Escape to Aix-en-Provence, art, water and the good life
A city of water, a city of art… Aix-en-Provence is the perfect embodiment of the Provencal art of living. Here, everything is light, color and sensations: the golden stone of the facades, the soothing green of the fountains, the shade of the plane trees, the markets with their thousand perfumes, the lively terraces and the gentle summer evenings punctuated by music and festivals.
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City of water
Founded in 122 BC by the Roman general Caius Sextius, Aix owes its name to the presence of hot springs: Aquae Sextiae. Even today, the city maintains this strong link with water. At the top of the Cours Sextius, the thermal baths perpetuate the Roman tradition and welcome wellness enthusiasts. But it’s above all the countless fountains scattered throughout the town that make it a refreshing city full of charm.
Our favorites in Aix-en-Provence
One of Aix-en-Provence’s must-see attractions, the Musée Granet is a major artistic landmark. Housed in a former Maltese palace, its 4,000 m² of exhibition space offers a superb journey through the history of art, with prestigious permanent collections and internationally renowned temporary exhibitions.
Nearby, the elegant Hôtel de Caumont – Centre d’Art, nestled in the heart of the Mazarin district, captivates visitors with the beauty of its architecture and the quality of its exhibitions. Each season, great names in painting take center stage. Take the time to watch the film Cézanne au pays d’Aix, shown daily in the auditorium, to immerse yourself in the world of the famous Aix painter.
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And of course, it’s impossible to leave Aix without strolling through its Provencal markets, a veritable feast for the senses, where the fragrance of aromatic herbs, the color of sun-drenched fruit and the charm of artisan stalls mingle. The large Cours Mirabeau market brings the town to life every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, while Place Richelme awakens every morning to the rhythm of the farmers’ market. On Sundays, the Place de la Mairie is decked out in a thousand colors for the flower market, a perfect symbol of the Provencal way of life.
Each day is an opportunity to take full advantage of nature and share unique moments with family and friends. From
City of art
Aix-en-Provence is an open-air museum. Its architectural heritage, mansions, churches and pedestrian streets tell the story of an elegant and vibrant city. Numerous cultural venues – museums, galleries, concert halls – host renowned exhibitions and festivals, including the famous Festival d’Art Lyrique, which attracts music lovers from all over the world every summer.
In the footsteps of Cézanne
It’s impossible to talk about Aix without mentioning Paul Cézanne. The painter, who was born and died here, drew inspiration for his greatest masterpieces from the light of the Pays d’Aix. Visit his studio on the hill of Les Lauves, an unspoilt spot where time seems to have stood still, or follow the Cézanne trail offered by the Tourist Office to rediscover the landscapes that inspired the artist. A few kilometers away, the Carrières de Bibémus offer a fascinating stroll through red rocks and pine trees, following in the footsteps of early Cubism. And as you head back to the campsite, let your gaze rest on the Château Noir, the painter’s last refuge facing his beloved Montagne Sainte-Victoire.
