Top 9 Best Things To Do in Aix-en-Provence

Find out the 9 best things to do in Aix-en-Provence, and discover a city that breathes beauty and art. With this guide to the best activities in the city, you will follow Cezanne’s footsteps, explore lavender fields, and enjoy a place known as the City of a Thousand Fountains.

Aix-en-Provence (or simply Aix, as locals lovingly refer to it) is one of those places that makes you slow down and smile. This charming southern French city is known for its tree-lined avenues and sun-warmed golden stone buildings. 

In summer, the shade from tall plane trees and the cool spray from the city’s many fountains offer a welcome break from the Mediterranean heat. It’s easy to see why artists like Paul Cezanne and writers like Albert Camus felt so inspired here.

Aix isn’t a city for rushing. It invites you to take your time—sip coffee on a sunny terrace, sample truffles and local cheese, or visit the nearby breathtaking French villages. If you want to dive deeper, the top tours and activities in Aix-en-Provence offer a perfect introduction to the city and the countryside beyond.

Planning your days here is half the fun, and looking through the best itineraries in Aix-en-Provence can help you decide how to balance sightseeing with moments of calm. Whether you're here for just a couple of days or a full week, there's plenty to explore without feeling overwhelmed.

And if you're dreaming of a longer stay or a more organized trip, you’ll find a range of vacation packages in Aix-en-Provence that take the stress out of planning while still giving you the freedom to enjoy the city at your own pace.

In this guide, learn the best things to do in Aix-en-Provence, from must-see spots to quiet corners that make this place so easy to fall in love with. So take a breath, relax, and let Aix show you its magic.

9. Marvel at the Sainte-Victoire Mountain

One of the most breathtaking things to see in Aix-en-Provence is the Sainte-Victoire Mountain. It’s a towering limestone ridge that dominates the landscape to the city's east. 

Often called the “mountain of Aix,” this natural wonder stretches over 11 miles (18 kilometers). It reaches its highest point at Pic des Mouches, standing at 3,316 feet (1,011 meters).

Famous for inspiring Paul Cezanne, who painted it again and again from his home in Aix, the mountain is now a favorite spot for hikers, climbers, and photographers. Exploring the trails is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors while doing some of the best sightseeing in Aix-en-Provence. In spring and autumn, the weather is just right for longer hikes and quiet moments in nature.

Many wine tours in Aix-en-Provence include stops at vineyards nestled at the foot of Sainte-Victoire. Here, you can sip local wines and take in the same sweeping views that once captivated Cezanne. The Cotes de Provence wine tour is a popular choice, combining local vintages with the dramatic beauty of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain. 

8. Stroll Through the Jardin d'Eguilles

If you're looking for peaceful things to do in Aix-en-Provence, take a short drive to the Jardin d'Eguilles, about 20 minutes by car. It’s a quiet garden that feels like a world away from the city. This hidden gem is equal parts sculpture park, botanical garden, and creative sanctuary.

Created by artist Max Sauze, the garden is filled with whimsical ironwork and unusual sculptures that blend beautifully with the greenery. More than just a garden, it’s also an exhibition space and a living workshop where art and nature are in constant conversation. One moment you're admiring a twisted metal sculpture, and the next you're pausing beside a small, bubbling fountain.

The Jardin d'Eguilles is truly a must-see in Aix-en-Provence for anyone who enjoys art, quiet walks, and discovering places most visitors miss. It’s especially lovely in spring and early summer, when the plants are in full bloom and the air is fresh with the scent of flowers.

Visits are by appointment, which adds to the feeling that you’ve stumbled upon something special. If this kind of peaceful escape appeals to you, consider checking out some of the nature and wildlife tours in Aix-en-Provence. They offer more serene experiences just like this.

7. Experience Aix’s Many Local Markets

Wandering through the lively markets is easily one of the most rewarding things to do in Aix-en-Provence. The city’s Old Town is compact and walkable, making it easy to visit several markets in one morning. Of course, that comes with a stop at a cafe for a croissant and a bit of people-watching.

Each market has its own charm. The Grand Marché spreads along Cours Mirabeau, the city’s most famous boulevard, and is filled with everything from fresh produce to local crafts. For food lovers, the Aix-en-Provence Food Market is a must, taking place in both Place Richelme and Places Comtales. These markets are colorful, fragrant, and full of friendly vendors offering local cheeses, olives, and spices.

