THINGS TO DO IN Aix-En-Provence: 2-DAY ITINERARY

Aix-en-Provence, in southern France, is a chic and sometimes underrated city. This is unfair because it has been home to some of the greatest figures in literature, art and music. The most notable inhabitant was the artist, Paul Cezanne. You can visit his studio and see an original of one of his favourite subjects, Montagne Saint-Victorie, which he painted more than 60 times. You can walk down the boulevard, Cours Mirabeau, and see the cafes and restaurants where Albert Camus and Ernest Hemingway lunched when they lived in Aix-en-Provence. There are many museums to visit, 17th and 18th-century houses to admire, and fountains to photograph. In fact, Aix-en-Provence is sometimes called the City of Fountains as there are over 30 in the city.

We have prepared a two-day itinerary for you which covers all the highlights of the city and have given you ideas of what else to see if you have more time, restaurants serving delicious food, and hotels to suit all budgets.

Day 1

Morning: Atelier Cezanne

Where better to start your tour of Aix-en-Provence than in the studio of artist Paul Cezanne who was born in the city. He designed the studio himself and spent many hours there from 1902 until he died four years later, creating paintings such as The Bathers. The studio has been left as it was when Cezanne died so it is like you are stepping back in time and waiting for him to return to continue painting. You have to book in advance and the tickets are timed. After viewing the studio, take a stroll around the gardens where you will see a beautiful fig orchard and olive groves. There is also a video set up in the shed which tells you about the artist's life.

Pavillon Vendome

A 14-minute walk takes you to Pavillon Vendome, a 17th-century building housing a museum. Here you will be able to see artwork from the 17th century up to the present day, including a collection of graphic art. However, it is not only the collection that is impressive. The building is stunning with two baroque statues representing dawn and dusk framing the entrance. Inside, there is a beautiful double spiral staircase and gypsum sculptures from the 17th century. Take some time to walk around the garden which has been recreated to look like a garden from the 1800s and which has a circular fountain.

Cathedral Saint-Sauveur D’Aix-En-Provence

Aix Cathedral is the next stop and is about a nine-minute walk from Pavillon Vendome. It is an impressive building which blends different architectural styles all on the site of a Roman forum dating to the 1st century. It took many years to build, work starting in the 12th century and ending in the 19th. On the left side is a Gothic entrance from the 1500s with sculptures, including a beautiful Virgin Mary and child. Next to this, is a Romanesque door from the 12th century and next to this, a Roman wall. The bell tower dates to the 14th century and the naves are all different architectural styles. The stone altar was placed in the cathedral in the 1820s. There is spectacular artwork throughout the building including the Burning Bush triptych by Nicolas Froman, The Last Supper by Jean Daret, and a collection of 17 tapestries about Christ’s life.

By this time, you will probably be ready for lunch and there are plenty of restaurants in the vicinity, including the French restaurants, Chez Laurette, Restaurant L’Archeveche, and Pietro & Co, as well as an Italian restaurant, Chez Nino.

Day 1, morning - Aix-en-Provence Tour Map

Afternoon: Musée Des Tapisseries

This museum is just a minute from the cathedral and is housed in what was once the archbishop’s palace. It is an enormous building with four wings surrounding a courtyard. It contains a rich collection of tapestries from the 17th and 18th centuries. Highlights include a collection called “Grotesques’, The Story of Don Quixote, and tapestries of the cartoons of Jean-Baptiste Le Prince and Charles Natoire. There is also a section on modern textile art, and another called ‘Arts au Spectacle’ where you can see costumes, models and sets from the performing arts.

Musée Du Vieil Aix

Just around the corner, you will find the city’s history museum which is housed in a 17th-century mansion, the Hotel Estienne de Saint-Jean. Here you will find paintings, earthenware, period costumes, and period furniture from the city. There are also puppets from a 19th-century show and a beautiful Corpus Christi screen going back to the Ancien regime.

