What you need to know about Aix-en-Provence

Home to Paul Cezanne, Aix is also known for its open-air markets, architecture and pedestrian walkways. One should definitely stroll along Cours Mirabeau, under the shade of the distinctively Provencal plane trees, to enjoy the 18th century mansions, upscale boutiques and a few of the fountains Aix is famous for. Be sure to try calissons, a confection made from almonds and crystalized melon, an Aix specialty.

Bakeries / Bread Shops

• Le Fainoman Fou
  • Trip Advisor Review
  • There are many, many bakeries in Aix, but this is said the be the best. It’s all the rage in Aix!
  • 5 rue Mignet
  • Open Tuesday through Saturday
• Bechard
  • Trip Advisor Review
  • Incredibly delicious pastry - these are irresistible!
  • Located on the Cours Mirabeau

Weekly Market

Monday to Saturday - The best are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Anything can be bought in these large and diverse markets!

Restaurants

Please note that most restaurants in Provence do not open until 7:30 in the evening. Reservations are needed in the high season, especially for groups.

There are about 500 restaurants in Aix-en-Provence. Here are a few of the notable ones:

• La villa Gallici
• L’Alcove
• Les Deux Garçons
• Le Formal
• Le Vintrepide
• Lavault

Supermarkets

Note that many grocery stores are closed Sundays and Monday, or have limited hours on Sunday mornings.

Monoprix
27 cours Mirabeau. Map
Open Monday through Saturday from 8:30am to 9:00pm and Sunday from 9:00am to 12:30pm.

Carrefour la Pioline
7 km from Aix Map
Open Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 10:00pm
Closed Sunday

Wineries

Most wineries are closed on Sundays and during lunch hours.

There are no wineries close to Aix because the vines need lots of open countryside to thrive! Not to worry, there is plenty of wine for sale in Aix and specialized shops for enthusiasts. We recommend Nicolas, as it has three locations:

• Nicolas: 5 Rue Maréchal Foch
• Nicolas: 105 Avenue Giuseppe Verdi
• Nicolas: 41 rue d’Italie

Château Paradis
Route de Pertuis, 13610 Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade
20 km from Aix

Château Lacoste
2750 Route de la Cride
13610 Le Puy Sainte Réparade
20 km from Aix

Château Grand boise
1536 Chemin de Grisole, 13530 Trets
25km from Aix

Château Val Joanis
chemin Val de Joanis, 84120 Pertuis
23 km from Aix

Château Simone
Chemin de la Simone 13590 Meyreuil
10 km from Aix

Domaine de la Brillane
195, Route de Couteron, 13100 Aix en Pce
10 km from Aix

Areas of Interest

In the Footsteps of Cezanne - a self-guided walking tour
Maps available at the tourist information center
La Rotunde traffic circle
300 Avenue Giuseppe Verdi

Cathedrale d’Aix-en-Provence (map) has fantastic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.

Nearby village of Vauvenargues: Go for a hike at the foot of Mt. Saint Victoire, then stop for lunch over-looking Picasso’s castle (map)