Aix en Provence (pronounced “X”)
Aix en Provence is a beautiful town situated in the far south of France and is surprisingly easy to reach by the TGV high speed train from Paris. It is three hours from downtown Paris and 3h30 from Paris Charles De Gaulle airport.
In Provence you will be able to embrace the good life and easy living of the locals. While wandering through the narrow streets you will catch the youthful spirit of the cosmopolitan city it has become. Afterwards, have a little treat and try the Calissons d’Aix, almond-paste delicacy with sugar icing on top (see picture below), and Croquets aux Amandes, a crusty dough filled with almonds.
Aix en Provence famous Calissons - ©Aix-en-Provence Tourism Office
We recommend a walking tour of Aix en Provence, so you won't miss the important sites.
Aix en Provence ambiance - ©Camille Moirenc
However, we will also indicate some lovely back-streets and hidden squares away from the main tourist crowds. On our 7 days in Provence itinerary, you would start your trip at a cosy Bed & Breakfast, in the hills between Aix and the Luberon.
Aix's fame is also its downside during the high season, it is a nightmare to drive around the city and everything is very expensive. Hence, we offer you lovely B&B accommodation a few miles outside of Aix en Provence in the hills. Here the nights are cooler and you will be able to have a drink by the pool in peace.
Mount Sainte Victoire
About half an hour North East from Aix en Provence is the Sainte Victoire Mountain which became famous thanks to Paul Cezanne's masterpieces. If you like to walk, we will be happy to recommend quite an easy 3 hour walk to the best viewpoint over southern Provence. This is also in the nearby town of Vauvenargues, where Pablo Picasso bought a castle and spent the last years of his life.
See our 13 days in Provence self-drive tour if you think you'll need a little longer to take in the beauty of this wonderful region.
Montagne Sainte Victoire landscapes - ©CRT Bouches du Rhone