With three days in Aix-en-Provence, you’ll have plenty of time to see the city’s main sights and also venture into the countryside. Enjoy the cobbled street of old town, then take advantage of wine-tasting and food tours to learn about Provence’s famous cuisine. Here are some ways to enjoy three days in Aix-en-Provence.
Day 1: Aix-en-Provence Highlights
Kick start your stay in Aix-en-Provence with a trip to the daily market in Place Richelme. Browse through the stands full of local produce, cheese, and seafood, then enjoy a coffee in the town square. Afterward, explore the winding cobbled streets of the old town and the area around Cours Mirabeau, and see Saint Sauveur Cathedral and the Fontaine de la Rotonde.
Renowned post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne was born in Aix and spent nearly all of his life in and around the town. Spend the afternoon following the Cézanne trail, a self-guided pedestrian route that visits local landmarks, including the school where he studied and the homes of various family members. Finish the day with a multi-course meal on the Cours Mirabeau or a guided culinary tour that lets you sample an array of Provençal delights.
Day 2: The Provençal Countryside
Aix-en-Provence is the perfect base camp for exploring the Provençal countryside. Spend the morning touring lavender fields or hiking in the Montagne Sainte-Victoire—the mountains just outside of Aix that inspired Cézanne’s landscape paintings.
In the afternoon, sample some of the finest wines produced in France. The rich soil and unique climate of Aix-en-Provence produces an array of fine reds and fragrant rosés and whites. Hop on a wine-tasting tour from Aix, and visit some of the vineyards in nearby wine regions, including Vacqueyras, Gigondas, and Chateauneuf du Pape. You can also upgrade your wine experience to include a French cooking class where you will learn how to make delicious Provençal dishes using fresh ingredients.
Day 3: The Luberon Villages
The Luberon region of Provence is known for its lush countryside and ancient hilltop villages, each of which has its own unique character. The area makes for a good day-trip from Aix, but public transportation is limited, so to make the most of your time (and ensure you see many of the top highlights), book a guided tour of the Luberon villages. Visit Gordes, which is widely recognized as the most beautiful hilltop village in Provence—if not one of the most beautiful spots in all of France. Afterward, stop by Lourmarin, known for its striking renaissance castle, and Roussillon, which boasts colorful ochre cliffs. Alternatively, you can use your last day in the region to visit the nearby French Riviera and spend the entire day (and a fun-filled evening) exploring Monaco, Eze, and Nice.
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