Things to do in Aix-en-Provence: what to see and do, an insider's guide
Century-old fountains, sun-drenched markets, Cézanne's studio and shaded terraces under the plane trees: the guide to visiting Aix-en-Provence, just eight minutes from Villa La Source.
Visiting Aix-en-Provence means exploring the “city of a thousand fountains”: the Cours Mirabeau and its plane trees, Old Aix and its squares, Cézanne's Studio, the Musée Granet, the Fondation Vasarely, the Provençal markets on Place Richelme and, in the background, the Sainte-Victoire mountain. A listed town of art and water, 8 minutes from Villa La Source in Puyricard, 30 minutes from Marseille-Provence airport and at the start of the wine route.
Aix-en-Provence is best explored slowly, looking up. Born of thermal springs more than two thousand years ago, Cézanne's city reveals itself through its mossy fountains, its 17th-century mansions and its café terraces where you linger, a chilled rosé in hand. Here, the Provençal art of living is not a slogan: it is a rhythm, set by the cicadas and the morning markets.
What to see in Aix-en-Provence: the city of a thousand fountains
Always start with the Cours Mirabeau, the elegant plane-lined avenue that divides the town in two. At one end, the majestic Rotonde fountain sets the tone; all along it, mossy fountains and old façades house cafés, bookshops and ice-cream parlours.
On the other side, Old Aix is a maze of pedestrian lanes leading to the sublime Place d'Albertas, the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur and its Romanesque cloister. To the south, the refined Mazarin quarter lines up its mansions around the delicate Fountain of the Four Dolphins. Get lost: it is the best way to visit Aix-en-Provence.
Visiting Aix-en-Provence in Cézanne's light
Aix is the city of Paul Cézanne (1839-1906), a local boy who became the father of modern painting. Visit his Atelier des Lauves, left untouched on the hillside, where objects and easels still seem to be waiting for him. At the Musée Granet, masterpieces by the great masters sit alongside a fine modern collection.
To understand his obsession, look up at the Sainte-Victoire mountain, which you can also admire from the garden of Villa La Source.
Cézanne is the father of us all.Attributed to Pablo Picasso
Visiting Aix-en-Provence through its markets, every morning
This is the ritual not to miss. Every morning, Place Richelme hosts a farmers' market: sun-ripened tomatoes, olives, goat's cheeses, herbs and olive oils. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the stalls spread to Place des Prêcheurs and Place de la Madeleine, while the flower market brightens up Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville.
Our concierge will tell you the best days and addresses: find our tips on our Provence markets page.
Things to do in Aix-en-Provence: good food & rosé on the terrace
Aix is also sunshine on your plate. A chilled rosé under the plane trees, the scent of the flower markets, shaded terraces where time stands still. We love the generous cooking of the Côté Cour restaurant, right in the centre.
And you cannot leave without a box of calissons d'Aix, the boat-shaped almond and candied melon sweet that has been the town's signature treat since the 15th century.
Another way to visit Aix-en-Provence: from kinetic art to grand mansions
On the edge of town, the Fondation Vasarely spreads its geometric cells devoted to Victor Vasarely's kinetic art: a graphic, hypnotic interlude. In the centre, the Hôtel de Caumont, an art centre set in an 18th-century gem, hosts major exhibitions and a delightful garden café.
In summer, the famous Festival d'Aix-en-Provence fills the town's courtyards and theatres with opera. To plan your programme, the Aix-en-Provence tourist office lists exhibitions and events.
Things to do in Aix-en-Provence in a weekend: 10 must-sees
- Cours Mirabeau: the avenue of plane trees and fountains
- Old Aix: lanes and Place d'Albertas
- Cézanne's Studio: the Lauves studio
- Musée Granet: fine arts and modern art
- Fondation Vasarely: kinetic art
- Place Richelme: the farmers' market
- Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur and its cloister
- Mazarin quarter: Fountain of the Four Dolphins
- Hôtel de Caumont: art centre and garden
- Sainte-Victoire mountain: hiking and panorama
After visiting Aix-en-Provence: around the villa
From Puyricard, you are ideally placed to visit Aix-en-Provence and explore the whole region. Close by are the wine route and our neighbour the Cellier des Quatre Tours, for a tasting of Provence wines. Further afield: the trails of the Sainte-Victoire, the hilltop villages of the Luberon, the calanques of Cassis and the Mediterranean coast.
The villa becomes your base camp: set off in the cool of the morning, come back for a swim. Ideal for families, for a hen party with friends or for a seminar in the countryside.
Our insider tips
- Park smart: to visit Aix-en-Provence stress-free, leave the car at the Rotonde or Mignet car park and explore the centre on foot.
- The right time: Place Richelme before 10 am, when the producers are setting out their crates.
- Sweet break: a calisson from a confectioner in the centre, then a coffee at Côté Cour.
- Tasting: Provence wines at the Cellier des Quatre Tours, a few minutes from the villa.
- Cézanne's view: head up to the Terrain des Peintres for the panorama of the Sainte-Victoire at sunset.
Visiting Aix-en-Provence: your questions
What to do in Aix-en-Provence in one day?
Start with the Cours Mirabeau and the Rotonde fountain, stroll around the market on Place Richelme, lose yourself in Old Aix as far as Place d'Albertas and the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, then head up to Cézanne's Studio. Finish with a rosé on a terrace and a box of calissons.
When is the best time to visit Aix-en-Provence?
Spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) offer soft light and pleasant terraces. Summer is livelier, with the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence devoted to opera. The Provençal markets are held all year round.
How long does it take from Villa La Source?
The villa is in Puyricard, just 8 minutes by car from the historic centre of Aix-en-Provence, 30 minutes from Marseille-Provence airport and at the start of the wine route.
Is Aix-en-Provence good with children?
Yes: fountains, pedestrian squares, parks such as the Parc Jourdan, ice-cream parlours and colourful markets delight families. Villa La Source, with its pool and 3.3-hectare garden, is the ideal base camp for a family holiday.
What to bring back from Aix-en-Provence?
Calissons d'Aix, olive oil and Provence soaps, as well as Provence wines from neighbouring estates such as the Cellier des Quatre Tours, a few minutes from the villa.
To visit Aix-en-Provence, stay 8 minutes from the centre
Our villa rental in Aix-en-Provence: a private 300 m² Provençal villa for 16 people, with private pool and tennis court, facing the Sainte-Victoire. Provence on your doorstep, with peace and quiet as a bonus.