Aix-en-Provence is a city that feels like a living painting. Bathed in the golden light that inspired Paul Cézanne, this elegant Provençal hub offers a slower, more refined pace of life. It is a place where the clink of espresso cups echoes through cobblestone squares and the scent of lavender drifts from open-air markets.
Whether you are a lover of art, a connoisseur of French cuisine, or simply seeking the perfect terrace to watch the world go by, Aix delivers an unforgettable experience. It is a university town, which gives it a vibrant, youthful energy that balances perfectly with its aristocratic history.
You can spend your mornings getting lost in the narrow lanes of the Vieil Aix, your afternoons exploring sun-drenched vineyards, and your evenings dining under the stars. The city is compact enough to explore on foot, yet rich enough to fill a multi-day itinerary.
This guide cuts through the clichés to bring you a curated list of authentic experiences. We have focused on the activities that define the true character of the city, blending the famous landmarks with the hidden corners loved by locals.
From bustling markets that awaken the senses to serene gardens that offer a moment of peace, Aix-en-Provence is a city to be savored rather than rushed. Prepare to discover why this corner of southern France has captivated travelers and artists for centuries.
Below is a curated selection of the essential experiences that should top your itinerary. These are the places and moments that truly define the rhythm of life in Aix.
Hôtel de Caumont
| Address | 3 Rue Joseph Cabassol, 13100 Aix-en-Provence |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 42 20 70 01 |
Amazing house! It felt unfortunately too short! I adored the garden, the café, every square centimeter od this house is so chic!! You should definitely give it a try to this fancy house, you will be impressed by the walls, the objects, the cleanliness and the small talks of the people! I was so happy to be there! The staff is friendly and the best atmoshere you can ask! There is an audio guide included in the ticket! Go and let yourself immersed in the splendid house of this artistic monument! Thank you so much for this experience!
I enjoyed the Toulouse Lautrec exhibition and exploring the house and pretty garden which is fragrant with jasmine. Booking online a few minutes before saved 2E.
A gorgeous oasis of peace, style and refinement in the heart of Aix-en-Provence. I loved the 30' film about Cezanne's life showed as part of the visit. The permanent collection is interesting and the layout of the building impressive. The two leveled garden is wonderful in all seasons...and the elegant café adds to the experience. An absolute pleasure and a treat. A reminder that.. La vie est belle...
Comprehensive exhibition of Toulouse Lautrec, his work and the era. Well-mounted, with fine descriptions of the activities and times that influenced his work, and how much he influenced other artists.
I have never been as disappointed by any museum. The short film was delayed by technical problems with minimal information. The layout is unclear. I paid for an audioguide and it was confusing how to get it. It seems set up for the guided tours. By the way the audioguide is a waste of money adding little to the commentary on the walls,
The route is predetermined and I was surrounded by a tour group who just got in the way as they listened to the guide. Some of the group were clearly bored and should have left. The group was too large for the rooms. I tried to go ahead and then return but the exhibit is set up as a one way system. So they then just disturbed the peace again.
My audioguide sounded an Alarm at the end of the tour and it was grabbed off me as if i was going to steal it.
The paintings were great and the information boards very helpful. The Collections of Oscar Gez is really interesting as he avoided many mainstream artists and collected women Painters as well. Having said that there are a couple of great late Picassos and a Renoir.
I suggest going to Museum Granet or Fondation Vasarely to see how to do it. The latter had a large school group visiting at the same time as me. I enjoyed some of the commentary and comments from the children. It enhanced the visit.
Do not go at the same time as a large tour group, and prepare to feel unwanted.
Fontaine de la Rotonde
| Address | Place du Général de Gaulle, 13100 Aix-en-Provence |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 04 42 91 90 00 |
First time with my family in this place. Really pleasant and nice atmosphere. Good for a walk with family and to enjoy an ice cream or lunch.
There are several restaurants and stores.
On Saturday there is a local fair very charming
Very pretty and a fantastic point of reference.
Young people gather around it and the steps in front of cafes near the Rotonde in the evenings. Magical.
Finally, I've arrived in Aix-en-Provence! My husband stayed here as an exchange student 35 years ago, so I heard it so much that my ears resembled them. It reminds me of Florence in Italy, where I studied. It was a really clean and tidy city. There are hidden treasure-like places in every alley, so I hope you take your time to visit. If you've come to France, don't miss Aix-en-Provence! You can get there in 30 minutes from Marseille! At first, I was curious because there was no water in the fountain, but it was because of the lighting. I strongly recommend it!!!