Looking for more unique places to visit in Aix de Provence? Head to the Flower Market in Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, or browse handmade goods at the Arts & Crafts Market in Place Forbin. For vintage finds, the flea market fills Avenue Victor Hugo with antiques and secondhand treasures.

If you'd like to explore the flavors and culture behind these markets in greater depth, this 3-hour food and cultural tour in Aix-en-Provence is a fantastic way to do so with a local. You’ll taste Provençal specialties and get insider tips along the way.

Markets typically run from around 08:30 to 13:00, with some lasting longer during the warmer months. Try visiting on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday for the fullest experience—but no matter the day, there’s always a market happening somewhere in Aix.

6. Hunt for Truffles

Known as the “black diamond of Provence,” truffles are one of the region’s most prized culinary treasures. They’re a treat you won’t forget with their rich aroma and earthy flavor. While you’ll find truffles in many local markets in the city, the most authentic experience lies just a short drive away in the Luberon, one of the best places to visit near Aix-en-Provence.

This area is renowned for truffle hunting, particularly during the winter to early spring season (specifically, from November to March), when black truffles are in season. Join a truffle-hunting tour with a local expert and their truffle-hunting dog, and learn how these elusive fungi are sniffed out beneath the forest floor. After the hunt, enjoy champagne and truffle-based snacks in a scenic countryside setting.

You’ll also get to taste house-made olive and truffle oil, perfect to bring home as gourmet souvenirs. For food lovers seeking unforgettable things to do near Provence, this truffle experience is hard to beat.

5. Discover the Luberon Villages

If you're already heading to the Luberon for truffles, make time to explore the region’s picturesque villages. These famous villages are some of the most peaceful places to visit near Aix-en-Provence. With hilltop views, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old buildings, these charming spots offer a perfect break from city life.

Even if truffles aren’t on your itinerary, make sure to add Luberon’s storybook villages to your bucket list. They’re an essential part of the region’s charm and incredibly easy to visit on a Luberon market & villages day trip from Aix-en-Provence. In just one day, you can experience the quiet beauty of several Provençal gems—without the stress of planning routes or driving unfamiliar roads.

In Gordes, admire the long dry-stone walls built using the “clapas” technique, part of a traditional building method recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance. Lourmarin is home to a striking medieval castle, while Roussillon stands out with its ochre-painted houses, protected by local law to preserve the village’s distinctive palette. 

Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Exploring these peaceful hill towns is one of the most rewarding things to do near Aix-en-Provence, especially if you enjoy photography, culture, and local charm.

4. Visit Provence’s Famous Lavender Fields

If you're dreaming of a postcard-perfect escape, visiting the lavender fields is one of the top things to do near Aix-en-Provence. From June to early August, the rolling hills of Provence transform into a sea of purple, filling the air with a calming fragrance and offering views you’ll never forget.

This isn’t just a pretty photo stop; Provence has embraced the deep cultural value of lavender. Visitors are welcome to learn about its harvesting, distillation, and use in everything from essential oils to desserts. 

The Valensole Plateau is one of the most famous spots, with endless rows of blooming lavender framed by rustic farmhouses and bright sunflower fields. Over in Sault, known as the “Lavender Capital of Provence,” you’ll find sweeping views of purple fields cascading down hillsides from the base of Mont Ventoux.

There are also smaller, picturesque patches in the Luberon region, which you can enjoy as part of a broader day of sightseeing. To make the most of this seasonal wonder, consider joining a guided Provence lavender tour—one of the most popular day trips from Aix-en-Provence for nature lovers and photographers alike.

3. Indulge in a Wine-Tasting Experience in Aix-en-Provence

One of the best things to do in Aix-en-Provence is to explore its world-class wine culture. Surrounded by some of France’s most celebrated wine regions, Aix is the perfect base for tasting tours that showcase the area’s unique terrain and time-honored winemaking traditions.

You can head into the foothills 10 miles (17 kilometers) east of the city on a Cezanne countryside tour with a winery visit. This scenic experience pairs beautiful landscapes with the region’s best rosés and reds. 

You can also go on a boat tour to the seaside village of Cassis, which ends with a local wine tasting by the harbor. Cassis is 22 miles (35 km) south of Provence and would take you an hour to reach by bus or train.  

Don’t leave without tasting a glass of rosé—the wine most closely associated with Provence. These wines are known for their pale pink color and refreshing character. You'll notice delicate aromas of citrus, stone fruits, red berries, and herbs like thyme and rosemary. 

