With sunlit streets, historic townhouses, Provençal markets and lively terraces, Aix-en-Provence is a city to discover through both its heritage and its way of life. From Les Grands Carmes, explore the historic center on foot, then venture into the surrounding landscapes of Provence.
DISCOVERY OF AIX-EN-PROVENCE
Discover the historical center
From Les Grands Carmes, Aix-en-Provence is easy to explore on foot. Just steps from the hotel, the historic center reveals shaded squares, fountains, elegant townhouses and warmly colored facades.
Join the Cours Mirabeau, an emblematic promenade in the city lined with plane trees and terraces, before getting lost in the streets of Old Aix. Along the way, discover Place d’Albertas and its Baroque architecture, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville and its clock tower, or the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur, a witness to several centuries of history.
In the morning, Aix comes alive with its Provençal markets. Flowers, fruits and vegetables, local products and antiques fill the city’s squares and offer another way to discover the atmosphere.
Everything is within easy reach: an invitation to discover Aix at the pace of its streets, its markets and its terraces.
Following in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne
Paul Cézanne maintains an inseparable bond with Aix-en-Provence, his hometown and one of his main sources of inspiration. From the streets of the historic center to the landscapes of the Sainte-Victoire mountain, his imprint still accompanies the discovery of the city today.
On the hills above Aix, the Atelier de Cézanne offers a glimpse into the painter’s world. His furniture, personal objects and painting materials remain in place, revealing the studio where he created some of his final works.
The tour continues in the historic center, through the places that marked his life, then at the Granet Museum, whose collections allow you to continue this immersion in the cultural history of the city.
The most beautiful markets in Aix-en-Provence
In Aix-en-Provence, the markets are part of the rhythm of the city. From the early morning, the squares in the historic center come alive with stalls from producers, flowers, seasonal products, and Provençal specialties.
On Place Richelme, the food market brings together fruits and vegetables, cheeses, olives and local products in a friendly atmosphere. A few streets away, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville hosts its flower market, while the larger markets regularly occupy several squares and streets in the city center.
Aix can also be discovered through its flea markets and book and antique markets, perfect for strolling among antique objects, furniture, posters and items found at flea markets.
From Les Grands Carmes, these markets are easily reached on foot: a wonderful way to start the day and discover Aix through its colors, local produce and everyday traditions.
Pavillon de Vendôme and its gardens
In the heart of Aix-en-Provence, Pavillon de Vendôme and its formal French garden offer a peaceful break. This elegant 17th-century residence is a lovely place to visit as you explore the city.
The museum houses art collections and temporary exhibitions. Bringing together heritage, culture and the relaxed pace of Provence, it is a rewarding stop during your stay at Les Grands Carmes.
Café Verdun: an iconic address in Aix-en-Provence
Café Verdun celebrates the joy and way of life of the Mediterranean coast and Provence through welcoming, refined cuisine. Drawing on land and sea, the chef brings a fresh twist to regional ingredients and recipes. Each dish or glass evokes a journey through lavender fields, Sainte-Victoire mountain, the calanques of Marseille and olive groves.
What to do around Aix-en-Provence?
Discover Montagne Sainte-Victoire
A few kilometers from Aix, the Sainte-Victoire mountain is an essential excursion that offers several ways to discover the landscape: it can be explored through the trails and viewpoints that surround the massif.
Painted many times by Cézanne, it finally offers a different perspective on his works.
Visiting the villages of the Luberon
North of Aix-en-Provence, the villages of the Luberon make a wonderful day trip. Start in Lourmarin: wander its narrow streets, relax on a café terrace and visit its château, whose Renaissance architecture reflects Provence’s rich heritage.
Continue to Cucuron, where the village pond, shaded by plane trees, is an inviting place to pause. Take time to explore the lanes and small squares. Enjoy the heritage and scenery of these two villages at your own pace.
Marseille, between culture and Mediterranean landscapes
A Day Trip to Marseille from Aix-en-Provence
Discover Marseille’s distinctive energy, from the Vieux-Port and the narrow streets of Le Panier to the Mucem and the views from Notre-Dame de la Garde. Continue along the Corniche Kennedy or to the Vallon des Auffes to enjoy the gentle pace of life by the sea.
LES BORDS DE MER: iconic address in Marseille
On the Corniche Kennedy, close to Plage des Catalans, this sea-view restaurant in Marseille serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine overlooking the bay and the Frioul islands.
On nice days, head to the rooftop to enjoy an aperitif facing the Mediterranean. With the Château d’If in the distance and the colors of the sunset, this place offers a beautiful break in your Marseille day.
Cassis, La Ciotat, The Blue Coast
Explore Cassis, La Ciotat and the Côte Bleue
Head to Cassis to stroll around the harbor, discover its terraced vineyards and admire the cliffs of the calanques. Continue to La Ciotat, a birthplace of cinema, for a break at Plage Lumière and a walk through Parc du Mugel.
West of Marseille, explore the Côte Bleue, its coves and villages facing the sea. From the small port of Niolon to the quays of Carry-le-Rouet and Sausset-les-Pins, combine your day with walks along the coast, lunch on the terrace, and swimming. A great day trip from Aix-en-Provence to discover the different faces of the Mediterranean.
Stay at Les Grands Carmes in the Heart of Aix-en-Provence
In the heart of Aix-en-Provence, Les Grands Carmes brings contemporary design and historic heritage together. Set on Place de Verdun, this boutique hotel offers 42 rooms and suites, Café Verdun and an L’Occitane spa. An ideal base for discovering the city and the landscapes of Provence.
Photo credits
Destination photos from Wikimedia Commons, resized and converted to WebP. Each image remains subject to its stated licence.
- Pavillon de Vendôme and its gardens in Aix-en-Provence — Eusebius — CC BY 3.0.
- Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence — Ladislaus Hoffner — CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Town Hall in the historic centre of Aix-en-Provence — Lsmpascal — CC BY-SA 3.0.
- Cézanne’s studio in Aix-en-Provence — Bjs — CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Vegetables and sunflowers at a market in Aix-en-Provence — DimiTalen — CC0.
- Montagne Sainte-Victoire near Aix-en-Provence — Sten van Houwelingen — CC BY-SA 4.0.
- The village of Lourmarin in the Luberon — Pieter van Everdingen — CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Marseille’s Old Port — Chensiyuan — CC BY-SA 4.0.
- The Mediterranean harbour of Cassis — Jean-Christophe BENOIST — CC BY 3.0.