There are several cafés where you can sit and take in the wonderful view of the fountain. Ride the petite bus. It’s cheap.
Beautiful Fountain in old city, plenty of Bars and Restaurants, very vibrant on a sunny Thursday.
Musée Granet
| Address | Pl. Saint-Jean de Malte, 13100 Aix-en-Provence |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 42 52 88 32 |
Beautiful museum with some interesting art and sculptures.
Interesting to learn about Cezanne who spend his whole life (born, worked ,died) in Aix. And there are some wonderful other art on display too.
It’s an additional €2 to include admission to the Kosta Alex exhibition- worth it as it’s interesting.
Beautiful museum with good offerings. It’s small but still comprehensive. We spent approx an hour and felt like that was enough to see everything. The sculpture exhibit was my favorite.
I went here to see the archaeological collection from Entremont. It was in the basement in the antiquities section.
The display was great and I really enjoyed seeing it. I just wish there was a bit more information, which was probably in the audio guide which I didn’t get because I don’t like audio guides so that’s probably on me 🤓
We also stumbled on the Paul McCartney photography exhibition which was great.
You cannot affirm that you visited Aix-en-Provence without having got a ticket to the Musée Granet! I regret to inform you that act is utterly unapologetic, prohibited, banned, impermissible and avoidable! I was completely speechless at watching the collection of Paul Cezzane! Moreover, I was hugely impressed by the gigantic paintings they owe in their treasure! There they have the best staff and the atmosphere you can expect from a museum! Thank you kindly for this experience!
Decent provincial city museum with a handful of masterpieces, some early Cézanne, nice Morandi, great selection of Giacometti both paintings and sculptures, David, Rubens, Strozzi, Rigaud, some very large paintings that are impressive if only for their size and French classical stiffness (19th century dross) and the lighting overall leaves a lot to be desired, however worth an hour or two of your time if you like art museums!
Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence
| Address | 34 Pl. des Martyrs de la Resistance, 13100 Aix-en-Provence |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 42 23 45 65 |
There's definitely prettier cathedrals that are more stunning, peaceful, and unique in France, but this one is still great! I do always prefer the cathedrals that have multiple winding corridors with different displays than the ones that are like one single room or ones that have basically become a tourist attraction. I still think the excess of tables and places to purchase things makes it feel less Christ-like and such, I just prefer the ones with only like a donation stand, a little flier with some history, and a prayer booth. Either way, this is a solid cathedral, so stop here if you're in Aix. No need to go out of your way for it, though.
The church has beautiful historic architecture with a timeless European charm.
2. It reflects centuries of Christian heritage and local community life.
3. The interiors are peaceful and calming, creating a quiet place for reflection and prayer.
4. Many Saint-Sauveur churches feature stunning stained-glass windows and detailed artwork.
5. The bell towers are often iconic landmarks in the town or village skyline.
6. The church represents a blend of Romanesque and Gothic design styles in many regions.
7. It has served generations of families for baptisms, weddings, and celebrations.
8. The atmosphere inside is serene, with candlelight and traditional religious décor.
9. The surrounding squares and streets are usually charming and full of local culture.
10. It remains an important spiritual and cultural symbol for both residents and visitors.
Located in the historic center, this gorgeous Saint-Sauveur Cathedral is a remarkable blend of architectural styles, ranging from Romanesque to Gothic and Baroque. Built from the 5th century onwards on the remains of an ancient Roman forum, it has been transformed over the centuries. Among its most remarkable features are a finely sculpted Gothic cloister, a 15th-century triptych, and a baptistery of Merovingian origin. Still in use, it is also an emblematic site of Aix's cultural heritage.
The baptistery of the cathedral was built at the beginning of the 6th century, or even the 5th century, on the site of the ancient forum square of Aquae Sextiae.
A well-defined symbolism is then attached to the sacrament of baptism ... a way to be buried in death with Christ and to live new life through enlightenment. The building is oriented towards the rising sun despite changes made over the centuries, notably the addition of granite columns.