Place Des Cardeurs

This bustling and beautiful square is unusual in that it has an underground car park below it. One of the city’s many fountains is in the centre of the square. It is modern, having been created in 1977, and was designed by the sculptor Amado who used homemade basaltic material. The site of the square was part of the Jewish Quarter in the Middle Ages and the buildings around it are a mix of Renaissance and mediaeval architecture. The square itself, however, wasn’t created until the 1960s when some buildings were destroyed and many of the other buildings restored. The square is popular with locals and tourists alike and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes so why not have a coffee or a drink and watch the world go by. It will make for a fitting end to your first day’s exploration of Aix-en-Provence.

Day 1, Afternoon - Aix-en-Provence Tour Map

Day 2

Morning: Place D’Albertas

Start your second day at another lovely square named after Jean Baptiste d’Alberta, president of the audit office whose family moved from Italy to Aix in the 18th century. It is a small square bordered by four identical mansions which are a beautiful expression of Baroque architecture. There is, unsurprisingly, a fountain in the centre of the square which was designed by students from the National Conservatory of Crafts and Arts in 1912, replacing another fountain which was in bad condition.

Cours Mirabeau

Just a minute away is Cours Mirabeau, a beautiful wide avenue filled with mansions, restaurants, cafes and shops. Take your time to take in the surroundings and perhaps have a coffee or enjoy some retail therapy. The avenue dates to the 17th century when wealthy citizens would promenade showing off their finery. Take a photograph of the fountain, Fontaine des Neuf Canons (the Fountain of the Nine Canons) which used to be a spring for sheep to drink from.

Fontaine De La Rotonde

This fountain can be found at the western end of the Cours Mirabeau and is one of the most beautiful fountains in the city, so it is not to be missed. It was built in 1860 and has three statues on the top which stand for justice, agriculture, and art.

Book In Bar

Five minutes away from the fountain is an amazing bookstore with 25,000 books in different languages, including English. It’s also a cafe so why not indulge in a slice of cake with a coffee?

Eglise Saint-Jean-De-Malte

Another five minute-walk takes you to this 13th-century Gothic Roman Catholic church which is one of the oldest churches in the city and the first Gothic church in Provence. It has a 67-metre bell tower which was added in the 14th century. It has stunning stained glass windows, including a rose window, but many of the paintings and other items were stolen during the French Revolution so it is bare compared to other churches in the city.

Musee Granet

The museum is in the priory buildings of the Eglise Saint-Jean-de-Malte and is somewhere that you can spend some time as it houses nearly 12,000 pieces of artwork, including paintings and sculptures. A highlight is the room with nine paintings by Cezanne. Not to be missed are paintings by Rembrandt, Reubens, Jordaens, Picasso and Kandinsky. A donation from the Plaque Foundation has enabled the museum to showcase more paintings by famous artists.

It will have been a long morning, so it is time for a leisurely lunch to recharge your batteries. There are eateries close to the church including La Maison Francaise and La Brocherie which serve grilled meats and seafood.

Day 2, morning - Aix-en-Provence Tour Map

Afternoon: Place Des Quatres Dauphins

You will have had a busy morning so just a couple of stops in the afternoon. The first is this square which is four minutes from the church and is a mix of architectural styles. There are mansions, but many are now shops and cafes. In the centre of the square is the Fontaine des Quatre-Dauphins, the Fountain of the Four Dolphins, which is well worth taking a photograph of. It was sculpted in 1667 by Jean-Claude Rambot, but the metal embellishments were added in the 1910s. The four dolphins spout water into the central basin and represent the four districts of the city. Take some time to wander around the narrow cobblestoned streets surrounding the square and discover unique shops selling lacework, artwork, ceramics, and other handmade items.

Parc Jordan

End your exploration of Aix-en-Provence in Parc Jordan, one of the largest parks in the city. It covers 40,000 square metres and is on two levels. Enter the lower level through a spectacular gate that leads to a path with linden trees and a water feature. Reach the upper level by a double staircase and enjoy the lawns and the romantic garden. Younger children will enjoy the park as there is a playground. If you are there in the summer, you might catch an outdoor performance of a play, music, or dance.

