Tourism and activities in Aix-en-Provence and the Bouches-du-Rhône
Aix-en-Provence – City of Art and a Thousand Fountains
Considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in France, Aix-en-Provence has many attractions for lovers of culture and history, as well as gastronomy and sporting holidays.
Immerse yourself in the pleasant, laid-back atmosphere of the city centre, which is perfect for a leisurely stroll: its picturesque little streets and town houses, the thousand fountains for which it is famed, and its squares and wide plane tree-lined avenues will form the backdrop for wonderful walks.
Aix-en-Provence – City of Culture and History
This history-laden city has nearly 140 buildings listed as historical monuments which you can discover as you stroll through the historical centre. Make sure you don't miss the Fontaine de la Rotonde and Cours Mirabeau, as well as the Mazarin district and Place des Cardeurs.
Awarded the title City of Art and History, Aix-en-Provence has plenty for those who like to discover culture, thanks to its many museums, which you can explore at your leisure during your romantic break or family holiday:
- The Granet Museum
- The Vasarely Foundation
- The Camp des Milles
- Hôtel de Caumont
- The Pavillon Vendôme
The soul of Cézanne
Originally from Aix-en-Provence, a city he loved, this French impressionist painter and forerunner of cubism marked both the history of the city and his art.
As you visit the city, you can retrace the steps of Cézanne: head for the Atelier de Cézanne (Cézanne Workshop) to discover the painter's old haunt and dozens of works, as well as the family home of Jas de Bouffan, where he painted many paintings. Later, Cézanne moved into a small shed in the Bibémus Quarries where he painted famous paintings of Sainte-Victoire Mountain, nature and landscapes…
Paul Cézanne MuseumAIX-EN-PROVENCE –
CITY OF ART AND HISTORY
Gourmet getaway
Food lovers will enjoy visiting to the surrounding confectionery shops and discover the secret of how these sweet delights, which have made the city famous, are made: the Calissons du Roy René workshops, Cure Gourmande and Puyricard chocolates will hold no more secrets for you!
Stroll through the city's markets to explore local produce: colourful fruit, vegetable, olive and confectionery stalls are a delight for the eyes as much as the taste buds!
You can also make the most of your stay in the region to discover wines made with local grape varieties. Thanks to plentiful sunshine and the warm climate, wines from the hillsides of Aix-en-Provence are classified AOC (protected designation of origin): fruity rosés and a few reds to taste as an aperitif or accompaniment, for your great pleasure!
Sports activities
Just a few kilometers from Château de la Pioline, the famous Sainte-Victoire mountain, iconic of the Aix-en-Provence area, provides an ideal setting for walks and hikes to discover its superb landscapes. Enjoy its natural splendour as you follow the trails with your family or friends.
Sports lovers can also enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing and paragliding.
The Grand Site of Sainte-VictoireA CITY OF
GASTRONOMY AND VINEYARDS
In the surrounding area
Remarkable natural sites are easily accessible just a few dozen kilometers from Château de la Pioline. Make sure you don't miss the opportunity to admire them during your stay in Provence:
- the Calanques of Cassis in Marseille;
- Marseille and its old port;
- Saint-Rémy, Baux-de-Provence and the Alpilles regional nature park…