Its current architecture appears to be almost identical to that of the Roman Forum. Eight columns surround it. Cloths were attached to them to shield the catechumens from view. The notches into which the rods for holding the cloths were inserted can still be seen. The baptistery has undergone several transformations. The dome dates from the 16th century. From the time of its construction, only the lower parts of the walls and the baptismal font remain.
The Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur kind of sneaks up on you—the facade is impressive enough but not indicative of the richness and grandeur of the interior . Roman, Gothic, Baroque all mashed together, with some epic stained glass windows, some fine paintings including a huge Doubting Thomas by Louis Finson.
The real knockout however is the baptistery, one of the most stunning and mystical I have ever come across—that alone is worth a visit.
Whenever I visit a city in Europe, I always make sure to look for a cathedral, and for some reason, the cathedral in Aix-en-Provence felt even more solemn and weighty.
Was it because the lights weren't on?
Nevertheless, we lit candles and prayed. We concluded our final itinerary in southern France, hoping that our trip to France would proceed smoothly and meaningfully.
Cézanne's studio
| Address | 13 Av. Paul Cézanne, 13100 Aix-en-Provence |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 42 91 95 30 |
Very fast entry, as I arrived there was no queue. Interesting and captivating tour, available in English too. Staff were friendly and Cezanne’s studio was fabulously preserved.
A lovely place to visit, even though there is only one room to see. The most interesting part was listening to our guide, who is very knowledgeable (and speaks English perfectly)!
I hope that eventually this space will be even more interesting, with more things to view and I'm grateful that they do their best to save the remembrances of a great painter.
Loved visiting Cézanne’s workshop, booked in advance for the guided tour (in French) with our family group and others.
A fascinating glimpse into the painter’s world here, seeing the wonderful light he had. There’s not much to actually see in the workshop except a few props to help us try and imagine how it was then. Our guide was really knowledgeable, although talked rather fast that it was difficult for many in our group to catch everything, but recommend a visit.
We arrived at 16 50 knowing that the studio closed at 18.00. We were told that they had just sold the last tickets of the day to the family before us in the queue who they had taken over 5 minutes to serve and find change for their cash payment. We protested this decision not to let us enter but they refused to relent. This was hugely disappointing particularly given we had specifically taken a taxi to get us ther in time. Instead they charged us €2 each for access to the garden. It was not busy at the time so we simply do not understand their decision.
The response you have provided below is complete nonsense as you sold tickets to the family in the queue before us for cash so they had not pre booked. If you are not willing to properly apologise for your poor treatment then don't bother posting a response.
If you speak French, do visit, as I'm sure you'll have a lovely time.
If you speak any other language, please know that the audio guide for the self-guided tour is only available in French. No English, no Spanish, no Italian. Nothing but French.
So you can hike up a hill from the main square of Aix in 37 degree heat and wander around a building with minimal information about what everything is, the history of the place, facts about the artist, etc., or you can do something more interesting elsewhere. If you speak English, there are a few paragraphs on the walls, but it's in a color of font that disappears against the background, and it's poorly-lit, so you may not be able to even make that out.
So disappointing. Do not recommend.
Fondation Vasarely
| Address | 1 Av. Marcel Pagnol, 13090 Aix-en-Provence |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 42 20 01 09 |
Outside of the wonderful children's museums I loved as a kid, this is definitely my favorite museum I've ever been to. The artwork is so unique, and it was just magical to get to spend a few hours here as part of my trip to Aix. It was literally like the only thing we did the whole day, which kind of bothered me at first, but now, I look back on it as a symbol that this place was that good of a time. This is a must-visit attraction in one of France's best cities.
Exceptional
As a graphic designer I was totally absorbed by the great work on show and history of design explored. It was not just the diverse range of works on display but the perfectly measured bespoke building in which they were housed. An outstanding combination of pure visual inspiration. Having come from the uk to visit my wife and I spent many hours here which passed in moments. A very good team looked after us. We will be back.
Gorgeous museum of an idiosyncratic artist. The large space brings the best in his wonderful art. Easy parking.
Dominant Huge Works of Op Art. This place is wonderful. The works shake your perception. I was lucky to share my visit with a school trip and the kids were astonished too. Do not miss it.
The most impressive of all existing Vasarely museums. Huge scale works will delight you. Even the exterior of the building is a Vasarely work of art. The gift shop is also excellent and the staff very friendly. Easy access from the city centre of Aix with public transport. Don't miss it!
