Short Stays in Aix: Aix En Provence

-Hour Layover Highlights

Morning: Arrive at Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), shuttle to Aix Gare Routière, then check into a centrally located hotel. Explore Cours Mirabeau and the Old Town, admiring its fountains.

Lunch: Get fresh local produce, cheese, and a baguette from Place Richelme for a picnic. Alternatively, find a "Plat du Jour" at a local bistro.

Afternoon & Evening

Afternoon: Visit Musée Granet for art, or Cézanne's Studio for his workspace.
Evening: Enjoy an aperitif at a Cours Mirabeau cafe.
Dinner at an Old Town restaurant.

Weekend Getaway & Longer Stays

From a brief escape to a comprehensive week, discover Aix and its surroundings.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

A focused exploration of Aix's city center and a day trip.

Itinerary Snapshot

Day 1: Arrival & Aix City: Cours Mirabeau, Old Town, Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur.
Day 2: Art & Markets: Cézanne's Studio, Mazarin Quarter, Musée Granet, Parc Jourdan.
Day 3: Day Trip: Cassis & Calanques (boat tour), or Luberon villages (tour/car).
Depart from Aix in the late afternoon.

Consider booking tours for day trips, especially to the Calanques or Luberon villages for convenience.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

Aix as your base for a regional dive.

Weekly Plan

Days 1-3: Focus on Aix: attractions, markets, cooking class, neighborhoods.
Day 4-5: Full day trips to Marseille (Old Port, Notre-Dame, Mucem) and Cassis & Calanques (hike/boat).
Day 6: Luberon villages (Gordes, Roussillon) & lavender fields (seasonal).

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

Immerse yourself in Aix and expand to other Provençal regions.

Extended Regional Discovery

Week 1: Aix & immediate surroundings, niche museums, Montagne Sainte-Victoire hike, wine tasting.
Week 2: 2-3 nights in Avignon (Palais des Papes, Pont du Gard, Châteauneuf-du-Pape).
Follow with 2-3 nights in Arles (Roman sites, Camargue) or the French Riviera.
This offers diverse cultural and coastal experiences.

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

Aix is ideal for extended periods, for language immersion or deep exploration.

Living Like a Local

Consider renting an apartment for a month or longer.
Utilize the extensive regional train and bus networks for day trips.
Perfect for language immersion programs.
Allows for true immersion into Provençal life.

More Tailored Routes

Beyond duration, design your trip around specific interests.

Spiritual & Wellness

Explore thermal waters, quiet chapels, or yoga retreats.

Budget-Focused

Tips for backpackers or value-conscious travelers.

Luxury Experiences

Indulge in fine dining, private tours, and exclusive shopping.

Crafting Your Perfect Journey

Aligning your itinerary with your available time and personal interests creates a bespoke and memorable experience in Aix-en-Provence and the wider region.

Budgetary Travel Plans

Adjust your trip to fit your financial comfort level, from budget-friendly to luxury.

Backpacker's Guide

Maximize your budget while experiencing Provence.

Saving on Your Trip

Accommodation: Stay in hostels or the cheapest hotels.
Food: Self-cater from local markets and supermarkets; enjoy bakery meals.
Transportation: Rely on public transport and walking.
Activities: Focus on free attractions like strolling the Old Town.

Day trips can be cost-effective using public buses.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

Balance comfort and experience within a moderate budget.

Balanced Travel

Accommodation: Comfortable 3-4 star hotels or well-rated B&Bs.
Food: Meals at mid-range restaurants and local bistros, using lunch deals.
Activities: Free options mixed with paid museum entries.
Consider a couple of organized tours or cooking classes.

Luxury Experience Plan

Indulge in premium services and exclusive activities.

Premium Travel

Accommodation: 5-star hotels or luxury villas.
Food: Fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants.
Transportation: Private guided tours and car with a driver.
Activities: Spa treatments at Thermes Sextius, exclusive shopping, private wine tastings.

Consider personalized itineraries from luxury travel agencies for bespoke experiences.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Smart choices for a rewarding trip without overspending.

Optimizing Your Budget

Look for city passes combining public transport and museum discounts.
Dine at lunchtime "formules" for cheaper restaurant meals.
Rent an apartment with a kitchen for some meals.
Use regional buses for affordable day trips.

Interest: Spiritual Journey

Explore sites of tranquility and spiritual significance.

Places of Reflection

Visit quiet churches and chapels in Aix for contemplation.
Explore spiritual sites in the Luberon.
Seek out monasteries or abbeys for peaceful retreats.
Connect with the serene landscapes for personal reflection.

Interest: Wellness Journey

Focus on rejuvenation and personal well-being.

Rest & Recharge

Experience the thermal waters at Thermes Sextius in Aix.
Find yoga or meditation classes in tranquil Provençal settings.
Enjoy healthy, local Provençal cuisine.
Take refreshing walks through nature.

Optimize Your Spending

Whether you're backpacking or seeking luxury, a well-planned budget ensures a comfortable and satisfying trip.

Seasonal Charm

Each season brings a different character and special opportunities to Aix-en-Provence.

Summer June-August Highlights

and lively, but also the hottest period.

Summer Activities

Attend Festival International d'Art Lyrique d'Aix-en-Provence (July).
Enjoy many outdoor markets and cafe terraces.
Plan outdoor activities for cooler mornings or late afternoons.
Expect intense heat, especially in July and August.

Book accommodation and popular tours well in advance for summer visits.

Autumn September-October Delights

Pleasant weather and harvest festivals mark this season.

Fall Experiences

Experience grape harvest festivals in surrounding vineyards.
Enjoy comfortable hiking weather with pleasant temperatures.
Fewer crowds make for a more relaxed experience.
Ideal for wine tasting tours.

Winter November-March Wonders

Lower prices and a cozy, authentic atmosphere.

Winter Joys

Explore the festive Christmas markets (December) on Cours Mirabeau.
Indulge in the local truffle season (November-March).
Benefit from lower prices and a cozy atmosphere in cafes.
An ideal time for cultural visits without large crowds.

Spring April-May Splendor

Blooming landscapes and comfortable temperatures.

Spring's Embrace

Witness blooming flowers and lush greenery across the Provençal landscape.
Enjoy comfortable temperatures perfect for walking, cycling, and outdoor exploration.
Participate in Easter celebrations and other spring festivals.
Generally mild weather before summer heat.

Interest-Based Routes: Summary

Historical & Heritage

In Aix: Old Town, Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet. Day trips: Avignon, Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, Pont du Gard.

Food & Culinary

In Aix: Food markets, cooking classes, wine tasting, olive oil mills, Calisson factory. Explore local bistros.

Art & Architecture

In Aix: Cézanne's Studio, Musée Granet, Fondation Vasarely, Mazarin Quarter. Day trip: Les Carrières de Lumières.

Enjoy Provence Year-Round

Each season offers an unique lens through which to experience Aix-en-Provence. From summer festivals to serene winter tranquility, planning for the season enhances your journey.

Short Stays in Aix