The city of a thousand fountains stands out for its Provencal art of living. The cultural capital of Provence, Aix-en-Provence is astonishing for its architecture and gastronomy.
Discover its treasures in a day
Aix-en-Provence is a great place to take a stroll among its many attractions.
The Cours Mirabeau is one of the city’s must-see sites, with its large plane trees offering much-deserved shade in summer. The Cours Mirabeau and its surroundings are home to a number of monuments well worth a visit, including the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, whose construction began in the 12th century. It contains the sarcophagus of Saint-Mitre, a canonized martyr, as well as Nicolas Froment’s “Burning Bush”. You can also admire the Pavillon Vendôme, the Town Hall and the Joseph Sec mausoleum.
A city of water, Aix-en-Provence boasts numerous fountains. Let yourself be lulled by the crackling sound of water, and admire the Rotonde fountain, built in 1860, at the entrance to the Cours Mirabeau, as well as the Moussue fountain, dating from 1667, which stands out for the warm water that gushes from the Bagniers thermal spring.
Just a stone’s throw from the Cours Mirabeau, discover the Mazarin district, built in the 17th century with luxurious residences and sumptuous fountains, originally occupied by the city’s merchants and craftsmen.
Discovering a city of art
Aix-en-Provence, home of the painter Paul Cézanne, is considered a city with a rich artistic heritage. Discover the painter’s sources of inspiration on a signposted walking tour, and take advantage of your stay in Aix-en-Provence to visit his studio and garden.
Near the Cours Mirabeau, don’t miss the Musée Granet, located in the former Palais de Malte, where works by Cézanne are on display, as well as over 12,000 paintings and sculptures, ranging from the 14th to the 20th century. A stone’s throw from the Cours Mirabeau is the former Hôtel de Caumont, a must-see for art lovers! Completely renovated, this architectural marvel now houses an art center and regularly hosts superb temporary exhibitions. Before leaving, recharge your batteries with a cup of tea at Café Caumont, for a truly 18th-century experience.
A gourmet break
The town is particularly famous for its calissons, sweets made with crushed almonds and candied melon, a treat at any time of day! You can also enjoy nougats and biscotins (dry cookies coated with roasted hazelnuts) for a comforting moment during the day. Don’t forget to stroll through the city’s many colorful markets, and take time to sample the local specialties.
A sporting ascent
Known to the general public through the stories of Marcel Pagnol and the paintings of Paul Cézanne, Mont Sainte-Victoire is a must-see in Aix-en-Provence. Admire its southern slope, which boasts typically Mediterranean vegetation, while the northern slope boasts alpine flora typical of the southern Alps. During your ascent, you’re sure to come across numerous animals, and at the heart of the site, a 7-hectare plateau known as the Bibémus quarries, where Cézanne found his inspiration. Once you’ve reached the summit, take a breath and enjoy the view.