Day 2, afternoon - Aix-en-Provence Tour Map

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Other Things To Do In Aix-En-Provence

• Musee Du Calisson: Calissons are sweets made from candied fruit and almond paste and then layered with icing. You can visit the factory where they have been made since 1920. It is a mere few kilometres from the city centre. You can do a self-guided tour, but we suggest a guided tour as you will then learn about the history of the sweets as well as the ingredients and methods used to make them. Antique machinery is on display and there are interactive exhibits which kids in particular will enjoy.

• Foundation Vasarely: Victor Vasarely created op art which is an artform involving optical and abstract illusions. He opened this foundation where you will find 44 of his works in seven rooms, each 11 metres high. You will see amazing silkscreen prints which immerse you in different colours and shapes. The building itself is impressive as it is made up of 16 interlocking hexagons which, from a distance, look like building blocks children would use. It was founded in 1976 and is on a lake just outside the city.

• Markets: You can’t visit Aix-en-Provence without exploring some of its markets. If you are staying in self-catering accommodation, you won’t want to miss the food markets. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, these are held in Place des Precheurs and Place de la Madeleine, as well as one every day on Place Richelme. Flower markets take place on alternating days at the Place de la Maine and Place des Precheurs. Cours Mirabeau has a clothing market on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Most of the markets are within walking distance of each other and there are always samples to try at the food markets.

• Hotel De Caumont: This is one of the few mansions in the city that is open to the public. It was built between 1742 and 1745 for the Marquess of Cabanes and is stunning with gilded plasterwork and furniture. The highlight is the Salon du Musique, the music room, which showcases an 18th-century harpsichord. The mansion hosts temporary art exhibitions such as the Turner exhibition in 2016. If you are in need of refreshment, there is a cafe which overlooks the garden, designed to look as it would have done in the 18th century. You are welcome to explore the garden.

• Fontaine Moussue: This fountain is a big tourist attraction in the city because it is fed by natural springs and is covered in plants. The water remains at a steady 18C. It was constructed in 1666 and is on the Cours Mirabeau.

• Terrain Des Peintres: The Terrain des Peintres is a 10-minute walk from Cezanne’s studio and was where he painted the Montagne Sainte Victoire many times. It is an open-air museum as there is an exhibition of Cezanne’s paintings to be seen. Bring a picnic on a warm summer’s day and enjoy what Cezanne would have experienced. If you haven’t hired a car, you can get there on the 5 or 12 bus.

• Gallifet is a contemporary art centre and restaurant in Aix-en-Provence. It showcases a rotating selection of modern art exhibitions, featuring both local and international artists. The venue also boasts a restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This blend of art and fine dining makes Gallifet a must-visit destination for both culture and food lovers.

Day Trips From Aix-En-Provence

• Montagne Sainte-Victoire: The mountain Cezanne loved to paint can be enjoyed from Lac de Bimont, 20 km east of Aix-en-Provence but if you are an experienced hiker, you can climb to the top of the mountain which is at a height of 1000 metres. As you climb, you will come across small religious buildings such as the Saint-Ser-Hermitage which has been sculpted from a cave.

• Camp Des Milles: Camp des Milles is 8 km southwest of the city and is the only WWII internment camp in France to be open to the public. Here mainly Germans and Austrian prisoners were kept between 1939 and 1942, including famous writers and artists such as Max Ernst and the Nobel Prize Laureate, Otto Fritz Meyerhof. There are videos set up telling you more about the camp.

• Cassis and Cap Canaille: Cassis is 53 km south of Aix-en-Provence and is on the coast. It has beautiful beaches where you can relax or alternatively browse the unique small shops. Have a peaceful lunch on the waterfront before heading to Cap Canaille with breathtaking scenery along the way as well as when you get there. You can choose to drive there or hike from the parking lot in Cassis. If you are in Cassis on a Wednesday or Friday, you will be able to enjoy the farmers market and mix with the locals.

• Calanques Of Cassis: The Calanques of Cassis are a series of spectacular jagged cliffs which are part of the Calanques National Park. There are lovely beaches hidden under the cliffs but the only way to get to them is by hiking and this is only recommended for experienced hikers. You can get a great view of the cliffs by booking a boat tour from Cassis.

