Top 10 Things To Do In Aix-en-Provence


 

Say hello to Aix- en- Provence! As it’s fondly called, Aix is a college town to the South of France, where the pace is rather laid back. The local market, art and peaceful gardens make for a relaxed day or afternoon. Aix is known for its sophistication and culture, and beautiful landscapes that have actually been a source of contention- Aix fought to keep this. You get to enjoy it as you explore the 10 Top Ten Things To Do In Aix.

1. Old Aix

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence- by Daniel Arnold- Wikimedia Commons

A good place to start is visiting old Aix. This is where you’ll discover a good chunk of the city’ s treasures. From the Roman Sextius baths, the former palace of the Archbishops of Aix to the city’s old belfry, there’s a lot for you to discover.

The 18th-century fountain at the square with a Roman column at its center, coupled with the architecture of the town hall nearby are a sight to behold. You just might catch the fruit and vegetable market held at the square every morning. The Corn exchange at the square takes you back in time showing the importance of wheat trade in Aix once upon a time.

Marvel at the magnificent staircase adorned with interesting paintings by Jean Daret at the 1650 Hôtel de Châteaurenard. This is where young Louis XIV stayed during his visit to Provence in 1660. A few other hotels present at Old town will spark your interest while there.

2. Musée Granet

Galerie des sculptures- by Le Passant- Wikimedia Commons

This museum boasts a diverse collection from renowned artists such as Picasso, Kandinsky, Rembrandt, Rubens and Jacob Jordaens. The works exhibited are in the categories of painting, sculpture and archeology which you can see as you gallivant between the two buildings that house this massive museum.

Right next door to Musée Granet is a church that you could see right after.

3. Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte

Panoramique intérieure, église Saint Jean de Malte- by Jeanlouiszimmermann- Wikimedia Commons

This 13th-century church will enthral you with its gothic style beauty. The church was the first to be built in Aix-en- Provence.

You will note the 19th and 20th century windows that adorn this magnificent church as well as the paintings collected from other churches or donated privately. It’s evident that the building’s exterior and interior are well maintained, as replacements of its bits and pieces have been made over time.

4. Musée du Calisson

Enjoy the signature Aix treat, Calissons, as you visit the place where the magic happens. Calissons is candy made from fruit and almond paste, covered with a layer of icing. The vintage style packaging makes it easy and exciting to take home as a keepsake or as gifts.

Take a free tour of this factory any day Monday to Saturday, for real-time making of Calissons. You’ll also get to see acres of almond trees, as you get detailed steps of Calisson making. You could enjoy Aix- en- Provence delicacy at the Café de la Fabrique which is close by, after your factory tour.

5. Aix-en-Provence Opera Festival

A Opera Concert- by Culturespaces / Les chorégies- Wikimedia Commons

July is a good time to visit Aix- en- Provence, especially if you are an opera lover! This month-long international music festival will further your love for opera music as well as sample concerts of orchestral, chamber, vocal and solo instrumental music.

You’ll have a variety of venues to choose from which allows you to see the city as you enjoy the performances- visit the Théâtre de l’Archevêché, in the courtyard of the former archbishop’s palace,  the Théâtre du Grand Saint-Jean, in the grounds of a chateau near Aix, the 2007 Grand Théâtre de Provence, the Jeu de Paumes, a restored 18th-century theatre and the courtyard of the Hôtel Maynier d’Oppède, all during your opera show tour.

You can have a look at the programmes and purchase tickets online prior. Sometimes they do sell out!

6. Camp des Milles

Camps des Milles- by Cauchoisanthony- Wikimedia Commons

It will be quite the historical treat to visit the only large internment and deportation camp in the whole of France that is undamaged and open to the public. Camp des Milles was opened in September 1939, and artists, intellectuals, musicians and painters as well as ordinary citizens have been detained and imprisoned there. Names on the record include Fritz Brugel, Lion Feuchtwanger, William Herzog, Otto Fritz Meyerhof, Hans Bellmer among others.

Germans and ex- Austrians living in Marseille area were among the first to be interned at Camps des Milles. Jewish women also stayed there while on transit as they waited for their visas to emigrate or get deported. While this visit might get sombre, the historical information is priceless.

You can also catch a glimpse of the happenings at the camp by finding and watching the 1995 movie “Les Milles” which commemorates the camp at the time Armistice in June 1940.

7. Le Cours Mirabeau

Aix en Provence le cours Mirabeau- by Ketounette- Wikimedia Commons

Take an evening out on the town and visit the irresistible Le Cours Mirabeau. This boulevard comes alive with the daily markets set up, music and street performances. You can sit in a café and people watch or walk down the tree-lined streets taking in the sights and sounds. The fountains with statues are also picturesque adding to the charm of the streets.

8. Le Grand Marché

Le Grand Marché is the largest market in Aix. A visit here is a first-class ticket to Aix’s fresh produce as well as other items like textile. Sample an array of fruits, vegetables, meats, chutneys, cheeses, spices, fish and a lot more. You will also get the chance to pick up some items to bring home if you’d like such as earthenware, unusual objects, embroidery and fabric.

The market opens on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

9. Montagne Sainte-Victoire

Montagne_Sainte-Victoire- by Martpan- Wikimedia Commons

The renowned painter Paul Cézanne has painted the Montagne Sainte-Victoire many times over, taking advantage of the different angles it can be seen from, and its appearance at different times of day as he had a vantage point of it from his residence. A two-hour hike up this limestone mountain ridge will get you to the top for a closer view of what you may have seen on a painting of it.

In the 13th century, a chapel was constructed at the mountains’ summit; there’s a cross mounted on one of the peaks. While access to Montagne Sainte-Victoire is restricted in the summer, you might bump into other hikers, climbers and para gliders during unrestricted periods.

10. Le Terrain des Peintres

Le Terrain des peintres- by Guerinf- Wikimedia Commons

Paul Cézanne, the great painter of Aix- en- Provence and indeed France has influences evident throughout France and Aix- en-Provence. Apart from his works of landmarks such as the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the Bay of Marseilles among others, Le Terrain des Peintres is a park that you will find listed under Cézanne’s works, with over 80 renditions- he painted from this park as well in the latter days of his life.

Locals too visit the park looking for inspiration as they paint or sketch it. You could also have a go, or visit the park  to simply take a walk in or have a picnic at.

The park is on an incline, therefore while there you will have amazing views of the countryside and terrain.

 

Known as the shopping town, you definitely will come from your trip to Aix- en- Provence with memories and mementos. You also will have sampled the signature wines from there without necessarily having gone on a wine tour (though these are available).

There is a lot to see and do in Aix-en- Provence without necessarily breaking the bank.

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