Visit Aix-en-Provence in 1 day: our favourites

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Visit Aix-en-Provence in 1 day: what to see? what to do?

Here is a suggested itinerary to visit Aix-en-Provence on foot, as well as a selection of the best places to visit for a first time in Aix-en-Provence.

1. The Rotonde fountain and the Cours Mirabeau

What to see in Aix-en-Provence? Start your day with the magnificent Rotonde fountain, built in the 19th century. Adorned with statues symbolising Justice, Fine Arts and Agriculture, it is the ideal starting point. From there, you can continue along the Cours Mirabeau, the city's emblematic avenue. Lined with centuries-old plane trees, townhouses and legendary cafés such as Les Deux Garçons, this is where you feel Provençal elegance. 

Note that in the morning, the market brightens up the avenue with its stalls of fruit, vegetables and local specialities.

2. See the historic centre and its secret fountains

There is nothing better than visiting Aix by getting lost in its typical medieval lanes. Every square holds a surprise! Don't miss:

• the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville: admire the 16th-century astronomical clock and the Clock Tower. Not far away, stop at Le Roy René, a house founded in 1920, for a delicious tasting of Aix calissons (a local speciality made from almonds, candied melon and royal icing).

• the Place des Cardeurs: a large esplanade ideal for lunch or a drink on a terrace.
  
  
• The fountains: Aix is nicknamed "the city of 100 fountains". Among the most beautiful, find the Fountain of the Four Dolphins in the Mazarin district and the Albertas fountain on the square of the same name, surrounded by 18th-century façades.

3. Admire Saint-Sauveur Cathedral

Built between the 5th and 17th centuries, Saint-Sauveur Cathedral blends Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. It houses a magnificent triptych of the Burning Bush by Nicolas Froment and a peaceful cloister, perfect for a quiet break. A to-do not to be missed if you come to visit Aix-en-Provence in 1 day.

4. Break for a typical Provençal lunch

Enjoy a delicious lunch during this magnificent day. Here are our favourite addresses: 

• L'incontournable with its romantic square and fountain
• Entre Midi et Deux for typical Provençal cuisine
• Chez Yves, a must-visit address when you come to Aix
• Le Poivre d'Âne (Place des Cardeurs): creative cuisine with Provençal flavours.
• Maison Nosh for its brunch and relaxed atmosphere

For a quick, authentic meal: try a pissaladière or a pan bagnat from the market stalls.

5. Visit Cézanne's studio

If you are wondering what to do in Aix-en-Provence in 1 day apart from walking around the city, know that 15 minutes' walk from the centre, on the Lauves hill, is Cézanne's studio. Left intact since his death, it preserves easels, palettes, objects and the light that inspired so many canvases, notably the famous Mont Sainte-Victoire. It would be a shame not to see it if you come to visit Aix-en-Provence in 1 day, as it is an essential place for understanding the artistic soul of Aix.

6. Stroll through the Mazarin district and the Musée Granet

If you have time left, head to the Mazarin district, created in the 17th century by Archbishop Mazarin. This elegant district concentrates townhouses and a bourgeois atmosphere. Don't miss the Musée Granet with its masterpieces by Cézanne, Picasso, Monet and Ingres, not to mention a superb collection of sculptures by Giacometti.

Top most beautiful museums to visit in Aix-en-Provence 

Even if a day goes by quickly, if you love art and history, here are the museums not to miss:

• Musée Granet: housed in a former Priory of the Knights of Malta, it holds prestigious collections ranging from Antiquity to modern art, with works by Cézanne, Ingres, Picasso and Giacometti.
  
  
• Hôtel de Caumont – Art Centre: a beautifully restored 18th-century townhouse a stone's throw from the Cours Mirabeau, hosting top-quality temporary exhibitions (Monet, Turner, Chagall…). The garden and tea room are also worth the detour.
  
  
• Cézanne's studio: a moving place, left intact since the painter's death, where he worked on his last canvases. An essential stop to understand the link between Cézanne and Aix.
  
  
• Musée du Calisson (Confiserie du Roy René): for those with a sweet tooth, this small museum explains the history and making of Aix's emblematic speciality, with a tasting to finish.

What are the most beautiful vineyards around Aix-en-Provence?

The Aix region is also renowned for its elegant rosé and red wines, produced under the Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence appellation. Here are a few estates to discover:

• Château La Coste (20 minutes from Aix): an exceptional vineyard combining wine, contemporary art and architecture. You can do a tasting, but also take a walk among works of art by Tadao Ando, Louise Bourgeois, Calder, and others.
  
