Aix-en-Provence holidays

How to reach Aix-en-Provence

• Flight time: Flights to Marseille from London take around 2 hours.

• Transfer time: From Marseille Provence Airport, it’s approximately a 30-minute taxi or shuttle (services run every 30 minutes) ride to Aix-en-Provence.

• Price: A single ticket for the shuttle bus costs €10, while a taxi costs €50–€60.

Best time to visit Aix-en-Provence

The best time for your Aix-en-Provence holidays depends on your to-do list: art and culture, tip-toeing through the lavender or a festival.

• April to June brings blue skies, spring foliage and warm days, with average highs ranging from 17 to 26°C.

• July to August sees temperatures soar into the high 20s and low 30s. Between the weather, the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence playing a summer soundtrack and the lavender fields in nearby Luberon in peak bloom, it’s no wonder this is Aix’s busiest season.

• September to October sees off the intense heat, with average highs dropping to 26–20°C. You can’t rule out the odd thunderstorm or deluge, but these can be lovely months for hiking and enjoying the autumn colours.

• November to March is mild, with average daily highs of 11°C even in December and January, though it can feel colder when the mistral is in full force (it can blow for days at a time). These are tourist-lite months, so you’ll have extra elbow room at cultural sites while the university guarantees healthy street life.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: French is the official language (a few basic phrases in French are always appreciated), but English is widely understood.

• Currency: France is in the eurozone.

• Getting around: The city has a small footprint, so you should have no trouble getting about on foot or by bike. There’s also an extensive bus network. Single-journey tickets cost €1.20 (buy-on-board or at the tourist office) and are valid for 1 hour from the first use. And at a pinch, you can always take a taxi.

• Electricity and plug types: Standard mains electricity is 220–240V, 50Hz. Plugs are two-pin Type C and E.

• Time zone: France keeps Central European Time (GMT +1 hour) but swaps to Central European Summer Time (GMT +2 hours, British Summer Time +1 hour) from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

• Required travel documentation: UK citizens need a valid passport (issued less than 10 years before the entry date and valid for at least 3 months after the departure date) but don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days in a rolling 180-day period.

Best things to do in Aix-en-Provence

Holidays to Aix-en-Provence tick all kinds of boxes: art, architecture and a landscape to die for.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Terrain des Peintres: Everyone and their mother (most famously Cézanne) has painted Montague Sainte-Victoire from this terraced garden.

• Carrières de Bibémus: Another Cézanne haunt, Montague Sainte-Victoire looks just as impressive from here, but it’s the sculptural cut and weathered yellow-ochre limestone that gives this place its real magic.

The best districts

• Quartier Mazarin: Laid out in the 17th century with hôtels particuliers and elegant squares, this was Aix's most exclusive district in its heyday – it hasn’t gone far down in the world with plenty of art galleries and antique shops.

• Cours Mirabeau: Linking Mazarin with Ville Comtale, this leafy boulevard is flanked by private mansions and café terraces and studded with fountains and fairground stalls on market days – pick a pew and watch the world go by.

Parks and gardens

• Promenade de la Torse: Connecting the southeastern and eastern districts, this expansive park, with its shady trees, wide open lawns, stream and footbridges, is the perfect place to while away a few hours.

• Jardins du Pavillon Vendôme: The French-style formal garden of the Pavillon Vendôme (the love nest of Louis de Mercoeur and his beautiful mistress, now an art museum) is a lovely spot for a romantic stroll.

Museums

• Musée Granet: All the heavyweights – Cézanne, Klee, Matisse, Monet, Van Gogh – are well represented at Aix’s premier gallery.

• Fondation Vasarely: Cézanne tends to hog the limelight in Aix, but Victor Vasarely (a leading figure in the Op Art movement) deserves a look, too. Designed by the artist, the geometric museum building alone is enough to blow your mind.

Historical monuments

• Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur: An eclectic mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, with parts dating back to the 5th century, Aix’s cathedral also features beautiful cloisters and an impressive triptych by Nicolas Froment.

• Tour de l’Horloge: To the right of the Hôtel de Ville, overlooking the bustling Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, this bell tower with its astronomical clock and seasonal statues is the city’s most iconic monument.

Day trips in the area

• Marseille: Just 30 minutes by train, Marseille offers a lively contrast to the relaxed atmosphere of Aix. Visit the Old Port, explore the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde or relax by the sea with fresh seafood.

• The Luberon: This is prime road trip territory, with vineyards, lavender fields and tumbling hilltop villages like Gordes and Roussillon.

Activities for families in Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a great destination for families, offering a variety of activities that will keep both kids and adults entertained.

• Swimming pools: A stone’s throw from the city centre, Piscine Yves Blanc offers indoor and outdoor pools.

• Playgrounds: One of the largest parks in the city, Parc Jourdan has a gated playground and plenty of paths for biking and scooting.

• Interactive museums: Dinosaurs are a safe bet with kids, and the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle doesn’t disappoint with fantastic paleontological collections.

• Amusement parks: Just outside Aix, the Village des Automates is ideal for a family outing, with dry tube slides, a wet play area and whimsical automatons.

Free things to do in Aix-en-Provence

Whether you're getting your fest on or diving into the city’s history, there are plenty of ways to get the most out of your holidays to Aix, even on a budget.

• Free museums: Many museums in Aix offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month, including the Musée du Vieil Aix (the city’s history museum) and the Musée des Tapisseries (as it says on the tin, tapestries and contemporary textile art).