Place d'Albertas
| Address | 11 Rue Espariat, 13100 Aix-en-Provence |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM Thursday: Closed Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 42 91 90 00 |
Been walking around this place since high-school when so was studying in Aix. More than ten years later it's time to say something about it. A meeting place at night for the students and partying people. A legend says that long ago this place was a brothel, because of the railing in front of the windows on the walls that can be mistaken with male sex organ. When you take a close look at it, cannot be wrong. Great place to listen to the fountain water drops too
Very pretty, I loved seeing it as I walked to new destinations around the town. A good place to walk through and eat
What a peaceful beautiful little town. A lot to explore.
Cute little square with pretty fountain in the middle ⛲️♥️
Interesting rustic, dated, run down, classic, and luxurious place which needs to be snapped by your caamera.
Palomano Aix en Provence
| Address | 45 Bd Aristide Briand, 13100 Aix-en-Provence |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 2:40 – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 9:20 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: Closed Friday: 2:40 – 7:00 PM Saturday: 9:20 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 9:20 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 42 23 60 73 |
Great and fun experience for the young kids! Staff is super friendly as well!
Super
Good days
Genial !!! Super concept
Top!
Place des Cardeurs
| Address | Pl. Forum des Cardeurs, 13100 Aix-en-Provence |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 04 42 16 11 61 |
This is a wonderful plaza that's a blast to visit at night time with friends or family. With plenty of restaurants and more, it's got everything you need for a great representation of la vie de nuit en Aix-en-Provence. I visited the restaurant Tandem and got une arignée de porc, which was fantastic (even though they need to update their online menu 😂).
Lively square in the evening. Great atmosphere for a drink or even a meal. Had dinner there last night. Meal was very good, but people seemed to be just having a drink. We were there at 19:30, so that may have been a bit early for dining.
Beautigul vibrant market!! And the nougat is to die for!
With its many bars and restaurants, the Place des Cardeurs is a hub of Aix-en-Provence life.
Corresponding to the site of the Jewish quarter during the Middle Ages, the Place des Cardeurs was only created in 1963. A block of dilapidated houses, crisscrossed by narrow alleyways, was demolished to make way for this new space lined with renovated classic houses.
Great food, the owner and stuff are lovely and knowledgeable.
Very good English by the staff.
Carrières des Lumières
| Address | Route de Maillane, 13520 Les Baux-de-Provence |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 90 49 20 02 |
Stunning, Stunning, Stunning! I am not a fan of Picasso, and my husband doesn't even like art...but we LOVED it! The venue is remarkable (lovely and cool on a jot summers day too) and the way the art is shown it is just so imersive. It was brilliant and we would go back again without hesitation.
The local village, Les Beaux de Provence, is listed as a beautiful village and you can see why. It's just a few minutes from the exhibition, up hill, and worth a visit. Look past all the tourists and gift shops to the history and magnificent views.
If you are staying in Les Baux-de-Provence, it’s worth driving over to check out this art exhibition. It’s located inside an old quarry, and the current feature is Picasso. It’s actually quite nice to just sit on the stone benches inside and watch the different paintings being projected one after another. This way, you don't have to keep walking around, and the combination of music and lighting gives it a unique character. However, I personally felt it wasn't quite as breathtaking or impactful as the one at the submarine base in Bordeaux."
A very unusual place, a multimedia show right inside the grottoes, which have preserved their history and pristine nature. We went to the "Oceans" show, a very interesting and colorful show. Cons: the parking lot nearby is overcrowded, so you either have to wait or park far away.
We (DASA) would like to leave a review of this remarkable place.
What has been created from a former quarry is truly impressive! The scale of the project, the presentation, and the amount of work behind it deserve nothing but admiration. It is a unique experience and definitely worth visiting.
However, there are a few drawbacks regarding the visitor services:
The parking is paid 5eu/h , which is not a problem by itself, but there is essentially only one payment machine. Its small screen is very difficult to read in the bright sun, and as a result long queues quickly form.
Also, keep in mind that this is a former mountain quarry, so there is quite a bit of dust inside. If you have breathing problems or are sensitive to dust, the visit may be somewhat challenging.
Other than that, everything is excellent, and the overall experience is truly memorable.
A place to go with the whole family and connect with something that will make you have fun like a kid. The vibe of the place is really great. It's totally worth it!