• Luberon Villages: The Luberon Valley is home to some of the loveliest villages in Provence. It covers quite a large area so you may need two days to see all of the villages. The area is beautiful with its olive and cypress trees. The houses have terracotta rooftops and have been immortalised in paintings. One of the outstanding villages is Lacoste which boasts the Château de Lacoste owned by Pierre Cardin. It can be visited during the summer months. The village hosts an annual festival of dance, theatre, and opera. Cucuron is built around a ruined castle, and it has a 16th-century church with wood murals and a restored organ. Ansouis has a chateau open to visitors and a beautiful church.

• Marseille: Marseille is France’s second-largest city and is 31 km south of Aix-en-Provence, situated by the sea. There is plenty to see and do in the city such as visiting the Palais du Pharo, the Fort Saint-Nicolas, the Santons Museum, the Fort Saint-Jean, and the Museum of European and Mediaeval Civilisations. The Basilique Notre-Dame is stunning. It is designed in a Neo-Gothic style and has two 21.33-metre towers. Inside, you will find pipe organs, a high altar, and a spectacular pulpit. It is perched on the highest point of the city, a 149-metre limestone outcropping.

• Lac D’Esparron: This lake is 69 km northeast of the city and is a lovely place to spend a leisurely day or to take advantage of the water sports on offer during the summer months. Pedal Boats, rowing boats, canoes, sailing boats, and electric boats are on offer, but not motorised boats so the lake remains peaceful. It is surrounded by gorges and hills so is a very picturesque setting.

• The Lavender Fields of Provence: Lavender fields can be seen in many parts of Provence but the best are to be found around the Valensole Plateau 70 km northeast of Aix-en-Provence. Valensole is a lovely place to visit after seeing the lavender fields so have lunch there or a lavender ice cream.

• Sainte-Croix Du-Verdon And The Verdon Gorge: The village of Sainte-Croix Du-Verdon is 90 km northeast of Aix-en-Provence and overlooks the lake of the same name, with stunning views. The lake offers lovely beaches where you can sunbathe or hire a kayak or pedalboat. Close by is the Verdon Gorge which is the deepest gorge in Europe at 700 metres deep and 20 km long. The river at the bottom of the gorge offers opportunities for kayaking.

• L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue: If you are interested in antiques, this town, 70 km northwest of the city, is famous for its antique markets. It is the third-largest antique centre in Europe. On Sundays, there is a brocante where you can find Provencal souvenirs for yourself or as gifts. Canals run through the town with lovely waterside cafes where you can relax with a drink.

• Fontaine De Vaucluse: The Fontaine de Vaucluse is both the name of a village and of the spring located there. It is a 15-minute drive from L’Isle-Sur-La-Surge so you could do the two in one day. The spring feeds the Sorgue River and is unusual in that it can look different from one day to the next. Sometimes it tumbles over the rocks, but at others there is hardly any water there. To reach it, it is a short walk by the river, passing a traditional paper mill which you can visit.

• Avignon: Avignon is a town 86 km northwest of Aix-en-Provence. There is plenty to see and do there to keep you occupied all day. Visit the beautifully kept historic town centre with its mediaeval buildings. See the Pont d’Avignon, a 12th-century bridge of which only half remains as it collapsed in the 17th century. Mix with the locals at Les Halles, the indoor market and head to Rocher des Doms, a beautiful garden with fantastic views of the city. Avignon is the site of the Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe and there is a cathedral, the Cathedrale Notre-Dame-des-Doms, designed in the Romanesque style. Make sure that you look up and see the gold statue of the Virgin Mary on the top of the bell tower. Finally, don’t miss going to one of the art museums in the city.

• Arles: Arles is 78 km west of the city. Vincent Van Gogh lived here for a year and the town inspired some of his paintings. There is a free Van Gogh walking tour which takes you to sites connected to his time living in Arles. In addition, there are ancient Roman sites to visit, such as an amphitheatre, churches, and a crypt below ground.

