Tips on how to Plan a Journey to Aix-en-Provence

As a journey author with a passion for the South of France, my love of its quaint hilltop villages, lavender fields, glimmering seashores, and under-the-radar islands is well-documented. However this enchanting area has extra than simply pastoral pleasures in retailer for guests. The college metropolis of Aix-en-Provence, or just Aix (pronounced just like the letter X), feels fairly cosmopolitan with leafy boulevards, 18th-century mansions, and stylish retailers which have earned it nicknames just like the “twenty first arrondissement” or the “Paris of Provence.” Its grand thoroughfare Cours Mirabeau appears like a movie set with leafy bushes, historic fountains (Aix can be referred to as “town of a thousand fountains”), and sidewalk cafés. Artwork buffs will benefit from the many museums. The big pupil inhabitants imbues a youthful spirit. And the nice year-round climate — with over 300 days of sunshine, on common — encourages eating al fresco on the many beautiful restaurant terraces.

Right here’s how you can plan the proper journey to Aix-en-Provence.

Greatest Motels & Resorts

Villa Gallici

A Florentine-style mansion with a Provençal soul, Villa Gallici exudes magnificence and grandeur. The five-star Relais & Châteaux property pairs opulent interiors (suppose: rooms lined in floral wallpaper, glimmering chandeliers, and luxurious materials) and landscaped grounds. The lounger-framed pool terrace and sculpture-dotted non-public backyard are perfect for basking within the sunshine.

Château de la Gaude

Château de la Gaude, a gorgeous 18th-century bastide-turned-high-end Relais & Châteaux resort, places an emphasis on the deeply French pleasures of gastronomy, wine, and artwork. The laid-back tempo encourages you to linger over a plate of Cavaillon melon and cured ham with a glass of completely chilled rosé on the Michelin-rated restaurant earlier than admiring Bernar Venet’s work within the backyard.

La Villa St. Ange

For one thing intimate and trendy that’s inside strolling distance of sights and purchasing, flip your consideration to La Villa St. Ange. The five-star resort gives 34 rooms and suites adorned with patterned screens, silk curtains, tufted velvet sofas, and decorative ceiling moldings, plus an outside swimming pool, an atmospheric cocktail bar, and a celebrated restaurant.

Hôtel Le Pigonnet

Surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens full of aromatic flowers, fountains, and topiaries, Hôtel Le Pigonnet gives a pastoral oasis inside the metropolis limits. Whereas having fun with provençale delicacies on a terrace shaded by century-old chestnut bushes and swimming within the out of doors pool, it’s simple to neglect that Cours Mirabeau and Aix Cathedral are only a 20-minute stroll away.

Les Lodges Saint-Victoire

It’s unattainable to not get swept up within the pure magnificence and serenity of Les Lodges Saint-Victoire. The bucolic five-hectare property punctuated by olive bushes, grape vines, and gardens is the perfect setting for a leisurely, sun-drenched vacation. Leisure is available in many varieties, together with getting a therapeutic massage on the spa, floating within the adults-only pool, or treating your tastebuds to dishes on the Michelin-starred restaurant.

Greatest Issues to Do

Stroll down Cours Mirabeau.

Initially inbuilt 1650 to accommodate horse-drawn carts, Cours Mirabeau is a large, tree-lined thoroughfare that’s lengthy been an emblem of town. Sophie Epton, a photographer primarily based in Aix-en-Provence and the U.S., suggests beginning on the Fontaine de la Rotonde and strolling to the tip of the boulevard. “Don’t neglect to seize a brioche or buttery croissant at Pâtisserie Béchard.”

Seize afternoon tea at Hôtel de Caumont.

Hôtel de Caumont, an artwork heart housed inside a resplendent 18th-century residence within the Mazarin district, reveals off elegantly appointed interiors, manicured French gardens, and an idyllic courtyard. “Uncover the particular exhibitions and keep for afternoon tea with pâtisserie within the salon or out of doors terrace,” says Matteo Labre, concierge at Villa Gallici.

Browse the gathering at Musée Granet.

One of many first public museums in France, Musée Granet boasts a powerful assortment of almost 600 work and sculptures. Among the many many highlights are works by Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, and Provence native Paul Cézanne.

Take a strolling tour.