Promenade de la Torse
| Address | 12 Rue Pierre de Coubertin, 13100 Aix-en-Provence |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 42 91 90 00 |
Just a small walking path of length around 700 metres so a rather short promenade. But there are places for picnics, benches and some facilities for children to play even if not that much space. If you just visit the town I think it’s easily to skip. There was plenty of mosquitos in August. Better come with repellent.
A must visit when in Marseille.
Amazing Notre-Dame, and the views around is not to miss.
Lovely walk in nature near Aix.....perfect to find cool shade on a hot day. Lots of runners and bikers and families on weekends. There are also open fields great for a picnic. Easy to find from the many different entrances and car parks.
Lovely park with some fitness facilities.
Nice park for hanging out and picnic in Aix en Provence. It has a small lake with fishes for the kids, a grassy hill with trees for shadows and plenty other places to carry out different activities including jogging, pétanque, football, open gym, play area, etc. A small water stream gives this park an additional beauty and calmness.
It is located in eastern side of Aix near the piscine. Ample parking space is available near the piscine and it’s a two minutes walk from there.
There are dedicated picnic spots with garden tables and kids play area. However, picnic on the grassy hill is allowed.
This park is quite a places to rest, do yoga or sports training or any outdoor activities.
Enjoy the family time on weekends 😊
Château La Coste
| Address | 2750 Route De La Cride, 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 42 61 89 98 |
Thank the universe and all that is good for Paddy McKillen- the Northern Irish billionaire who opened this estate, which, is well ahead of its time. The art selection is world class and worth flying to Provence to see in its own right. The park is similar to Storm King in New York. There are wonderful and knowledgeable young people who give the tours of the art all day.
Probably because this is not owned by the French, there are several well maintained restrooms throughout the grounds. You do, however, need to be able to do a little hiking to do the walking tour and there are no restrooms off the main building complex. This was reasonable in my opinion- honestly very civilized.
The food at the restaurants is not great but the service was excellent.
I have a theory that the sommeliers are intentionally crafting inedible wine for this Chateau because they are probably French and resent working for an Irishman. No joke- the wine is some of the worst I’ve ever had. The wine tasting and tour was still a pleasant and informative experience and I’m very glad to have done it just to learn about the process.
Beautiful setting but do your homework to prepare especially if you visit in the summer! I had envisioned a stroll among sculptures and vineyards followed by a lovely lunch. Reality was different simply due to lack of preparation. Stroll was more of hike on unshaded gravel paths with lots elevation changes which led us to dripping with sweat and dusty feet! We had water with us but had to abandon the hike to find more water and food. Lunch in the Terrasse restaurant was lovely so was the wine. And we enjoyed the Julien Schnabel exhibit in the air conditioned galleries. Highly recommend overall with managed expectations!
Château La Coste is a beautiful property with impressive architecture, scenic vineyards, and an interesting collection of contemporary art installations. The grounds are well maintained, and it's a peaceful place to spend a few hours if you enjoy art and nature.
That said, I found the overall experience to be quite expensive for what was offered. Between the entrance fees, food, and other activities, it felt a bit overpriced. I was also hoping for a little more information about the winery and wine-making process.
Overall, it's worth visiting if you're interested in modern art and beautiful landscapes, but I left feeling that the experience didn't quite justify the price, which is why I'm giving it 3 stars.
I'm just reviewing the art galleries and estate. The place is extraordinary. A beautiful estate combining vineyards with amazing structures that showcase wonderful art and a trail around the grounds that introduce you playfully to a permanent collection of sculptures by brilliant people. Altogether quite stunning, unforgettable and a credit to everyone involved in such a superb project.
Incredible setting for art, food and wine. Dozens of permanent outdoor installations by world famous artists and special indoor and outdoor exhibitions. Multiple wonderful restaurants. Taking a tour is definitely recommended but you can wander around on your own if you want. We had a great tour with Julia in a golf cart due to mobility issues (reserve ahead if needed). Great wine at the restaurants and for purchase. Highly recommended for art and architecture lovers.
Musée du Vieil-Aix
| Address | 17 Rue Gaston de Saporta, 13100 Aix-en-Provence |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 42 91 89 78 |
I was simply impressed by this museum! Their collection was amazing! I definitely appreciated their historical and creative value of the objects! You should definitely vidit this place! It won't let you down! The staff is friendly! And also thr atmosphere is kind of cool! I really loved the decorative ceiling! So beautifully arranged and met in place. Thank you so much for this! You made my day more beautiful!
