Fora’s Take
Aix-en-Provence is a relaxing, lively city just 25 minutes from Marseille with beautiful markets, endless shopping, delicious dining experiences and multiple options for day trips. From Aix you can explore the small villages and lavender fields of Provence, the Calanques of Cassis, Avignon, Marseille and more. Cours Mirabeau, the main pedestrian street in Aix, is lined with endless cafés, luxury stores and seasonal popup activities. The city has found a special place in many hearts and once you visit, you will understand why.
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Things to do in Aix-en-Provence
Things to Experience in Aix-En-Provence
Cours Mirabeau: The main street of the city with shopping and dining options. The street also hosts a large market every Saturday which includes street performers and other artists.
Markets: Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday – there are multiple markets throughout Aix featuring fresh produce, jewelry, clothing and other products.
Christophe Madeleines: Amazing fresh made Madeleines – there is always a line and some flavors sell out quick each morning.
Fontaine de la Rotonde: In the center the Rotonde roundabout at the western edge of Cours Mireabeau.
Pavillon Vendôme: A historic pavilion surrounded by gardens.
Musée Granet: Features artworks from 15th to 19th Centuries.
Passage Agard: A small passage linking Cours Mirabeau with the Place de Verdun with great shops along the way.
Parc Jourdan: A great park for walking.
Day trips
Explore Cassis and the Calanques: Cassis is easily accessible via train or car from surrounding main cities such as Marseille (20 minutes by train) and Aix-en-Provence (45 minutes by car).
Arrive at the small beach town on a Wednesday or Friday to hit the town’s market which features unique jewelry and clothing vendors in addition to fresh produce.
From the Port, purchase a ticket to cruise the many Calanques (essentially creeks carved out along the shoreline). Boats leave about every 30 minutes and you can choose from options of three Calanques in one hour, five Calanques in 90 minutes or even nine Calanques in two-and-a-half hours. Tickets range from €20 - €35 based on the option chosen. The boats are relatively small with about 15 maximum passengers and the captain pulls in to each Calanque for a couple minutes to give time for photos.
Make a stop at the Calanques National Park on your way in or out of town to experience sweeping coastline cliff views.
If you’d like to spend more time in Cassis, the Hôtel de la Plage Mahogany
is a great option for a night and is walking distance to the beach and the Port.
Places to eat & drink in Aix-en-Provence
Café de Paris: A Cours Mirabeau hot spot for Lunch and Dinner.
Café Caumont: A hidden gem inside an art centre with many different colored rooms.
Le Petit Prince: Great tapas and ambience.
La Mado: The best sushi option in Aix.
Chez Nine: Experience dinner in a cave style setting.
Le Singe Vert: Always busy and a great people watching spot on Cours Mirabeau.
La Rotonde: A lovely spot by the Fountain for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner.
Le Café, Hotel Boyer d'Eguilles: Sit outside at this unique Library Café.
PORZIONE Rotonde: For an "on the go" option, try the Bolognese Pizza.
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to France. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Claudia Riegelhaupt’s guide, Provence with Kids.