  
• Château Gassier (in Puyloubier, at the foot of Sainte-Victoire): an estate renowned for its refined rosés, with a stunning view of the mountain so dear to Cézanne.
  
  
• Domaine de Saint-Ser (Puyloubier): another emblematic estate of the Sainte-Victoire, offering guided tours and tastings.
  
  
• Château Paradis (Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade): a beautiful family estate that combines elegant wines and a Provençal setting.

What to visit near Aix-en-Provence? 6 sites to see

If you come to visit Aix-en-Provence in 1 day, don't miss exploring the surroundings to live the dolce vita. Here are the main sites not to miss for a dream stay in Provence. 

1. Mont Sainte-Victoire (15 km away)

Immortalised by Cézanne, the Sainte-Victoire is a paradise for hikers. Several trails lead to the Croix de Provence at the summit, with a stunning view over all of Provence. In clear weather, you can even see the Mediterranean Sea.

2. The village of Le Tholonet

At the gates of Aix, this small picturesque village lies at the foot of the Sainte-Victoire. There are magnificent landscapes that inspired Cézanne and quiet walks along the Arc, the local river.

3. Cassis and its calanques (about 45 minutes away)

Fancy the sea and spectacular cliffs? Head to Cassis, a charming Mediterranean port. From there, set off to explore the calanques of Cassis by boat or on foot: turquoise waters, white cliffs and maritime pines make up a postcard setting.

4. Marseille Baby (30 minutes away)

By train or car, Marseille is very close. You can discover the Old Port, the Le Panier district, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, or even taste an authentic bouillabaisse facing the sea.

5. The Luberon and its perched villages (1 hour away)

If you like Provençal villages, head to the Luberon. Gordes, Lourmarin or Roussillon are among the most beautiful villages in France, with their markets, old stones and lavender landscapes in summer.

Practical tips for your day in Aix

If you come to visit Aix-en-Provence in 1 day, here are a few tips: 

• Wear comfortable shoes to get around the city on foot.
  
  
• Make the most of the markets in the morning for the Provençal atmosphere.
  
  
• In summer, bring water and a hat, as temperatures climb quickly.
  
  
• If you have a bit more time, make a detour to Mont Sainte-Victoire, a real postcard setting immortalised by Cézanne.

How to get to Aix-en-Provence and where to park?

• By car: Aix is easily accessible from the A8 motorway (La Provençale). The best option is to park in one of the park-and-ride car parks (Krypton, Hauts-de-Brunet, Malacrida) with free shuttles to the centre, or directly in underground car parks such as Rotonde or Carnot if you want to be in the heart of the city.
  
  
• By train: Aix's TGV station is 15 km from the centre; regular shuttles drop you at the bus station in 20 minutes.
  
  
• By plane: Marseille-Provence airport is 30 minutes away by car or shuttle.

Where to park to visit Aix-en-Provence in 1 day? We advise leaving the car in the car park near the station (see here) to set off and discover the city on foot.

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FAQ – Visit Aix-en-Provence in 1 day

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions. 

What should you absolutely see in Aix-en-Provence?

Here is a summary of what we saw earlier in the article: the famous Cours Mirabeau, lined with plane trees and historic cafés. The Rotonde fountain and the many hidden fountains of the centre are must-sees. Don't miss Saint-Sauveur Cathedral and its peaceful cloister, the Mazarin district and Cézanne's studio.

Is it worth going to Aix-en-Provence?

Yes, Aix-en-Provence is a magnificent city that charms with its Provençal appeal and heritage. Moreover, the city is human-sized, ideal to visit on foot in a day.
We love its atmosphere, markets, terraces and museums.

What can I do and see in Aix-en-Provence in one day?

Find our complete itinerary to visit Aix-en-Provence in 1 day. You will find practical tips to make the most of your stay. 

What are some unusual things to do in Aix-en-Provence?

For an extraordinary experience, visit the Musée du Calisson and taste this emblematic treat. Explore the Hôtel de Caumont or Château La Coste, a vineyard blending wine and contemporary art. Finally, follow in Cézanne's footsteps with a themed walk.

Can you visit Aix-en-Provence on foot?

Yes, no problem at all! It is a human-sized city, perfect for enjoying the lanes, squares and markets.

What is the best time to visit Aix-en-Provence?

We would be tempted to answer all year round, with the Christmas markets. But if you want to enjoy the terraces and pretty fountains, we would recommend spring, summer and early autumn. 

That's it, our special article "Visit Aix-en-Provence in 1 day" ends here. We hope all this information helps you plan your stay in the south of France. All that's left is to wish you a great trip and plenty of good vibes 😎

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