Things to do in Aix-en-Provence: your complete guide to markets, Cézanne and Provençal art de vivre

Aix-en-Provence is the place where Provence is at its most elegant. In the birthplace of Paul Cézanne, you can stroll along the Cours Mirabeau, discover colourful markets, historic fountains and an old town brimming with cafés, galleries and small boutiques. The city is situated in the south of France, north of Marseille, with the Montagne Sainte-Victoire providing a striking backdrop. Those looking for things to see in Aix-en-Provence will find art, fine dining and the Provençal way of life all in one place.

Aix is often regarded as the cultural capital of Provence. The city has a more refined and tranquil feel than Marseille, yet remains lively and youthful thanks to its university, which was founded as early as 1409. Paul Cézanne was born here in 1839 and painted the surrounding landscape time and again, particularly Montagne Sainte-Victoire. Anyone interested in Cézanne in Aix-en-Provence will encounter his presence in many places here.

The pedestrianised centre is perfect for a stroll, with terraces, bookshops, galleries and small markets. Aix is about 1 to 1.5 hours’ drive from many holiday homes in Provence or in the Var. The trip can also be easily combined with the Lavender Route in Provence, a [wine tour through France] (https://www.casapilot.com/en/blog/provence-cote-d-azur/france-wine-tour) or the mountain villages of Provence.

The Cours Mirabeau

The Cours Mirabeau is the city’s most famous boulevard and an ideal starting point for a stroll. Plane trees provide shade, fountains punctuate the wide avenue, and on both sides cafés, elegant townhouses and small shops line the street.

At the western end stands the Fontaine de la Rotonde, one of Aix’s most striking fountains. Along the boulevard, the 17th- and 18th-century Hôtels particuliers serve as a reminder of how prosperous the city once was. Particularly famous is the Café Les Deux Garçons, which was frequented by Cézanne and Émile Zola, among others. If you wish to explore the old town of Aix-en-Provence, it is best to start here and then let yourself be drawn into the narrow streets north of the boulevard.

In the footsteps of Cézanne

Anyone wishing to experience Cézanne in Aix-en-Provence should visit the painter’s studio. The Atelier de Cézanne is situated slightly above the town centre and retains the atmosphere of his workplace. Objects that appeared in his still lifes are still there, such as vases, apples, skulls and simple everyday items. According to the tourist information office, the studio will be open from 4 July to 15 November 2026.

A visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and is particularly impressive if you then drive to the Terrain des Peintres. From this vantage point, Cézanne painted Montagne Sainte-Victoire on numerous occasions. Sainte-Victoire itself is located about 15 minutes outside the town and offers walks with stunning views across Provence.

The Musée Granet in the city centre is also well worth a visit for art lovers. Among other things, it displays works from the 14th century to the modern era and has strong links to Cézanne. In 2026, the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from midday to 6 pm outside the summer season and from 10 am to 6 pm in summer; it is closed on Mondays.

Fountains and the historic old town

Aix is poetically described as the city of a thousand fountains; in reality, there are around 150. It is these fountains that characterise the cityscape: some are large and imposing, others small and almost hidden against a wall. Among the most beautiful are the Fontaine de la Rotonde, the Fontaine des Quatre-Dauphins and the Fontaine d’Eau Chaude, from which warm thermal water flows.

The old town of Aix-en-Provence consists of narrow streets, small squares and façades in warm ochre tones. Around the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville you’ll find the clock tower, cafés and market stalls. Saint-Sauveur Cathedral combines Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements; the Romanesque cloister is particularly worth seeing.

Wellness also has a long tradition in Aix. The Thermes Sextius are a reminder of the city’s Roman origins and are the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon after a day of sightseeing. You can find out more about the region’s way of life in the article: Typical Provence.

The Markets of Aix

A market in Aix-en-Provence is more than just a place to shop. It is an experience of colours, scents and voices. The daily food market on Place Richelme is a regular feature of city life. The main markets take place on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings on Place des Prêcheurs and Place de Verdun.

The flower market runs all year round and alternates between Place de l’Hôtel de Ville and Place des Prêcheurs depending on the day of the week. The official tourism website lists opening hours in the morning, usually between 8 am and early afternoon.

Saturdays are particularly lively. The city centre fills up with stalls selling fruit, vegetables, cheese, olives, soaps, herbs and local specialities. You should try Calissons d’Aix, the almond-shaped sweet made from almond paste and candied melon. For more market ideas, check out our guide to the markets of Provence.

Aix is ideal for a day trip. From Sainte-Maxime or Grimaud on the Var coast, the journey usually takes around 1½ to 2 hours via the A8. It’s about 30 minutes from Marseille and around an hour from Avignon.

The city centre is largely a pedestrian zone. Car parks on the edge of the old town are convenient, particularly Parking Rotonde and Parking Pasteur. According to the tourist information office, Parking Rotonde offers around 1,800 spaces, whilst Parking Pasteur is only about a five-minute walk from the town hall.

Half a day is enough for a first impression, covering the Cours Mirabeau, the old town and the market. If you plan to visit the Atelier de Cézanne, the Musée Granet and enjoy a leisurely lunch, a full day is much more enjoyable. The best market days are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, with Saturday being the liveliest.

Aix is also great for children, provided you don’t pack the day too full. The market is a sensory experience full of colours, smells and little tastings. Cézanne’s studio is compact enough that it won’t feel too long for children either.

A lovely idea is a fountain hunt through the old town: how many fountains can the family spot on the way from Cours Mirabeau to the town hall square? Parc Jourdan, with its green spaces and play areas, is ideal for a break. You can find even more inspiration for travelling with children in the article on family holidays in Provence.

Aix-en-Provence combines art, markets and the southern French way of life in a particularly elegant way. Amidst plane trees, fountains, the scent of lavender and a glass of rosé on a terrace, Provence reveals its most refined side. For those who wish to experience this region at a leisurely pace, a holiday home is the ideal base.