Aix-en-Provence, France: City of Fountains, Culture, and Art

Provence is one of the classic destinations in France. Romantic hill towns, living at a leisurely pace, spectacular remains of ancient civilizations, and the mild Mediterranean climate have drawn visitors for centuries. When I visit the region, I prefer to establish a temporary home base and explore my favorite sights from there. Aix-en-Provence is a sophisticated yet vibrant city and is my favorite temporary home in this area. Many visitors bypass Aix on route to some of the more famous Provence destinations but the city has much to offer to visitors willing to spend time there.

Stroll along Cours Mirabeau

Cours Mirabeau, the main street elegantly gliding through the heart of the city, is a provincial version of Paris' Champs Elysee. The wide, tree-sheltered boulevard is home to some of the city's best people watching. My favorite memory of Aix is savoring a glass of local wine in one of the stylish cafes along the Cours and soaking in the Mediterranean sunshine while watching the people flow by. Aix is home to a large student population and, in the evenings, Cours Mirabeau becomes the center of a vibrant social scene.

Wander through Vieil Aix

Immediately north of Cours Mirabeau, the tangle of streets known as Vieil Aix (Old Aix) is a pedestrian-friendly paradise of small shops and stately mansions. Tucked away in small squares throughout Vieil Aix, fountains of all shapes and sizes bubble away. An outdoor food market has brightened the Place Richelme since the middle ages. Local residents, students and tourists shopping for fresh produce make this a lively setting every morning. Each week a variety of markets featuring flowers, antiques, and household goods spring up in other public squares.

Explore art and culture at intimate museums

Home of the great French painter, Paul Cezanne, Aix is proud of its artistic and cultural heritage. The Granet Museum has an impressive collection of works by French, Italian and Flemish masters including several by Cezanne. The basement contains ancient sculptures from nearby archeological digs that beautifully complement the medieval to modern art located on the main floor. The Musee Paul Arbaud displays a local aristocrat's collection of books and regional art, while the Foundation Viktor Vasarely presents works from the leading twentieth century geometric- abstract artist.

Visitors interested in the life of Cezanne should be sure to check out the Atelier Paul Cezanne. Located a short walk from the center of the city, this is the studio where he lived and painted for many years. Carefully preserved as it was when Cezanne died, the studio is strewn with the tools he used and the objects he used as models. If you want to immerse yourself in the life of this artist, stop by the tourist office for a map of the areas around Aix where he, ate, drank, studied and painted.

Explore the beauty of Provence

Centrally located in Provence, Aix makes the perfect base for exploring the region. The famous towns of Arles, Avignon, and Nimes make wonderful day trips from Aix and the exotic, bustling port city of Marseilles is only a half hour drive. A short trip north from Aix brings you to the scenic hill towns of the Luberon. While it is possible to get around the region by public transportation, Provence is best explored by car.

Getting there

The Marseilles Provence Airport is served by many major carriers and several low-cost airlines, providing easy access from anywhere in Europe and internationally. Shuttle busses offer regular service directly to Aix from the airport. Car rental options are plentiful at the airport and in Aix. High-speed TGV rail service gives Aix easy rail access from Paris.

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