What’s on in Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is as chic as it gets. Central cours Mirabeau, with its old fountains and double avenue of shady trees, is lined with smart boutiques and Belle Epoque cafés. There's Gothic fancy at Cathédrale St Saveur and Italianate splendour in the 17th-century Mazarin Quarter. Follow in the footsteps of Cézanne or Zola and find your spot under a plane tree to do what Aixois students do best – “frimer”, or pose.
Aix and pains
Aix has always been good for you. Peer through glass windows to see the excavated ruins of the Roman baths built by Caius Sextius in 122 BC. Or go modern at the Thermes Sextius Hydrotherapy Complex, a haven of peaceful decadence offering luxurious pampering alongside the ancient Roman site. Treatments include saunas, facials, mud cures and toning sessions.
Aix has always been good for you. Peer through glass windows to see the excavated ruins of the Roman baths built by Caius Sextius in 122 BC. Or go modern at the Thermes Sextius Hydrotherapy Complex, a haven of peaceful decadence offering luxurious pampering alongside the ancient Roman site. Treatments include saunas, facials, mud cures and toning sessions.
First impressionists
Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne was born and died in Aix-en-Provence, and his studio is set in a rural cottage and garden, still laid out as it was at his death in 1906. Easels, paint palettes and furniture await his return. Wander through the ochre landscape and green-grey olive groves surrounding his family estate at Jas de Bouffan or breathe in the Provençal air from the top of Mont Ste Victoire to understand the colour and scents that inspired his work.
Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne was born and died in Aix-en-Provence, and his studio is set in a rural cottage and garden, still laid out as it was at his death in 1906. Easels, paint palettes and furniture await his return. Wander through the ochre landscape and green-grey olive groves surrounding his family estate at Jas de Bouffan or breathe in the Provençal air from the top of Mont Ste Victoire to understand the colour and scents that inspired his work.
Find a fountain
Among the most beautiful of Aix-en-Provence's numerous fountains is the baroque Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins at the heart of the elegant Mazarin quarter, with dolphins spouting water. The biggest is the cast-iron Fontaine de la Rotonde, adorned with serious symbolic statuary and standing guard at one end of busy cours Mirabeau. Cool off in cafés lining fountain-filled squares in the company of local folk, ranging from smart business types to trendy young minettes, or gather with the buskers playing jazz around the sparkling fountain in place d'Albertas.
Among the most beautiful of Aix-en-Provence's numerous fountains is the baroque Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins at the heart of the elegant Mazarin quarter, with dolphins spouting water. The biggest is the cast-iron Fontaine de la Rotonde, adorned with serious symbolic statuary and standing guard at one end of busy cours Mirabeau. Cool off in cafés lining fountain-filled squares in the company of local folk, ranging from smart business types to trendy young minettes, or gather with the buskers playing jazz around the sparkling fountain in place d'Albertas.
Fruit and flower markets
Let the markets entice you into Aix-en-Provence's main squares: place des Prêcheurs and place de la Madeleine, with their powerful aroma of Provençal lavender, goat's cheese and olives. Smell fresh mint, basil and rosemary sneaking out of the photogenic fruit and veg market in place Richelme and pick up a bouquet of lavender or a sunflower stem at the flower market in place de l’Hôtel de Ville.
Let the markets entice you into Aix-en-Provence's main squares: place des Prêcheurs and place de la Madeleine, with their powerful aroma of Provençal lavender, goat's cheese and olives. Smell fresh mint, basil and rosemary sneaking out of the photogenic fruit and veg market in place Richelme and pick up a bouquet of lavender or a sunflower stem at the flower market in place de l’Hôtel de Ville.
Out of town
Head for vibrant Marseille, with its old port and atmospheric old Le Panier district, or to chic little Mediterranean beach resorts like Cassis. Go back in time in Arles with its amazing Roman sites, including a vast amphitheatre. And in the wild Camargue, spot white horses and black bulls roaming and flocks of pink flamingos adorning the marshes and salt flats.
Head for vibrant Marseille, with its old port and atmospheric old Le Panier district, or to chic little Mediterranean beach resorts like Cassis. Go back in time in Arles with its amazing Roman sites, including a vast amphitheatre. And in the wild Camargue, spot white horses and black bulls roaming and flocks of pink flamingos adorning the marshes and salt flats.
Book your trip now
Travel to Aix-en-Provence via Eurostar from £119 return...
Call 08432 186 186 if you have problems finding trains online.
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