I. Introduction
General information about the city
Population 146,931 (2022)
Location: PACA (Provence Alpes Côtes d’Azur)
History
Aix was founded by the Romans and originally called Aquae Sextiae, which in Latin means “the waters of Sextius,” Sextius being the Roman Emperor when the city was built. The city sits on a thermal spring and the Romans constructed their baths here. The Roman empire fell around the year 500 and the city wasn’t attached to France until 1486 so it was independent and called (Medieval Provence) for almost 1000 years.
Nearby Marseille is a much bigger metropolis and was founded by the Greeks who brought Ouzo with them, which became French Pastis. Aix is considered a part of Marseille as it acts as a judicial center for the region. Aix is considered to be a suburb of Marseille, just like Versailles is a suburb of Paris.
It is also known as the “21st arrondissement of Paris”, thanks to its pretty streets and fashionable stores. Its popularity with the Parisiens also has a lot to do with the year-round sunny blue skies. Being connected by the TGV by only 3 hours, means many commute back and forth on a regular basis.
Best time to visit
I’d say the best time to visit is spring and autumn, because it’s less busy with tourists, but all year round is also good. There’s a reason it’s called the “‘French California.”, the weather.
There is a wonderful classical music festival in July called the Festival Lyrique d’Aix en Provence. It’s also a good time to see the lavender fields.
Getting around (e.g. public transportation, driving, walking)
You can walk around the city centre and can usually take a bus to go anywhere outside the city. The bus is only €1.30 for a ticket and can usually be bought right on the bus via credit card or cash.
II. Attractions
I recommend any of my tours which are:
- Provencal farmers markets
> Tuesday through Sundays from 9:00 to 12:00
- Pétanque at the park
> Every day from 12:30 to 14:30
- Aix Treasure Hunt (sightseeing tour of the city)
> Every day from 14:30 to 16:30
- From the Vine (Wine & Olive Oil tastings)
> Tuesday through Saturdays from 16:30 to 18:00
- Aix Foodie Tour (Discover and enjoy the best food delicacies Aix has to offer)
> Tuesday through Saturdays from 18:00 to 20:00
- Gourmet Wine & Food Tour (A true VIP tour of 3 different vineyards around Aix-en-Provence)
> Thursday through Saturdays from 10:30 to 16:30
Historical sites
My Aix Treasure Hunt is perfect if you want to see all the Historical sites the city has to offer. Starting with the majestic fountain at La Rotonde, the Cours Mirabeau, the Hotel Caumont, etc.
Cezanne’s Atelier is also a popular place to visit – It’s where the famous painter Cezanne had his studio. It’s a good 15 to 20 minute walk from the centre of Aix up a rather steep hill. You also need to reserve your visit via the Office de Tourisme of Aix en Provence.
Museums
- Musee Granet
> I call it the Louvre of Aix en Provence, because it’s the most popular and has Cezanne, Monet, Picasso, etc.
- Hotel Caumont
> The exhibit changes twice a year and there’s also a very nice café in the courtyard
- A wide range of galleries in the city.
III. Accommodations
I recommend searching online, via booking.com or airbnb.com of course. That’s what my friends and family have done, and I did it too before I moved here four years ago.
IV. Food and Drink
Restaurants
I update this list usually twice a year and recommend all the restaurants in the article
Local Specialties
I recommend doing the Aix Foodie Tour with me and I will show you the best:
- Chocolates
- Navettes (local specialty)
- Gelato (during the summer months)
- Madeleines
- Calissons
- Nougat
- Olive Oil
- Cheese
I also recommend going to the farmer’s market and taking a Provencal Market Tour
V. Conclusion
Book a tour with Ted Aix Tours when you arrive and he’ll give you all the recommendations you are looking for!