• Annual festivals and free events: The C’est Sud performing arts festival and the Fête de la Musique bring magic and music to the streets in June, with free events at the Cours Mirabeau, the Cité du Livre and city squares.

• Free guided tours: Several local organisations offer tip-based walking tours of the city. These tours often focus on the history of Aix, its fountains and its famous residents like Paul Cézanne.

Wellness in Aix-en-Provence

• Spas and thermal baths: Located in the heart of Aix, where the natural hot springs have been used for centuries, Thermes Sextius offers thermal pools, massages and beauty treatments.

• Yoga and meditation centres: It’s not all luxurious pampering; Thermes Sextius also runs yoga and Pilates classes.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Montagne Sainte-Victoire offers numerous trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. The views are spectacular, and you’ll often spot artists capturing the landscape that inspired Cézanne.

• Rock climbing: Montagne Sainte-Victoire has just as much to offer climbers, with several multi-pitch routes. Le Grand Parcours is the classic, 400m long with a 5c grading.

• Cycling: Aix is a bike-friendly city, with several routes leading out into the Provençal countryside. You can rent a bike and explore the vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields that surround the city.

• Outdoor swimming: Azur Lac de Peyrolles, just outside Aix, is a fab spot for a refreshing dip.

Beaches near Aix-en-Provence

While Aix-en-Provence is an inland city, its proximity to the Mediterranean coast means you’re just a short drive from some of southern France’s most beautiful beaches. A day trip to these stunning coastal destinations is a popular addition to any Aix-en-Provence holiday.

• Plage de la Pointe Rouge (Marseille): Located about 30 minutes from Aix-en-Provence, this sandy beach in Marseille offers a relaxed atmosphere and calm waters. It’s perfect for families and those looking to unwind by the sea, with nearby cafes and restaurants providing a true Mediterranean experience.

• Plage du Prado (Marseille): Also in Marseille, the Prado Beaches are a collection of artificial sandy stretches with plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming. This area is popular with locals and offers facilities like showers, picnic spots, and sports areas.

• Calanques National Park: About an hour’s drive from Aix, the Calanques National Park features dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Beaches like Calanque d’En-Vau or Calanque de Port-Pin are stunning but require a bit of hiking to reach, making them perfect for adventurous travellers.

• Carry-le-Rouet: A picturesque seaside town about 40 minutes from Aix, Carry-le-Rouet boasts small, pebbled beaches and a charming harbour. It’s an ideal spot for snorkelling, thanks to the clear waters and marine life.

• Cassis: This quaint fishing village, just under an hour from Aix, offers beautiful beaches such as Plage de la Grande Mer. With its golden sands and scenic views of the Mediterranean, Cassis is a favourite among travellers seeking a tranquil escape.

Although Aix-en-Provence itself isn’t coastal, its location makes it easy to enjoy some of the best beaches in southern France. Whether you’re after vibrant city beaches in Marseille or the serene beauty of the Calanques, a seaside adventure is just a short journey away.

Local dishes in Aix-en-Provence

With its emphasis on fresh ingredients, herbs and olive oil, the food in Aix is simple and flavourful, drawing from the rich bounty of the Mediterranean.

Some typical dishes

• Ratatouille: Served with crusty bread or as a side to grilled meats, this veggie stew (aubergines, courgettes, tomatoes and peppers, individually sautéed, then simmered together) has summertime written all over it.

• Brandade de morue: Made with salt cod, puréed potatoes, garlic and olive oil, this may be your new favourite dip.

Meat dishes

• Daube de boeuf à la provençale: Slow-cooked in red wine, this beef and vegetable casserole is not a far cry from beef Bourguignon, but orange peel, olives and anchovies add a distinct Provençale flavour.

• Lapin à la provençale: If you can surmount the psychological barrier, rabbit cooked with tomatoes, green olives, onions, wine, garlic and thyme is a winning combination.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Bouillabaisse: Made with a variety of fish (red scorpionfish is non-negotiable), molluscs and shellfish, infused with wine and Pastis and seasoned with Provençale herbs and spices, this stewy soup has come a long way from its humble fisherman roots in nearby Marseille.

• Soupe de poisson: If Bouillabaisse is beyond your ken (the real deal is seriously expensive), this sibling strained soup, served with croutons, gruyere and rouille (garlicky mayonnaise), is the next best thing.

Street food

• Pain aux noisettes et raisins: Rich in fruit and nuts, this is a speciality bread at Farinoman Fou (a must-visit on holidays to Aix-en-Provence). With a hunk of cheese, this is perfect picnic fodder.

• Fourgasses: This Provençale flatbread can be spiked with anything from olives and Provençale herbs to tomatoes and Chèvre.

Sweets and desserts

• Calissons: Imagine a fruity, less almondy version of marzipan, then add a thin wafer and royal icing, and you’ve got the gist.

• Tarte Tropézienne: This Polish-influenced cream-filled brioche cake dessert hails from Saint-Tropez, but it’s commonplace in Aix cafés.

Local drinks

• Rosé: The Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence produces some very quaffable, aromatic and fruity rosé wines.

• Pastis: If you like black liquorice, you’ll probably love this herbal liqueur. It’s typically drunk diluted with ice-cold water, but if you’re in the hate liquorice camp, no amount of watering down is enough to make it palatable.