Where to stay in Aix-en-Provence?

There are multiple city-center hotels in Aix-en-Provence that range from lavish amenities to cozy B&B service. Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel spoils you with skyline-view private balconies, a spa, and a restaurant worthy of its five-star price tag. Le Mozart is much more low-key, which is ideal for travelers who want to spend as little as possible for a comfy bed in between lavender field visits.

Which restaurants in Aix-en-Provence to eat at?

Aix-en-Provence has 3 Michelin-starred restaurants, each with a single star. Seafood and seasonal produce line the plates of Mickaël Féval, while Pierre Reboul focuses on creative cuisine and Le Art blends Provençal tastes with Japanese trademarks. Those with more rustic tastes will find La Brocherie’s cote de boeuf won’t leave your stomach longing.

What to do in Aix-en-Provence

There are three major reasons why you may find yourself in Aix-en-Provence: taking a day trip from Marseille, seeing the yearly lavender field bloom, and spending a few days immersed in the Provence region’s art, cuisine, and landscape.

What to do in Aix-en-Provence on a day trip

With only a few hours in Aix-en-Provence, you should start with a walk down Cours Mirabeau, the city’s main street. You’ll spy dozens of fountains, street food stalls, and boutiques to fill your social media feed, stomach, and suitcase. Free concerts pop up throughout the year so follow your ears when you hear a tune—if you're in the city in July, you'll likely catch the Aix-en-Provence festival, one of classical music's best-known summer festivals. Munch on a sweet calisson while taking your pick of half-a-dozen art museums (we suggest checking out the Rembrandts at Musée Granet).

Things to do at Aix-en-Provence lavender fields

Lavender season in Provence stretches across the entire summer, though the fields peak at different times based on altitude. Loads of lavender field tours launch from Aix-en-Provence and wind all the way up to Avignon, but you could find your own way via train or bus. The village of Valensole is quite a popular destination; should you want to smell the flowers closer to Aix, Terre Ugo is ten minutes from the city center.

Aix-en-Provence things to do over multiple days

All of the above can fit nicely into a multi-day Aix-en-Provence itinerary. Anyone interested in WWII history should venture to the outskirts of the city to the Camp de Milles, a former internment camp. Artist Paul Cézanne brought a bit of fame to the Aix, so you visit his studio and follow a marked route that walks you through his life. Or grab your own spot in the limelight when you hit it big at the Pasino Grand casino. When the sun sets, concert halls like Grand Théâtre de Provence provide hours of entertainment while watering holes like Le Cézanne Bar serve up people watching.

Best things to do in Aix-en-Provence, France including the lavender fields

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