To sample rosé and more refreshing Provençal wines, check out the best wine-tasting experiences in Aix-en-Provence. Enjoy vineyard walks, cellar tours, and wine pairings with local food specialties, giving you a deeper taste of the region’s flavors and traditions.

2. Follow Cezanne’s Footsteps Through the City

Following in the footsteps of Paul Cezanne is one of the most rewarding things to do in Aix-en-Provence. He is the city’s most celebrated son and a pioneer of modern art. His deep love for his hometown is reflected in many of his works, especially the countless paintings of Mont Sainte-Victoire just outside the city.

That love isn’t unrequited. In fact, Aix proudly honors him with a well-marked walking trail. Just follow the bronze studs stamped with a “C” to visit key places from his life and legacy.

Start your journey at the Atelier Cezanne, his modest studio on a peaceful hill overlooking Aix. It offers a rare glimpse into his creative process, where his easel, brushes, and still-life props all remain. It's a must-see in Aix-en-Provence for art lovers and anyone curious about Cezanne’s world. Visit in the morning for a quieter, more reflective experience.

Afterwards, head into the city center to spot more places tied to his life. At 28 Rue de l’Opéra, you'll find the house where he was born in 1839. Near the Tourism Office, a bronze statue honors his memory. 

You can also join city sightseeing tours in Aix-en-Provence and try to spot as many places as possible that are relevant to Cezanne’s life. Even if you’re not an art expert, this gentle walk through Cezanne’s story adds depth to any visit to Aix.

1. Explore the Historical Aix-en-Provence City Center

At the heart of sightseeing in Aix-en-Provence is the elegant Cours Mirabeau, a tree-lined boulevard nearly 1,640 feet (500 meters) long. Once home to wealthy merchants, its Renaissance-style mansions now house boutiques, cafes, and restaurants with inviting terraces. 

Towering plane trees form a natural canopy overhead, making it a shady retreat even in summer. Cours Mirabeau separates two fascinating neighborhoods. Vieil Aix is the medieval Old Town full of narrow alleys and hidden courtyards, while the Mazarin Quarter is a quieter area built in the 17th century with stately symmetry and refined charm.

Aix-en-Provence is also known as the “City of a Thousand Fountains,” and spotting them as you explore is part of the fun. The most famous is the Rotunda Fountain, a dramatic landmark at the western end of Cours Mirabeau. Don’t miss the Mossy Fountain, with warm spring water trickling over its green surface, and the 9 Cannons Fountain, a local favorite, both found around the same area.

Other Aix-en-Provence attractions you must see include Aix Cathedral, known for its mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. You should also visit Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, which is home to the elegant Town Hall and the striking Clock Tower.

If you visit between late November and early January, you’ll see Cours Mirabeau and the city’s fountains adorned in mesmerizing Christmas lights and displays of the Nativity scene. You’ll also find Christmas markets showcasing their finest truffles and olive oil. 

Is it worth visiting Aix-en-Provence?

Absolutely! Aix-en-Provence is a perfect destination for spending a day or two in one of France’s most charming regions. It invites you to explore its lively markets, elegant 17th-century mansions, and countless fountains that give the city its nickname: the City of a Thousand Fountains.

If you’re planning a holiday, check out city breaks in Aix-en-Provence to make it easy. They often come with a pre-planned itinerary and optional tours. 

When should I visit Aix-en-Provence?

Aix can be visited year-round thanks to its near-perfect weather. The city enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually and has a mild Mediterranean climate with gentle winters. 

Spring (March to May) and early autumn (September to October) are perfect for market strolls, wine tastings, and countryside tours. Just keep in mind that March and October can bring occasional rain.

Summer (June to August) is great for festivals and lavender fields, but tends to be hotter and more crowded. Still, Aix’s shady streets and many fountains make the heat easier to bear.

Is Aix-en-Provence a walkable city?

Yes, Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable city, especially in the historic Old Town. Much of it is a pedestrian zone, making it easy and pleasant to explore on foot. The large, shady trees and open squares add to the enjoyable walking experience.

What are some famous day trips from Aix-en-Provence?

Popular day trips from Aix-en-Provence include visits to the picturesque Luberon villages, such as Gordes, Roussillon, and Lourmarin. These hilltop towns are known for their medieval charm and stunning landscapes. You can also explore the famous lavender fields around Sault and Valensole, especially during the blooming season from late June to early August.

If you’re planning to explore the city and beyond, consider going on a few road trips in Aix-en-Provence. They’re a great way to add flexibility to your itinerary, discover hidden villages, enjoy scenic countryside views, and stop whenever something catches your eye.