There are towns in France that charm, and then there is Aix-en-Provence — a golden city of fountains, elegant façades, and a cultural life as abundant as its markets. Once the haunt of Cézanne and still a beacon for artists, gourmets, and travelers, Aix feels like a living canvas where history, art, and art de vivre intersect beneath the Provençal sun.
Where to Stay
Luxury here is never ostentatious — it is whispered through 18th-century courtyards, leafy gardens, and a certain Provençal ease.
- Villa Saint-Ange — A five-star sanctuary set in an 18th-century estate, with landscaped gardens, shimmering pool, and refined interiors. A leisurely stroll leads you to Cours Mirabeau.
- Le Pigonnet — Historic and romantic, with its iconic gardens and terraces where Paul Cézanne once sketched Mont Sainte-Victoire.
- La Maison d’Aix — A boutique gem, intimate and design-forward, perfect for those seeking privacy.
- Grand Hôtel Roi René — A Marriott Autograph Collection property, balancing modern luxury with Provençal warmth.
Where to Eat
The cuisine of Aix is a reflection of its markets — fresh, seasonal, and infused with Mediterranean vibrancy.
- Côté Cour — Contemporary Provençal cooking with an emphasis on local produce and flair.
- La Coupole — Beloved by locals for its convivial atmosphere, generous plates, and the most theatrical profiteroles in town.
- Le Forbin — A chic terrace on rue d’Italie, known for stylish pizzas and effortless charm.
- Brasserie Léopold — Classic brasserie with impeccable service, perfect for a leisurely lunch.
- Jacquou le Croquant — A hidden favorite near Place Ramus, where rustic Provençal dishes are elevated with finesse.
What to See
Aix is a city best explored on foot, its history unfolding in fountains, squares, and architectural details.
- Follow “In the Steps of Cézanne” — Bronze studs in the pavement guide you through the painter’s life: his birthplace, studio, and the Bibémus quarries that inspired his landscapes.
- Hôtel de Caumont Art Center — An exquisitely restored 18th-century mansion offering world-class exhibitions, a refined tea salon, and gardens that invite pause.
- Musée Granet — Housing works by Cézanne, Picasso, and Giacometti, this is one of southern France’s great collections.
- Cézanne’s Atelier — Step into the painter’s preserved studio and glimpse the light that once bathed his canvases.
- Aix Cathedral (Saint-Sauveur) — A palimpsest of styles — Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque — layered atop a Roman forum.
What to Do
- Stroll the Old Town — Lose yourself in a maze of narrow streets, discover fountains at every turn, and linger in sunlit cafés.
- Markets — Place Richelme hosts a daily market bursting with produce, flowers, and Provençal specialties.
- The Pincé Train — A charming way to circle the city in style, particularly delightful in summer.
- Mont Sainte-Victoire — Hike or e-bike through the massif that defined Cézanne’s vision, with sweeping views of the countryside.
- Château La Coste — A short drive from Aix, this vineyard and cultural destination fuses wine, architecture, and sculpture by the likes of Tadao Ando and Louise Bourgeois.
A Day in Aix
Morning: Espresso on Cours Mirabeau, followed by a stroll through the Old Town.
Midday: Lunch at Côté Cour, then wander Hôtel de Caumont’s galleries.
Afternoon: Explore Cézanne’s Atelier or Musée Granet.
Evening: Dine al fresco at La Coupole, ending with a nightcap under the stars.
The Essence of Aix
Aix-en-Provence is not simply a destination; it is a sensory composition — the play of light on stone, the taste of rosé under the plane trees, the hush of Cézanne’s studio, the laughter spilling from market stalls. For the traveler in search of culture and luxury with an unstudied ease, Aix is Provence at its most cultivated.
At a Glance:
Where to Stay
- Villa Saint-Ange — 5-star elegance in an 18th-century estate with pool and gardens.
Address: 7 Traverse Saint-Pierre, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Website: villasaintange.com - Le Pigonnet — Historic hotel with Cézanne’s favorite gardens.
Address: 5 Avenue Pigonnet, 13090 Aix-en-Provence
Website: hotellepigonnet.com - La Maison d’Aix — Boutique, design-led hideaway.
Address: 25 Rue du 4 Septembre, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Website: lamaisondaix.com - Grand Hôtel Roi René (Autograph Collection) — Stylish Provençal luxury near the Cours Mirabeau.
Address: 24 Boulevard du Roi René, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Website: marriott.com
Where to Eat
- Côté Cour — Inventive Provençal gastronomy.
Address: 19 Cours Mirabeau, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Website: cotecour-aix.com - La Coupole — Brasserie-style dining with famously oversized profiteroles.
Address: 37 Cours Mirabeau, 13100 Aix-en-Provence - Le Forbin — Chic pizzas and terrace dining.
Address: 15 Rue d’Italie, 13100 Aix-en-Provence - Brasserie Léopold — Elegant brasserie classics.
Address: 2 Avenue Victor Hugo, 13100 Aix-en-Provence - Jacquou le Croquant — Rustic Provençal plates, beloved by locals.
Address: 2 Rue de la Treille, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
What to See & Do
- Hôtel de Caumont Art Center — Exhibitions, tea salon, gardens.
Address: 3 Rue Joseph Cabassol, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Website: caumont-centredart.com - Musée Granet — Major collection including Cézanne, Picasso, and Giacometti.
Address: Place Saint-Jean de Malte, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Website: museegranet-aixenprovence.fr - Cézanne’s Atelier — The preserved studio of the master painter.
Address: 9 Avenue Paul Cézanne, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Website: atelier-cezanne.com - Aix Cathedral (Saint-Sauveur) — Historic layers of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque.
Address: Place de l’Archevêché, 13100 Aix-en-Provence - Château La Coste — Vineyard, art, and architecture by global masters.
Address: 2750 Route de la Cride, 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade (20 minutes from Aix)
Website: chateau-la-coste.com
Insider Tip: Aix is best explored at a leisurely pace. Begin your day with coffee along Cours Mirabeau, let the markets guide your lunch plans, and reserve late afternoons for art. Evening dining, as the fountains are illuminated, is the city at its most magical.
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