• Camargue: Camargue is 92 km west of Aix-en-Provence and is a national park. You can drive through it and maybe spot black bulls and white horses which roam freely in the park. It is also one of the places in Europe where you can see the rare greater flamingo. There is a walled mediaeval city to visit, Aigues-Mortes and a beach to relax on, Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

• Aqueduc De Roquefavour: This is a magnificent aqueduct 13 km west of the city. It was built between 1841 and 1847 and is the largest stone aqueduct in the world. It Is 83 metres high, 37.5 metres long, and the foundations go down 10 metres. It crosses the Arc River and is a popular area for hiking for those who want to see the aqueduct close up.

• Saint-Rémy-de-Provence:  Situated approximately 74 km from Aix-en-Provence. This charming town is renowned for its rich history and artistic heritage. It was the birthplace of Nostradamus and the location where Vincent van Gogh created some of his most famous works while staying at the Saint-Paul de Mausole asylum. Visitors can explore the ancient Roman city of Glanum and stroll through picturesque streets lined with boutiques and cafes.

• Les Baux-de-Provence:  76 km or so from Aix-en-Provence. Perched on a rocky plateau, this medieval village offers panoramic views of the Provence landscape. It's home to the historic Château des Baux and the Carrières de Lumières, an art venue featuring immersive multimedia exhibitions.

• Roussillon is a charming village situated around 60 km to the north of Aix-en-Provence, in the Vaucluse area of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in the southeast of France. Known for its vibrant ochre cliffs and quarries, Roussillon is one of the most beautiful villages in France. The deep reds, oranges, and yellows of the ochre cliffs have inspired many artists. Visitors can wander the 'Sentier des Ocres' trail to admire its breathtaking scenery up close.

• Salon-de-Provence: Approximately 40 km (about a 45-minute drive) from Aix-en-Provence. This town boasts a rich history, featuring the Château de l'Empéri, one of the oldest castles in Provence. Salon-de-Provence is also famous for its traditional soap-making industry, with several soap factories open for tours.

What To Do With Kids In Aix-En-Provence

• Mini Tram: The mini tram is a fun way of seeing the city and kids will love it. It is a 57-seater road train which departs from Brasserie de Festival on Cours Mirabeau. You get to see all the major sights and are given a headset with commentary. It comes in eight languages. Tours last 45 minutes and run from February 24th to December 31st.

• Paul Cezanne Carousel: You will find the carousel next to the Fontaine de la Rotonde. It is decorated with paintings by Cezanne and is unusual in that it is a double-decker carousel. It will appeal to younger children.

• Parc De La Torse: This beautiful park has a promenade by a stream, with footbridges to cross. Children will have fun in the two playgrounds and on the futbal (football) field. There is also a physical fitness course and lots of places to have a picnic.

• Parc Rambot: This is another lovely park with grassy areas for picnics and play areas. Children will be able to enjoy sandpits, swings, slides, and a paddling pool.

• Parc Saint Mitre: This park is 2 km to the west of Aix-en-Provence. It has a beautiful rose garden, and an arboretum, as well as play areas for children. On some weekends, there is a puppet show.

• Institut Pour La Ford: The forest museum is a five-minute drive from the city and is educational as well as fun. The museum covers 1000 m2 on three floors introducing you to all aspects of forest life. There are three areas, one dealing with forests of the province, another about Mediterranean plants, and the last is about wood. It is surrounded by a 13-hectare forest park with pines and oak trees. Children can follow a one-and-a-half-kilometre trail and work out clues, solve puzzles, and answer questions.

• Zoo De La Barben: The zoo is 26 km northwest of Aix-en-Provence and houses over 700 animals covering 130 species, including lions, giraffes, elephants, cheetahs, bears, rhinos, and vultures. There are 10 km of pathways in the zoo, and you can either walk or take the tourist train which runs at the weekends and during school holidays. There is a playground for younger children.

• Gulli Parc Aix-En-Provence: This indoor fun park is 11 km southwest of the city. It has been set up for children aged up to 12 years. There are 2,300 m2 of attractions, including play climbing frames, slides, inflatables, and arcade games.

• Planetarium Peiresc: Here children can learn about stars and planets. On Wednesdays, Saturdays and during school holidays, workshops are held for different age groups. The guides speak English and are fun and enthusiastic about the subject. The planetarium is open from Tuesday until Saturday and is four kilometres to the west of the city.