Musée du Vieux-Marseille was a fascinating museum dedicated to the history, traditions, and everyday life of old Marseille. Here are 10 interesting points about it:
1. The museum focused on preserving the traditional culture and heritage of Marseille and Provence.
2. It was located inside the historic “Maison Diamantée,” one of the oldest surviving houses in Marseille.
3. The building’s name came from its unique diamond-shaped stone façade decorations.
4. The museum displayed traditional Provençal furniture, costumes, ceramics, and household objects.
5. It featured beautiful collections of santons, the famous handmade figurines used in Provençal nativity scenes.
6. Visitors could see rare old maps, photographs, paintings, and engravings of historic Marseille.
7. The museum also housed antique Marseille tarot cards and card-making tools from the Camoin collection.
8. During World War II, the Maison Diamantée survived the destruction of much of the Old Port district because of its historical importance.
9. The museum officially closed in 2009, and many of its collections were transferred to the Marseille History Museum.
10. Even though the museum closed, it remains an important symbol of Marseille’s cultural memory and local identity.
An interesting museum behind solid doors that has a sign inviting people in. Interesting items related to the area. The best items were models for a ceiling section of St Peters Basillica painted by Le Bacciccio, a model of the city to compare with today and a sedan chair that was used by the nobility to move around the city. The staff were informed and enthusiastic about the collection.
Note that accessibility for the upstairs part of the museum is by steep staircase.
Small but interesting museum, i had interesting simple time which sometimes i like to explore simple places such as this museum ☺️
By my understanding and standards, this place cannot be considered a museum. There are hardly any objects on display. I entered with the hope of finding an ethnographic museum, but it was a disappointment. Moreover, if you don’t know French language like us, you won’t be able to read anything or understand the visual presentations. Even if you consider the entrance fee as a donation, you’d be better off spending your time exploring the historic streets of this beautiful city.
Carrières de Bibémus
| Address | 3090 Chem. de Bibémus, 13100 Aix-en-Provence |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | 04 42 16 11 61 |
This area is regulated, please go to tourist office or online to join group tour in advance. Participants might need a car as the entry is still around 3km away from the parking lot and need to follow the tour guide to pass the gate pole/ pillar.
The tour is highly recommended and the guide is very professional and nice. They have both English and French group. If you are Cézanne’s fan, you definitely could not miss it!
Amazing landscape with various colours and lights changing where Cezanne was inspired for his works.
The quarries are now closed, The gate is locked, the only way you can get in is with a guide. Talk to the people at the tourist office to arrange that. The plateau is still gorgeous, you don't need a guide to walk the extensive network of trails outside the quarry. If you want to see the quarry itself, the friendly staff at the tourist office in Aix can help?
Public Access Denied — Thanks to Local Elitism
This used to be a beautiful, public set of trails — a place for everyone to enjoy nature and local history. Now, a handful of residents living along the access road have decided they’re too important to share. They’ve blocked the road with an automated gate under the flimsiest excuse imaginable: a so-called “fire hazard.”
Let’s be honest — this is not about safety. It’s about privilege. A few people got tired of seeing anyone else near “their” neighborhood and decided to privatize public access. The result? A once-welcoming community space turned into a gated playground for the few.
You can still walk up, but the message is clear: regular people are no longer welcome. Disappointing, short-sighted, and a perfect example of how elitism erodes shared public goods.
À wonderful place to explore the beautiful forest and quarries near Aix en Provence and the Mount Sainte Victoire. Submerge yourself into the paintings of Cézanne and literarry works of Zola as this was their stomping grounds! Beautiful view points along the many trails and a wonderful place to visit over all. Park easily during the week, but the weekends can be overcrowded. Enjoy your visit.
Pavillon Vendôme
| Address | 13 Rue de la Molle, 13100 Aix-en-Provence |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 42 91 88 75 |
It was nice but indeed, it felt too short! I enjoyed the Stones and the other décorative objects. And also a nice garden! Friendly stage and nice atmosphere! What else? You should come and gove it a try, you might find it special compared to other museums! It was kind of pécuniaire to see the glass enlightened and giving a sparkling effect. I enjoyed it but it felt so short! Thank you so much for this experience!
