Stay in Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a town for all ages and all states of mind. It has been popular for more than two millennia: for its sweets, its olive oil, its architecture, its music, its water and, most of all, its douceur de vie.

Central Aix is a compact and mostly very pleasant place to visit by foot. Aix-en-Provence is well known for its architecture and monuments, so let’s take a look around:

AIX-EN-PROVENCE CATHEDRALE

Aix Cathedral in Aix-en-Provence is a Roman Catholic cathedral and the seat of the Archbishop of Aix. It was built on the site of the 1st century Roman forum of Aix. Built and re-built from the 12th until the 19th century, it includes Romanesque, Gothic and Neo-Gothic elements, as well as Roman columns and parts of the baptistery from a 6th-century Christian church. It is a national monument of France. A must-see during your stay in the city.

LA TOUR DE L'HORLOGE

It is right next to the Hotel de Ville and steps over the streets. At its top there is the bell of the proclamation which was calling for the council or the defense in the past.

ATELIER CEZANNE

Surrounded by olive trees and fig orchards on the hill of Les Lauves is Paul Cézanne’s studio, where the latter worked for the last four years of his life. It is about a 15-minute walk from the town center, and he made daily trips from his home on rue Boulegon to this studio, which was built according to the artist’s plans. The place has not been touched since his death a hundred years ago, and fans of his work can almost feel his presence there. His smock hangs, still stained with paint, and objects that appear in his work are placed all around that one room.

MUSEE GRANET

In the old priory buildings of Saint-Jean-de-Malte Church, the Musée Granet has a collection of almost 12,000 paintings, sculptures and historic artefacts. And, you guessed it, one of the must-sees is the room dedicated to Cézanne, with nine oil paintings by the post-impressionist. In recent years the museum has received a big donation from the Planque Foundation, created by the heirs of Jean Planque, a prolific Swiss art collector. This has endowed Musée Granet with works by Picasso and Kandinsky to go with an already distinguished assembly of baroque paintings from the 17th-century French school, and the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens and Jacob Jordaens.

MUSEE DU CALISSON

Calissons make a cracking gift to take home from Aix; these summery sweets are made from candied fruit and almond paste, and then covered with a layer of icing. They also usually come in cute, vintage-style packaging. Anyway, if you would like to know how this favourite Aix delicacy is made you can visit the sleek and sustainable new factory at the Confiserie du Roy René, which is set within two hectares of almond groves. On a tour you can walk on a mezzanine level above the factory floor and get to know the history, method and ingredients with interactive exhibits and displays of antique machinery.

SOME UNIQUE EXPERIENCES AND SPECIAL PLACES IN AIX

To get the most out of the city and its region, what better way than with tours such as a day in the Cézanne countryside, a guided tour of Aix-en-Provence’s history and gastronomy, or day trips a little further afield, such as to the Luberon, Cassis, the Lavenders, Baux de Provence, Arles or the Camargue.

Tastings of Provencal products such as wines, olives and Herbes-de-Provence are also very popular with tourists.

FAMILY FRIENDLY EXPERIENCES IN AIX

URBAN JUMP It is an amazing indoor play park, full of soft spongy things.

A GREAT PROMENADE NEAR AIX : THE SAINTE-VICTOIRE TRAIL

This is the big trail outside of Aix-en-Provence, where you can hike up to the cross on top of the Sainte- Victoire mountain. It is a beautiful countryside, where Cézanne used to paint. There is a number of trails you can take around the mountain (be warned, there are easy and difficult paths) starting in Le Tholonet or Saint- Antonin-sur-Bayon (for a shorter route). There are a few things to see on your route – the Saint-Victoire Priory and the Bimont Dam are spectacular. Remember to take water and sun protection; it can be scorching in summer.

3 hours or so.