Whereas it is beautiful to wander alongside the slender streets, probably the greatest methods to actually get to know Aix — and absorb its magnificence — is a guided strolling tour. “Between the historic mansions (the well-known hôtel particuliers), squares, and fountains, there’s a lot to study and admire,” provides Epton.

Choose up a memento on the native markets.

Aix is legendary for its markets. “All around the metropolis, you’ll discover totally different distributors for every part from woven baskets and antiques to regional gourmand merchandise and contemporary, seasonal produce. Epton urges guests to not miss the clothes and artisanal items market held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays alongside Cours Mirabeau.

Greatest Eating places

Grenache

“A gem within the coronary heart of Aix, Grenache serves seasonal, fashionable French meals that’s approachable and completely scrumptious,” says Epton. “The menu modifications steadily, aside from one dessert referred to as Chocolat, a decadent chocolate mousse that’s a must-order!”

Gallifet

Housed in the course of a shaded courtyard that’s a part of a recent artwork gallery, Gallifet (open June 1 to Oct. 1) impresses diners with harvest-driven dishes that seem like artistic endeavors. “It’s positively a spot the place cool, hip locals congregate,” provides Epton.

Kava

Recognized by locals and clued-in vacationers as the very best place for brunch in Aix, Kava is a walk-in-only eatery that makes a speciality of all of the morning and mid-day must-haves: espresso, sweets, and savory dishes. There’s additionally a collection of biodynamic wine in the event you’re within the temper. Epton’s go-to order? The pulled pork pancakes, which she says will “have you ever virtually licking your plate.”

Sauvage

Hailed as one of the vital thrilling locations to eat in Aix, Sauvage is a high-quality eating restaurant that doesn’t lose sight of enjoyable. Chef Loïc Pétri, who earned his stripes working in Paris earlier than returning to Provence, whips up impressed prix-fixe menus that pair surprising flavors and textures to the delight of diners.

L’Incontournable

For a memorable lunch or dinner, Labre recommends L’Incontournable. The meals and repair are each glorious, and patrons can savor creatively introduced twists on French classics within the fashionable eating room or at one of many terrace tables that flank a historic fountain.

Greatest Procuring

Souleiado

A real Provençal model, Souleiado (which Princess Diana placed on the map when she wore one of many totes in 1981) sells every part from attire and fitted tops to scarves and baggage made out of their colourful, signature prints.

Fragonard

“Strolling into Fragonard will flood you with magnificence, coloration, and inspiration,” says Epton. The superbly displayed perfumes and cosmetics make the shop seem like a jewel field, and the textiles — lengthy flowy attire, kaftans, kimonos, and tunics — are gorgeous as effectively.

Maison Brémond 1830

Maison Brémond 1830 shares all types of regional merchandise, from honey and jam to olive oil and truffle salt. It’s significantly well-known for calissons, a housemade specialty confectionery that consists of floor almonds and candied melon.

Puyricard

Chocolaterie de Puyricard is an incredible chocolatier in Aix, named after the close by village the place the manufacturing unit is situated. The store makes every part from decadent truffles that seem like little gems to marshmallows, caramels, and candied fruit. Everybody will discover a candy deal with to like.

Casanera

“Whereas Casanera has a gorgeous assortment of perfumes, what I actually love is the jewellery. The colourful and uniquely designed items give the vibe of a getaway to St. Tropez blended with the fabulous trend sense of Aix,” says Epton.

Greatest Time to Go to

Spring (April via early June) and fall (particularly September and October) are the very best instances to go to, in response to Labre. Aix will get fairly scorching and busy in the summertime months, so it’s higher to return throughout shoulder season when it’s cooler and fewer crowded.

Tips on how to Get There

The best technique to attain Aix is both flying into Marseille Provence Airport (it’s about half-hour from town) or taking the three-hour high-speed prepare from Paris to the Aix-en-Provence TGV station (a brief bus experience from town heart).

Tips on how to Get Round

When you get right here, central Aix is walkable. “Exploring on foot means that you can marvel in any respect the attractive structure, [which] evokes the sensation of being in a Vincent Van Gogh portray,” says Epton. Planning to take day journeys to go to the numerous charming cities and countryside locations all through Provence? You may wish to lease a automobile.