The place itself is not big, but very cozy like the city of Aix 🙂 Nice!
From the online description, we were expecting to see a 17th century, 3 storey home, filled with furniture.
What we saw were sparsely decorated rooms with only a few pieces of furniture and instead a quirky art exhibition.
Only the ground and first floor could be accessed. There was a locked door to the top floor.
The exhibition looked at interesting ways to portray the female organs as well as scars and reproduction.
I thought the exhibition was tastefully executed and interesting, but not why I came here.
The gardens are beautiful and well maintained.
The entry price is only €4/person and is an interesting way to spend an hour.
A gorgeous art museum surrounded by amazing gardens. We arrived 10 minutes before closing and the staff still let us in to explore quickly - really appreciated it seeing how we’d travelled all the way from Australia! ❤️
Was denied entry with a baby. As they have stairs one has to carry the child but the staff won’t agree to leave the stroller at the ticket counter even if the museum was empty and there was plenty of space. They wrote this is a wheelchair accessible place but this is probably a lie as they said strollers are not allowed because of stairs. This happens in France and tourist destination 😳😳😳 probably the stony entrance is an indication not to proceed with stroller. Aix en Provence really needs to work on their family friendly policy as this is the most baby unfriendly town I so far have visited. It’s not the only place in this town where parents with stroller are unwelcome or thrown away. TOTAL SHAME and this is holiday destination. Someone should train and sensibilize staff responsible for tourism in Aix. I don’t plan to check out other Provence cities and just won’t plan it as holiday destination ever again even coming with adults with full mobility. I will pass my experience around as well to warn other people from such discriminatory cities and museums.
Insider Tips for Visiting Aix-en-Provence
To truly appreciate the elegance and rhythm of Aix-en-Provence, it helps to know a few local secrets. Navigating the city like a resident rather than a tourist will save you time, money, and potential frustration. Here is how to make the most of your Provençal adventure.
1. Time Your Visit for the Morning Markets
The markets in Aix are a feast for the senses, but they are best experienced early. Arrive before 10:00 AM to see the stalls at their freshest and most vibrant, and to avoid the crush of midday shoppers. Keep in mind that many vendors pack up by 1:00 PM, especially on market days in the main squares.
2. Embrace the Art of Flânerie
Aix is not a city for a rigid checklist. The true magic lies in wandering without a destination. Allow yourself to get lost in the Quartier Mazarin or the narrow streets behind the Cours Mirabeau. You will stumble upon hidden courtyards, quiet fountains, and artisan workshops that you won’t find in any guidebook.
3. Watch Your Step on the Cours Mirabeau
While the Cours Mirabeau is beautiful, the ground can be treacherously dusty and uneven, especially in the dry summer months. Leave the delicate sandals at the hotel and opt for comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. The local limestone dust has a habit of ruining white trousers, so choose darker colors for your lower half.
4. Understand the Dining Hours
French meal times are sacred, and Aix is no exception. If you want to eat lunch, you must be seated by 1:30 PM or you will likely find kitchens closed until dinner. Dinner service rarely begins before 7:30 PM. Plan your day around these hours to avoid ending up with a sad sandwich from a convenience store.
5. Book Restaurants in Advance
Aix-en-Provence is a food lover’s paradise, and the best tables go quickly. If you have your eye on a specific bistro or a Michelin-starred establishment, do not rely on walking in. A quick phone call or online reservation a day or two in advance is essential, particularly on weekends.
6. Take Advantage of the Free City Center Shuttle
If your feet get tired or you are staying on the outskirts, look for the "Diabline." These small, electric shuttle buses navigate the narrow streets of the historic center. They are an affordable and convenient way to hop between the main neighborhoods without dealing with the city’s often chaotic traffic.
Aix-en-Provence is more than just a stop on a Provençal tour; it is a destination that invites you to slow down and appreciate the finer details of life. The city’s charm lies not only in its grand architecture but in the small moments—the steam rising from a morning coffee, the shade of a plane tree, or the vibrant colors of a market stall.
As you leave the bustling squares and find a quiet fountain to sit beside, you will understand why so many people fall in love with this city. Aix does not demand your attention with loud attractions; it captivates you with its grace, its history, and its undeniable sense of place.
