Architecture & Art, Food & Drink, France (Outside of Paris), Travel

A Weekend in Aix-en-Provence: The Best Things to See, Do & Taste

August 4, 2025

Nestled in the heart of southern France, the city of Aix-en-Provence is a sun-soaked Provençal town that feels like a dream. With its elegant fountains, bustling markets, pastel-toned facades, and artistic heritage (Cézanne, especially), it’s the perfect destination for a romantic weekend, a cultural retreat, or a stylish escape from Paris.

I recently spent a weekend in Aix and can tell you that it is more than just pretty streets to stroll —it’s a city shaped by centuries of architecture, artistry, and sunshine. Whether you’re here for the food, the art, or the atmosphere, this guide walks you through how to spend a perfect weekend and appreciate the stunning architecture that makes Aix so unique.

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Rue Vauvenauges, Aix-en-Provence, South of France (copyright gscinparis, LLC)

FRIDAY EVENING: ARRIVAL & FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Evening Stroll & Dinner:

Start with an evening stroll along the Cours Mirabeau, Aix’s main boulevard lined with plane trees, fountains, and café terraces. For dinner, book a table at Le Petit Verdot, a cozy bistro known for its exquisite wine list and locally-sourced Provençal cuisine.

Cour Mirabaeu, Aix-en-Provence, South of France (copyright gscinparis, LLC) — Cours Mirabaeu, Aix-en-Provence, South of France (copyright gscinparis, LLC)

The Cours Mirabeau was laid out in 1650 over the city’s old ramparts. This elegant boulevard is lined with plane trees, baroque mansions, and storied cafés like Les Deux Garçons. It links the medieval town to the refined Mazarin Quarter.

SATURDAY: MARKETS, MUSEUMS & MEANDERING

Morning

Saturday mornings in Aix are glorious. Head to Place Richelme for a food market overflowing with lavender honey, olives, cheeses, and fresh fruit. Then wander to Place de l’Hôtel de Ville for flowers, soap, linens, and antiques. For pastries, croissants are still croissants. However, my instructor at a recent pastry class in Paris informed me that they are not called “pain au chocolat” in the south – ask for a “chocolatine” instead. Also local to the south is the “fougasse”, which is similar to a pizza dough and can come with a variety of toppings. Maison Weibel is well known for its pastries and people watching.

Place Richeme on market day, Aix-en-Provence, South of France (copyright gscinparis, LLC)

Late Morning:

Visit the Atelier Cézanne, the preserved studio of Paul Cézanne, then continue to Musée Granet, with its collection of Cézanne, Picasso, and Giacometti.

Atelier Cézanne:

Address: 13, avenue Paul Cezanne, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Musée Granet:

Address: Place Saint Jean de Malte, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

Église de Saint Jean de Malte, Aix-en-Provence, South of France (copyright gscinparis, LLC)

Lunch:

L’Incontournable offers typical French-Mediterranean fare and has a lovely ambiance.

Address: 5 Rue des Epinaux, 13100, Aix-en-Provence France

Afternoon:

Wander the Mazarin Quarter, a quiet grid of streets filled with 17th-century mansions and the Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins. Shop along Rue Espariat and Rue Clemenceau for lavender, linens, and handmade ceramics.

Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins, Aix-en-Provence, South of France (copyright gscinparis, LLC)

Evening:

Book a table at Âma Terra, an exquisite restaurant in the Villa Saint-Ange hotel. You can either sit inside, in the sumptuously decorated dining room with a Second Empire glass roof, crystal chandeliers and a beautiful china cabinet, or on the terrace to enjoy the sound of fountains while surrounded by a gorgeous provençal garden. A tough choice! The food and service are first class.

After dinner, head over to enjoy live music at Les Deux Garçons, the legendary brasserie that once welcomed Hemingway, Picasso, and Cézanne.

ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS OF AIX

Why Are the Buildings Golden?

Aix’s sun-washed streets are colored in warm ochres and soft beiges thanks to the local limestone tuff, quarried from Bibémus and Rognes. This stone reflects the Provençal light, giving the town its iconic golden glow. It’s easy to carve, durable, and perfectly suited to the refined façades and intricate fountains of Aix.

Rue Gaston de Saporta, Aix-en-Provence, South of France (copyright gscinparis, LLC)

Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur

A historical blend of Roman, Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque, this cathedral was built over a Roman temple. Highlights include a 12th-century cloister, a Gothic nave, and the 15th-century Burning Bush Triptych by Nicolas Froment. It’s a living archive of architectural evolution.

Cathedral of Saint Sauveur, Aix-en-Provence, South of France (copyright gscinparis, LLC)

Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte

The first fully Gothic church in Provence, this 13th-century church was part of the Order of Malta’s priory. Its tall spire and interior tombs make it one of the most atmospheric sites in Aix.

Fountains of Aix

Take time to notice all of the fountains in Aix. After all, the name of the town evolved from its Roman origins as Aquae Sextie, meaning “the waters of Sextius” referring to the town’s thermal springs. Over time “Aquae Sextie” became “Aix”, but the water has been flowing ever since:

You will see the Fontaine de la Rotonde as a grand entrance to Cours Mirabeau.

The Fontaine Moussue is covered in thick moss, it’s fed by a warm spring and looks alive.

Fontaine Mossue (Mossy Fountain), Aix-en-Provence, South of France (copyright gscinparis, LLC)

Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins was built in 1667, featuring four dolphins wrapped around a pillar.

SUNDAY: HISTORY, FOUNTAINS & FAREWELL

Morning:

Visit Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur and enjoy a final breakfast at Pâtisserie Béchard, known for calissons and buttery pastries.

Mural and a shop in Aix-en-Provence (copyright gscinparis LLC)

Be sure to visit all the fountains before you leave!

Before You Go:

If you have a car and some time, be sure to drive to the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the impressive limestone peak that inspired Cézanne.

The Mont Sainte-Victoire, which inspired Cézanne

Where to Stay in Aix-en-Provence?

Luxury Option: the Villa Saint-Ange

I stayed in the incredible Villa Saint-Ange and I highly recommend it. This five-star oasis is just steps from the old town, with manicured gardens, elegant rooms, and a fabulous pool. Please enjoy my YouTube video review below!

Boutique: Hôtel des Augustins

This hotel is set inside a 15th-century convent with stained-glass windows and vaulted ceilings. It is located near the train station (the station in town, not the TGV station, which is about 20 minutes away).

Affordable & Chic: Hôtel Cézanne

This hotel is modern, well situated, stylish but without the luxury price tag.

Travel Tips:

When to go:

Spring and fall are ideal – fewer crowds, perfect weather. You know me, I can really only travel in the summer because I am teaching French the rest of the year. I was there in early July and while quite hot, the linen and the aperol spritzes did the trick!

How to get there:

From Paris, it is a short 3 hour TGV ride to Gare Aix-en-Provence TGV, then a 20-minute taxi or shuttle to the center. There is a train station in the city center which is served by local trains.

Have you been to Aix-en-Provence?

Drop your favorite cafés, shops, or fountains in the comments below. Or share this guide with a friend dreaming of lavender fields and rosé!

What to Wear in Aix-en-Provence?

One word: Linen. I don’t think I have seen that much linen (both les hommes et les femmes). White linen shirts for the gents, simple dresses for the ladies, everyone was looking quite elegant while trying to stay cool. Head to my LTK shop for advice what to wear in Aix.