• Indian Forest Aix-En-Provence: The Indian Forest is a tree climbing park with 135 workshops. The forest covers three hectares next to the Arc River. You could easily spend a few hours here, especially as there is a refreshment bar. On offer are zip lines, monkey bridges, and Tarzan jumps, with a playground for the young ones and a bowling green for parents. Night sessions are also offered.

Wineries Near To Aix-En-Provence

• Château Saint Hilaire: Chateau Saint Hilaire has been producing wine since 1973 and is 27 km northwest of the city. The estate covers 60 hectares and is family-run. The main grapes grown are viognier, sauvignon, ciarette, semillon, cabernet sauvignon, and Syrah. There are two tours on offer. The first includes a guided cellar tour and a tasting of 10 wines. The other involves a tasting of seven wines. Both tours give a discount if you buy some wine.

• Château Paradis: Chateau Paradis is 15 km north of Aix-en-Provence and covers 80 hectares. There are four tours to choose from, a winery tour and tasting, a cellar tour and tasting, a simple tasting of six wines, and an aperitif tasting which involves a drink and a gourmet board of cheeses and charcuterie.

• Château Turcan: This winery is 28 km north of the city and as well as a cellar, it has a museum showcasing over 3,000 exhibits. You can learn about winemaking and how barrels are made, as well as view an impressive collection of glassware. There are three tours on offer, a tasting, a tasting and visit to the museum, and a tasting of five wines from two cuvees, including a natural wine.

• Domaine Terre De Mistral: This winery was created by two families and as well as wine, they produce olive oil. It is 20 km southeast of Aix-en-Provence. The winery won the National Wine Tourism Award in 2013. On offer is a tour of the vineyard, cellar, and a tasting of five wines, a tasting of five wines and olive oil, and an a la carte lunch in their restaurant.

• Château De Sannes: This winery is in the centre of the Parc Naturel de Lubon, 29 km north of Aix-en-Provence. It offers a tour of the cellar with a tasting of three wines. If you just want to do the tasting, it is free. Another tour takes you to the vineyards and ends with a tasting. Finally, you can take the complete tour which goes to the vineyard and cellar and has a tasting at the end of the tour.

• Château Des Trois Sucettes: This winery, which produces organic wine, is 4 km south of Aix-en-Provence. It was set up by three brothers who also raise goats organically and produce cheese from them. Their cheese and wines pair magnificently. The winery offers two tours. The first is the Discovery Tour where you visit the goat farm and taste both the wines and cheeses on the terrace. The second tour is the same, with the addition of a tour of the cellar.

• Château De La Galiniere: The chateau is set on 120 hectares of land with 40 dedicated to vineyards. It is located14 km southeast of the city. All of the wines are produced organically. There is a choice of three tours. The first visits the vineyards and the cellar, ending with a tasting of six wines. You can do a simple tasting of three or five wines. If you choose three wines, it is free. The final tour is a tasting of six cuvees with a lesson on tasting like a sommelier.

• Château Du Seuil: Chateau du Seuil is 13 km north of the city. It is situated in a lovely spot on the top of the Trevaresse hillsides. The state covers 300 hectares with 62 hectares dedicated to vineyards. There are two tours to choose from, the Discovery tour which involves a guided tour of the vineyard, vat room, and cellar, ending with a tasting of three wines. The Gourmet Tour is the same, but with a tasting of five wines accompanied by a charcuterie and cheese platter.

• Château De La Gaude: You will find this winery five km north of Aix-en-Provence. The estate covers 15 hectares of vineyards, and the grapes are grown with biodynamic principles. The winery has the prestige of being listed as a historic monument. In addition to its exceptional wine production, the château is a 5-star Relais & Châteaux hotel, offering a luxury experience where guests can enjoy world-class accommodations, fine dining, and an exclusive atmosphere. The property features 14 elegant rooms and suites, as well as a gourmet restaurant, spa, and art collection. Two tours are on offer. The first takes you around the winery and ends with a tasting of five wines. The other is a tasting in the cellar of five wines.

