Day 1 in Aix-en-Provence

Welcome to Aix-en-Provence! Arrive at your hotel, check in and begin the afternoon in the bustling historic city center and enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes in the area. You can easily explore the small cobblestoned streets on foot. You`ll find many shops and boutiques all around, a great place to get some shopping in. Afterward, we recommend that you get acquainted with the city by taking an optional tour such as a `Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour’ or `walking tour`, showcasing the main sights of the charming streets and fountained squares of Aix en Provence.

As night falls, head out to one of the many great cafes or restaurants in the city center. Then enjoy some great live music at any one of the fun bars in the area.

Day 2 in Aix-en-Provence

Start the day off early with a great cultural adventure of Cézanne. Walk in the steps of Cézanne and visit the city as he experienced it. The Post-Impressionist artist painted and worked in Aix-en-Provence for a large part of his career. Many of his paintings are inspired by sights in and around the city, such as the painint Mont Sainte-Victoire. A marked pedestrian route allows you to discover the landmarks of his early years (the houses where he lived as a child, his schools, etc.), the places that marked him, the cafes where he met his friends and other artists. If you`re an art and nature lover the Cézanne walk is a great way to explore the life of the famous painter as well as to see the Provence countryside up close.

After spending the morning gazing at Cézanne`s inspiration, grab some lunch, then head over to the Musée Granet. The Museum offers some great artwork by Cézanne, as well as art by Granet, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet and more.

As the evening approaches, we recommend you check out the theater scene in Aix. The area offers lots of small theaters showcasing experimental stuff and less ordinary productions. Or just walk up and down the streets in the historic center to find the atmosphere to suit your mood. From wine bars, sporty pubs, dancing, a casino, three cinemas, discos, and more. The area offers a wide range of options for night-time festivities.

Day 3 in Aix-en-Provence

Make your way to the Cours Mirabeau, which is the city`s main avenue and cultural hotspot, the busiest and liveliest area in the city. The avenue is lined with beautiful trees and houses. The characteristic Roman architecture of the buildings along the avenue is absolutely stunning. The Cours Mirabeau also boasts many open-air cafes and restaurants, enjoy some breakfast in the area. You`ll also find the most impressive fountains here, The Fontaine de la Place de la Rotonde, which takes up the whole center of the roundabout on the western end of the Cours Mirabeau, and a small moss-covered fountain on the intersection of the Cours Mirabeau and Rue Joseph Cabassol, which is fed by on of the city`s natural hot springs.

Alternatively, start your day off at one of the many markets featured in central Aix. From fruit and vegetables to antiquarian books to the flower markets, they fill the city with sounds and color. The largest food market is held in Place des Precheurs. Local producers set up in Place Richelme near Placed Hotel de Ville, which is where you`ll find flower stalls on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, as well as souvenirs in Place Verdun.

As afternoon approaches, pay a visit to Hotel de Caumont Centre d`Art. The 18th-century Hotel de Caumont, in the heart of the Mazarin quarter, is one fo the city`s most beautiful mansions. Take a tour to admire the landscaped gardens and ornate salons. It also hosts exhibitions dedicated to the great masters of art from the 14th and the 19th centuries.

When you`ve finished exploring the Hotel de Caumont, spend some time relaxing and rejuvenate at the Sextius Thermal Bath, built on the site of an ancient Roman bathhouse. The Romans first settled in Aix-en-Provence in 122 AD because they were attracted to the city`s natural hot springs.

On your final night, head over to the neighboring city Marseille for a fun and exciting evening! Located just about 30 minutes away, you`ll find nice restaurants for dining, charming streets to stroll through, and other attractions the city has to offer.

Additional Days in Aix-en-Provence

Should you be able to spend additional days in Aix-en-Provence take time to discover the `Plateau deValensole` and its lavender fields. Visit an organic farm and learn everything about the lavender oil making process, and taste some local products.

Alternatively, take a day trip to the vineyards of the appellation Cotes de Provence Sainte-Victoire, located east of the city of Aix-en-Provence, at the foot of the Saint-Victoire Mountain which was a great source of inspiration for the painter Paul Cezanne from 1880 to 1883. Visit the vineyards and taste the delicious red wines of the area.

Your Last Day In Aix-en-Provence

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel, in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.