The way to Plan a Journey to Aix-en-Provence

As a journey author with a keenness 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 seems like a movie set with leafy bushes, historic fountains (Aix can be referred to as “the 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 pretty restaurant terraces.

Right here’s methods to plan the right journey to Aix-en-Provence.

Greatest Accommodations & 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 opulent materials) and landscaped grounds. The lounger-framed pool terrace and sculpture-dotted personal backyard are perfect for basking within the sunshine.

Château de la Gaude

Château de la Gaude, a wonderful 18th-century bastide-turned-high-end Relais & Châteaux lodge, 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 procuring, flip your consideration to La Villa St. Ange. The five-star lodge presents 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 stuffed with aromatic flowers, fountains, and topiaries, Hôtel Le Pigonnet offers a pastoral oasis throughout the metropolis limits. Whereas having fun with provençale delicacies on a terrace shaded by century-old chestnut bushes and swimming within the outside 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 best setting for a leisurely, sun-drenched vacation. Leisure is available in many kinds, 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 the 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 top 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 middle housed inside a resplendent 18th-century residence within the Mazarin district, exhibits 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 outside 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 formidable assortment of practically 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 pretty to wander alongside the slim streets, top-of-the-line methods to essentially get to know Aix — and soak up its magnificence — is a guided strolling tour. “Between the historic mansions (the well-known hôtel particuliers), squares, and fountains, there’s a lot to be taught and respect,” provides Epton.

Decide up a memento on the native markets.

Aix is legendary for its markets. “All around the metropolis, one can find completely different distributors for every little thing from woven baskets and antiques to regional connoisseur 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, trendy French meals that’s approachable and completely scrumptious,” says Epton. “The menu adjustments incessantly, 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 appear to be artworks. “It’s undoubtedly a spot the place cool, hip locals congregate,” provides Epton.

Kava

Recognized by locals and clued-in vacationers as the perfect place for brunch in Aix, Kava is a walk-in-only eatery that focuses on all of the morning and mid-day must-haves: espresso, sweets, and savory dishes. There’s additionally a number 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 probably the most 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 wonderful, and patrons can savor creatively introduced twists on French classics within the trendy eating room or at one of many terrace tables that flank a historic fountain.

Greatest Purchasing

Souleiado

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

Fragonard

“Strolling into Fragonard will flood you with magnificence, coloration, and inspiration,” says Epton. The fantastically displayed perfumes and cosmetics make the shop appear to be a jewel field, and the textiles — lengthy flowy clothes, kaftans, kimonos, and tunics — are gorgeous as nicely.

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 a tremendous chocolatier in Aix, named after the close by village the place the manufacturing unit is situated. The store makes every little thing from decadent truffles that appear to be little gems to marshmallows, caramels, and candied fruit. Everybody will discover a candy deal with to like.

Casanera

“Whereas Casanera has a wonderful 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 combined with the fabulous vogue sense of Aix,” says Epton.

Greatest Time to Go to

Spring (April via early June) and fall (particularly September and October) are the perfect occasions to go to, in line with 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.

The way to Get There

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

The way to Get Round

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