Golf Courses Close To Aix-En-Provence

• Golf Club D’Aix Marseille: This golf club was set up in 1935 and is the oldest club in the Bouche du Rhône. It is 13 km from the centre of the city. It has an 18-hole golf course which covers 6,045 metres and is suitable for all levels as it is relatively flat. The club also offers a grass driving range, 30 workstations on a synthetic tee line, a training area for short games, nine stations with trajectory tracking, and two putting greens.

• Golf D’Aix-En-Provence: This golf club is nine metres northwest of the city. The course has 18 holes, with the last nine being the most difficult. There is also a putting green, an approach area, a driving range, 30 practice mats, a compact six-hole course, and a practice bunker.

Musee Du Calisson

• Circuit Du Grand Sambuc: This motor racing track is 20 km northeast of the city and is two km long, with a long straight line of 800 metres allowing overtaking and acceleration. The racecourse offers track days where you can drive your own car around the track. You can also book to drive a high-performance car around the track, such as a Lotus, Subaru, Mustang, Aston Martin, Audi, Lamborghini, or a Porsche.

• Setup Pilotage: This racecourse, 19.5 km south of Aix-en-Provence, specialises in rally driving courses. It is set in 100 hectares of oak and pine forests, with the track covering 1000 metres, with a width varying between six and 12 metres. Different courses are on offer lasting from half a day to two days.

Where To Eat In Aix-En-Provence

Aix-en-Provence offers a wide range of restaurants to suit different palates. There are Michelin-star restaurants for special occasions, cosy bistros offering traditional French cuisine, and even foreign restaurants for when you want a change.

Michelin-Star Restaurants

• Olivia & Mickaël Féval, Entre Nous: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers innovative French cuisine, presented beautifully. It is situated in the centre of the city, and in the winter you can eat by the fire, while in the summer, you can enjoy an outdoor cocktail dinner. Dinner is a five-course meal with dishes changing each month according to the seasons. The restaurant also offers wine and cheese evenings with pate encroute and cooking classes with a tasting at the end.

• Vintrepide: A daring menu is offered in this Michelin-starred restaurant. Starters include ravioli with porcini mushrooms and pan-fried foie gras with mango and passionfruit. Mains include pig, served with polenta, and figs. The wine list is excellent and there is a sommelier who will help you choose the right wines to suit the dishes.

Bistros

• Les Vielles Canailles: This is an authentic traditional bistro serving great local cuisine using fresh and seasonal products, the menu changing often. It uses small sustainable wine estates for their wine selection and offer an excellent choice. Lunch is a choice of three starters, three mains, and three desserts, while dinner offers a choice of five of each. The starter could be roasted marrow bone with herbs, the main could be haire a la royale, and dessert, raisin, basil, and almond puff pastry.

• Le Bistrot: This small and cosy bistro is in the centre of the city. It serves traditional French cuisine using high-quality ingredients. Their menu is bigger than many French bistros and they give their dishes fun names such as Egghead, which is mimosa eggs and green salad, and We’re Going to Gorge Ourselves, which is homemade foie gras with Montbazillac and fig chutney. Mains include It’s Going to Bleed, which is beef tartare with a knife and green salad, and Because I Like It, which Is sauteed veal with olives and tagliatelle. Try the Tall as Three Apples for dessert: an apple tarte tatin with cinnamon, toasted almonds and heavy cream.

Something Different

• La Fromagerie Du Passage: This is a cheese shop on the Passage Agard which sells a wide range of cheeses and wines to pair with them. On Sundays, a restaurant is open upstairs where you can enjoy cheese plates and salads with cheese. In addition, they have other mains such as beef tartare, salmon tartare, and croque-monsieur truffe.

Foreign Restaurants

• Le Yen Koi: This contemporary Japanese restaurant offers fusion cuisine, serving dishes such as traditional sashimi with the addition of something different, either pesto, truffle, or plum. The menu is vast and includes bao buns, tempura, sushi, gyozas, and California rolls.

• Tay-Lai: This Vietnamese restaurant has a Chinese influence, so the food is a mixture of cuisines. Dishes include Peking Duck, XaXiu which is minced roasted pork with five flavours, beef with satay, ginger chicken, and sapeques, which are small, steamed rice cakes sprinkled with saffron shrimp.

