Aix-En-Provence | approx 1 hour from L’Isle sur la Sorgue

Office de Tourisme: 2 Place du General de Gaulle – BP160, 13605 Aix-en-Provence | Tel. 04 42 16 11 61 | aixenprovencetourism.com |

Open Year-Round, Monday–Saturday: 8h30-19h | Sunday/Bank Holiday: 10h-13h & 14h-18h 

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Aix-En-Provence – a city of art, life and energy – is calling to be explored.  Home to art schools and universities, Aix is an historic city that today is packed with shops, markets, museums, historic and religious sites, and architecture.  Wander the ancient streets and pass by the 40 or so decorative fountains and it won’t take you long to see why countless artists and intellectuals have spent time here, allowing the beauty of the landscape to inspire their work.  Post-impressionist painter Paul Cezanne spent considerable time here, using the city and countryside as his muse.  Visit the studio where he completed some of his most memorable work, Atelier Cezanne.  Here you can still find his still life objects as he left them, with coats and hats still hanging on racks and various objects lining the shelves.  

 

Enjoy the terrace cafes, many of which have been around for ages and are still the places to ‘see and be seen’, especially on fashionable Cours Mirabeau.  Stroll along this beautiful, tree-line avenue and stop for a café where the air is warm, the light is sublime, and the sidewalk alive.  Most of the shopping will be to the left of Cours Mirabeau as you walk up the street, with bookstores, shops and cafes (very little is on the right).  Some of the more famous cafés include Le Grillon, Le Deux Garçons, La Belle Epoque, and Le Café du Cours.  

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In the old town, the Place des Precheurs near the flower market is another excellent café spot, attracting younger locals (and is generally less expensive than those on Cours Mirabeau).  The area is packed with shops, markets, museums, and religious, architectural, and historic sites.  The flower market itself is on the Place de Verdun, at Place des Prêcheurs by the Ste-Madeleine church.  The Main Market, near the Palais de Justice, offers an amazing spread of fresh produce and food, bric-a-brac, and a flea market.  Market days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.  If you’re only searching out food items, you’ll be satisfied 7 days a week by the food market in the Place Richelme, between the post office and the old grain market.  You’ll also find a clothing market on the “other side” of the Cours Mirabeau, which has moved from its home in the old prison building in the center of town (now used for administrative offices).  

 

Up in the northwest corner of town, along the Blvd Jean Jaurès, visitors can still find the 18th century hot-water baths, Thermes Sextius.  Set in a large tree-shaded park, it’s not far from the site of the original Roman baths that attracted visitors 2000 years ago.  Today Aix still thrives on water, which can be seen through the cities many fountains.  

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Throughout the town, fountains big and small bubble and spray and splash.  Some of the finest can be found along Cours Mirabeau, including the great fountain (1860) at La Rotonde, in the Place Général de Gaulle at the bottom end of the "cours", spraying up into the sunlight. The Fountain of 9 Cannons (1691), half way up, bubbles away in the shade. Another block up the "cours" is the moss-covered hot-water fountain dating back to 1734, although the 35°C (93°F) spring has been enjoyed for its healing properties for 2000 years.  King René's Fountain, at the top of the "cours" was built in the 19th century; the statue is of Roi René holding a bunch of Muscat grapes, which the good king introduced into Provence.  The lovely Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins at the Place des Quatre Dauphins, in the Mazarin district, was built in 1667 by Jean-Claude Rambot. 

 

You’ll also want to check out the Mazarin District, or Quartier Mazarin, south of the Cours Mirabeau.  Constructed between 1646 and 1651 by Archbishop Mazarin, the area is home to unique “hotels particuliers” – 17th century townhouses.  Cultural and historical attractions are here also, including the Granet Museum, the Paul Arbaud Museum, and the 13th century Eglise St-Jean-de-Malte here.  

 

About an hour from Le Petit Hôpital, drive here and explore the youthful city with a stop for lunch at the casual Atelier restaurant where they offer exceptional salads, pizza, and bruschetta.  Looking for something more formal?  Michelin-rated Le Formal is ideal with its great lunch menu, though you’ll need to make a reservation for a larger group.  You’ll find it on the street that runs parallel to the Cours Mirabeau, one over to the left going up the hill.  Dishes may not sound big on the menu, but every plate is a meal, and it’s healthy.

 

When you arrive in the city, look out for underground parking.  This is your best bet as it can be nearly impossible to find parking above.  Caution:  If you park in a market location on a market day, your car will be towed and impounded!  (If this happens, call 04 42 20 37 54 and the impound is located at 840, Avenue du Club hippique, 13100 Aix en Provence)

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• Market Days:

  • Large Market (Place de Verdun) – Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 

  • Flower Market (Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, Place des Prêcheurs) 

  • Local Produce Market (Place Richelme) – Daily

  • Old Books Market (Place de l’Hôtel de Ville) – First Sunday every month