Aix-en-Provence
Arriving at Aix-en-Provence TGV station, which is located in the suburbs rather than the city center, you will need to take the Navette shuttle bus to the bus stop for line 40, which costs €4.30 and takes around 10-15 minutes. After that, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the city center, making the transport very convenient.
As the former capital of the Provence region, Aix-en-Provence is a city known for its sweet and elegant lifestyle. The honey-colored houses, local specialties, flea markets, and numerous fountains all add to the city’s extraordinary charm. It is also a city of arts, regularly hosting various cultural and artistic events.
The town has a strong artistic atmosphere and is the birthplace of Paul Cézanne, the “Father of Modern Art.” If you’re interested in Impressionism, a visit to the Cézanne Studio is highly recommended.
Start your beautiful morning by exploring the old town’s exquisite homes and delicate fountains. Stroll through the colorful and intricate narrow streets bathed in soft morning light, soak in the artistic vibe of the museums, and stop by a pastry shop to try the local Calisson—an almond cake that’s a Provence specialty. In the afternoon, enjoy a cup of coffee on the Mirabeau Boulevard or shop along the Avenue des Provinces. Alternatively, you can spend a couple of hours at the Sextius Baths enjoying a bath and massage, fully immersing yourself in the joy of Roman-style relaxation. If you’re lucky, you can participate in the local vibrant cultural activities in the evening. Sip a glass of rosé wine, crafted by local winemakers from Saint-Victor, while basking in the festive atmosphere of a magnificent sunset. A day in Aix-en-Provence can be incredibly leisurely, like living inside a French oil painting.
Mirabeau Boulevard
Mirabeau Boulevard is bustling with crowds, full of life. A walk here will immerse you in the relaxed local atmosphere. On your way to the Town Hall, you’ll encounter a small market selling a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. The vendors greet you with big smiles, spreading their infectious positive energy, which is a perfect representation of the warm hospitality of Southerners.
When in Southern France, you cannot miss the lavender. The market is filled with vendors selling all kinds of lavender products, with the most eye-catching being small lavender sachets. Each sachet is made from high-quality materials and beautifully embroidered. The vendor told us that each sachet can retain its fragrance for up to 10 years.
Fontaine des Quatre-Dauphins (Four Dolphins Fountain)
Located in the heart of the Mazarin district, Place des Quatre-Dauphins is home to the famous Four Dolphins Fountain. Originally called Place Saint-Michel, it features a sculptural work designed by Jean-Claude Rambot in 1667. The surrounding architecture is Baroque, and in the mid-17th century, many wealthy residents moved here, prompting the bishop to design a new town to accommodate the growing population.
Fontaine de la Rotonde (Rotonde Fountain)
At the western end of Mirabeau Boulevard stands the monumental Rotonde Fountain, also known as the “Three Goddesses Fountain.” The fountain’s circular base is 32 meters in diameter and stands 12 meters tall, surrounded by 4 pairs of lions. At the top, three sculptures represent goddesses symbolizing justice, commerce, and agriculture. Aix-en-Provence is home to many stunning fountains, both large and small, reflecting the deep historical roots of the town.
André Genis
Walking through the old town and past the bell tower, you’ll find the famous André Genis Calisson sweet shop. With affordable prices and a variety of beautifully packaged treats, this is a great place to buy souvenirs or indulge yourself. The almond-based Calisson is a must-try local delicacy. If you’re curious about the history of this treat, visit the Calisson Museum, which you can reach by taking the L240 bus directly to the Calisson stop. You can either explore the museum on your own or join a guided tour for €5 to learn about the production of Calissons.
The town has many small shops where you can find everything from desserts to lavender products to handmade trinkets. All of these stores radiate the unique charm of Southern France.