Where to Stay in Aix-En-Provence

• Renaissance Aix-En-Provence Hotel: This five-star hotel is a 10-minute walk from the city centre. The rooms have free Wi-Fi, a tea/coffee maker, and a private bathroom. Breakfast is a delicious American or continental buffet. For other meals, head to the bistro and if you want a drink, there is an on-site bar. Guests have free access to a spa with a heated indoor swimming pool, steam room, fitness room, and two treatment rooms.

• Villa Saint-Ange: This hotel is five-star and is 800 metres from Cours Mirabeau. It offers a swimming pool, a hot tub, a fitness room, a garden, a French restaurant, and a bar. The rooms are housed in five 18th-century bastide-style cottages which are supplied with air conditioning, a TV, a safety deposit box, a minibar, and a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. The restaurant serves a continental breakfast and French dishes for lunch and dinner, with vegan and vegetarian options. Room service is available at ll times.

• Odalys City Aix-En-Provence Les Floridianes: This hotel is a five-minute walk from Cours Mirabeau with its restaurants, cafes, and shops. It is four-star and offers both guest rooms and self-catering accommodation. Both have free Wi-Fi, a TV, air conditioning, a tea/coffee maker, and a private bathroom. There is a kitchenette in the self-catering accommodation. A buffet breakfast is served every day in the dining room or on terrace by the pool.

• Mercure Aix-En-Provence La Duranne Gare TGV: This four-star restaurant is close to the TGV rail station. The rooms are modern, air-conditioned, have a TV and free Wi-Fi, and there is room service. The restaurant, La Table de l’Arbois serves a buffet breakfast and traditional French cuisine for other meals. You can eat in the dining room or on the terrace in the good weather. The hotel has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool.

• Les Quatre Dauphins: Les Quatres Dauphins is in the centre of the city and is three-star. The rooms are decorated in a lovely Provencal style, each room having free Wi-Fi, a TV, and a private bathroom. Breakfast is a continental buffet. The hotel is on three floors and has a stylish staircase. However, there isn’t a lift.

• La Caravelle: La Caravelle is a three-star hotel in the centre of the old town. The rooms have air conditioning, a desk, and a private bathroom. There is an a la carte breakfast on offer with a continental breakfast available at a reduced price. This includes a hot drink, a croissant, fruit juice, bread, butter, and jam.

Best Time to Visit Aix-En-Provence

The best times to visit Aix-en-Provence are between March and May and September and November. The weather is pleasant at these times of year but not too hot and without crowds. If you like hot weather, head to the city in the summer months but be warned that it will be crowded with both Parisians and foreigners. Prices of accommodation also rise in the summer. The cheapest time to visit is in the winter but the weather is unpredictable, and some hotels and attractions will be shut.

Festivals In Aix-En-Provence

• Festival De Paques: The Festival de Paques takes place at Easter and offers 24 concerts. There is a variety of sounds to be heard, including piano music, chamber music, and cello recitals.

• Festival Du Provence Tambourine: This festival is held in April and is organised by the Literature Association. Listen to the tambourines being played, go to a tambourine forum, and watch contests between the tambourinaires.

• Musique Dans La Rue: This music festival is held in June when the Fete de la Musique is celebrated throughout the region. The music is varied and includes pop, classical, and jazz. The concerts are held at different venues throughout the city.

• Festival D’Aix-En-Provence: The International Festival of Lyric Art as it is otherwise known as, was founded in 1948. It is held in June and July in the Place de Martyrs de la Resistance and introduces opera to everyone.

• Festival Of Mistral: This festival celebrates the life of the poet, Mistral, who lived in Provence in the 18th and early19th centuries. Musicians and dancers gather around the bust of Mistral in Parc Jourdon and perform, highlighting the relevance of his work even today. It is held in the middle of September.

• Festival Of French Song: This festival takes place in the autumn and is a festival of French songs. It gives new singers an opportunity to perform in front of a large audience. It takes place in different venues throughout the city.