Known as "mini Paris," Aix-en-Provence sits in the heart of the Provence region, known for its charm, lavender, wine, and unique signature cuisine. Spend time exploring these claims to fame with cooking classes, wine tastings, drives through lavender fields, and walking tours. Then head out into the countryside and discover more Provençal charm, such as in the city of Avignon, the scenic hilltop villages of Luberon, or the impressive Verdon Canyon.

Getting Oriented

Sainte Victoire Mountain near Aix-en-Provence.

With its unique surrounding environment, charming cobbled streets, picturesque architecture, and endless fields of lavender and vineyards, it's easy to understand why so many visitors love Aix-en-Provence (often referred to as just "Aix." Besides sitting in the heart of Provence, the city also earned the nickname "mini Paris" and features its own signature cuisine. And thanks to its relatively mild climate, you can visit Aix-en-Provence and its surrounding region at any time of the year. Thus, its appeal is truly endless!

Set in southeastern France, Aix-en-Provence blends a few different aspects of French culture. Its historic city center offers glimpses into the region's history and art, while its agriculture combines lavender with wine, olive oil, and fresh produce. In addition, the city provides quick links to its famed nature, including limestone mountain peaks, idyllic coastal inlets, and the jaw-dropping Verdon Gorge (sometimes called the Grand Canyon of Europe).

Explore the City

Known as one of the most beautiful cities in France, you could easily spend an entire day strolling through Aix-en-Provence and its charming streets.

Aix-en-Provence Walking Tour

The charming streets of Aix.

Join a local and explore the streets of Aix-en-Provence. Along the way, reveal the culture, heritage, and art of Provence's most beautiful city. Highlights include the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, a Romanesque/Gothic church built on an ancient Greek temple to Apollo, the 14th-century Town Hall (known locally as the Hotel de Ville), and the Cours Mirabeau, a busy thoroughfare lined with leafy trees, markets, and cafés. Read More

Plan your trip to France
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get Started

Food & Wine in the Countryside

Food and wine will take center stage with any trip to Aix, especially considering its gorgeous surroundings. However, if you haven't tried the region's signature Provençal cuisine, the best way to experience it is with a hands-on cooking class and a wine tour or two.

Provençal Cooking Class in Aix-en-Provence

Learn how to cook Provençal cuisine at a cooking class.

Provence is known for its signature Provençal cuisine, one filled with traditional recipes. After a trip to the famed markets of Aix-en-Provence to select your fresh and local ingredients, you'll drive through the scenic Montaiguet Forest to a cozy chateau for a cooking class. With the help of a passionate chef, create several recipes featuring regional goods and wild herbs. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a glass of local wine and conversation with your host. Read More

Wine Tour in Luberon

Vineyards and hills of Luberon.

The countryside surrounding Aix-en-Provence is one to behold. With endless vineyards stretching across valleys and idyllic hilltop villages, the Luberon Region is worth an afternoon of exploring. Start with two wine tastings in the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire vineyards, enjoying full-bodied reds and elegant rosés. Then discover a few of the region's beautiful hilltop villages, including Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Roussillon, and Gordes. Read More

Historic Towns, Cities, & Gorges

Although it's tempting to spend your entire time in Aix-en-Provence, a large part of the city's appeal is its surrounding region of Provence, especially the other historic towns, villages, and incredible nature.

Avignon & Hilltop Villages of the Luberon

The historic Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge in Avignon.

Explore the medieval city of Avignon and the idyllic hilltop villages of Luberon. Start in Avignon with its UNESCO Le Palais des Papes and the Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge. You can also tour the Avignon Cathedral, Doms Garden, Saint Pierre Basilica, and the Place de l'Horloge. Then head to the postcard-worthy villages of L'Isle Sur la Sorgue and Gordes. Read More

Verdon Canyon & Moustiers Sainte Marie

One of France's most beautiful villages, Moustiers Sainte Marie.

Visit two of Provence's most beautiful sites: the quaint village of Moustiers Sainte Marie and the incredible Verdon Gorge, the largest canyon in Europe. Known for its pottery trade, you'll start with a hands-on ceramics workshop in the village, then head into the Verdon Gorge. With its vibrant turquoise water, you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, hiking, or rock climbing in this canyon, which reaches 2,296 feet in depth in some places. Read More

How to Craft the Perfect Aix-en-Provence Itinerary

Lavender fields and vineyards in Aix-en-Provence.

As the heart of Provence, you can easily combine a trip to Aix-en-Provence with the rest of the region and some of its neighboring areas. The city is close to Marseille (France's oldest city), the French Riviera, the French Alps, and the Rhône Valley wine region. When deciding how many days to spend in Provence, consider which of these areas you'd like to see. A good rule of thumb is at least two days in Aix-en-Provence, about 3-5 days in Provence, and around one week in southeastern France. 

But to get the full cultural picture of France, many visitors like to combine north and south. You can visit Paris, pop over to Normandy or the Loire Valley, then make your way south to Provence via the Alps and/or the Riviera. If you'd like to plan something like this, give yourself at least two weeks in France. 

Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following itineraries that include experiences in Aix-en-Provence: