Things to do in  Aix-en-Provence

The Valensole Plateau (Plateau De Valensole) embodies the quintessential image of Provencal summer, with vibrant purple lavender fields, sunflower-filled valleys, and peaceful hilltop villages. Photo-worthy vistas extend in all directions, and the village of Valensole houses shops selling flowers, perfumes, oils, and other lavender-derived products.

The landscape around Aix-en-Provence was a constant inspiration to artist Paul Cézanne (1839–1906), who was born and raised in the southern French town. Located just outside, Cézanne's Studio (Atelier Cézanne)—the studio where the artist painted some of his most famous works—offers visitors fascinating insight into the life of the postimpressionist artist.

Dominating the landscape around Aix-en-Provence, Sainte-Victoire Mountain (Montagne Sainte-Victoire) is a limestone ridge immortalized by Aix-en-Provence painter Paul Cézanne. Whether you bike or hike to the top or just admire the silhouette from afar, its angular profile can be seen for miles around.

Located in southwest Provence, the Camargue is one of France’s wildest and most scenic landscapes. Protected as a regional natural park, the expanse of wetlands, beaches, salt pans, and rice paddies is known for its herds of white Camargue horses and Camargue bulls, all tended to by localgardians (cowboys).

At the center of picturesque Aix-en-Provence is Cours Mirabeau, a plane tree–shaded avenue lined with chic stores, patisseries, and restaurants. Marked along its length by fountains, this street is the most popular place in town for a pre- or postlunch stroll and a must-visit stop on guided tours of the town.

Set between the dramatic landscapes of the Verdon Gorge and the Valensole plateau, the man-madeLake of Sainte-Croix (Lac de Sainte-Croix) is among Provence’s most popular vacation spots. With sandy lakeside beaches, water temperatures rivaling those of the Mediterranean Sea, and fewer crowds than the French Riviera, it’s the ideal summer destination.

Built on the site of an ancient Roman forum, the Aix Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint Sauveur) is one of the oldest and best-loved buildings in Aix-en-Provence. It dates to the 12th century and, despite many modifications over the years, remains a particular draw for fans of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

Located in the heart of Provence, France’s mountainous Lubéron region is famous for its vibrant purple lavender fields, forested valleys, and ancient hilltop villages such as Saignon, Bonnieux, and Gordes. Walking trails wind through the largely uninhabited region, past hills, woodlands, and fields dusted with wildflowers.

Located on the limits of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, on the edge of the Luberon, Manosque is an old walled town filled with ancient doorways, fountains, meandering streets, and charming squares plus historical buildings such as the Notre-Dame-de-Romigier Church, which was built in the 10th century. It’s a great place to wander or take photos, particularly if you like old architecture.

Within the Camargue region in the South of France, Les Saintes Maries de la Mer is located where the Rhône river meets the Mediterranean Sea. This popular summertime beach destination is a great base from which to explore the outstanding natural beauty of the coastline and natural reserve.

Central Aix-en-Provence's Musée Granet showcases a mix of archeological artifacts and European art and sculpture, mostly dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Just around the corner, an annex branch of the museum displays much of the collection of the late art collector Jean Planque, including works by Cezanne, Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.

With extensive Roman ruins and a lively café scene, the southern French town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence has both historical importance and modern appeal. Nostradamus was born here, and Van Gogh spent one of his most productive periods in Saint-Rémy, so there’s plenty to do for art lovers and visitors interested in the region’s history.

At the base of Montagne Sainte-Victoire in the suburbs of Aix-en-Provence, Château de La Gaude is an 18th-century castle that has operated as an art-filled luxury hotel since 2019. Property highlights include gourmet restaurants, an opulent spa, and an estate vineyard.

Aix-en-Provence Old Town (Vieil Aix) is the city’s ancient heart, where people have lived and worked since Roman times. The area is home to some of the city’s grandest buildings, as well as reminders of previous eras. It’s one of the city’s most vibrant quarters home to shops, restaurants, and museums.

Dating back to the 17th century, the Pavillon Vendôme is a stately, 3-story structure surrounded by manicured gardens. It served as a residence (and, for a spell, as a Catholic boarding school) before it was ultimately transformed into the art exhibition space of today.