and explore Aix-en-Provence during your French vacation. And for more South of France inspiration, check out our guides to traveling by train around the French Riviera and Provence's lavender fields, the best beach clubs, and getting around Nice.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, EoNaYa. Image Location: Aix-en-Provence, France