Discover Aix-en-Provence: Things to Do in Cézanne’s City of Fountains

Aix-en-Provence was the lifelong home of Paul Cézanne, and his presence is everywhere. Visit the Atelier de Cézanne where he painted his final works, follow the bronze "C" markers through the streets, and discover the Jas de Bouffan estate and the Bibémus quarries that inspired some of his greatest canvases.

Stroll the elegant, plane-tree-lined Cours Mirabeau, the beating heart of Aix, lined with cafés, historic mansions, and ornate fountains. Aix is famously known as the city of a thousand fountains, and wandering the old town reveals mossy basins, hidden squares, and centuries of Provençal charm at every turn.

Aix's daily markets are a feast for the senses. Browse fruit, cheese, soaps, and flowers at Place Richelme and along the Cours Mirabeau, then taste the city's signature calissons – diamond-shaped almond and candied-melon sweets. Pair long Provençal lunches with a glass of chilled local rosé.

Beyond Cézanne, Aix is rich in art and heritage. Admire European masterpieces at the Musée Granet, see major exhibitions at the Hôtel de Caumont Art Centre, and explore the grand 17th-century townhouses of the Quartier Mazarin. Saint-Sauveur Cathedral blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles in one striking building.

Just east of the city rises Mont Sainte-Victoire, the limestone ridge Cézanne painted more than 80 times. Take a scenic drive through vineyards and villages, hike its panoramic trails, or simply enjoy sweeping views over the Provençal countryside that has inspired artists for generations.

The historic heart of Aix-en-Provence is a maze of narrow lanes, shady squares, and stone fountains. Stay here for easy access to Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, the morning markets, and the Cours Mirabeau, plus some of the city's most atmospheric cafés, boutiques, and restaurants right on your doorstep.

Just south of the Cours Mirabeau, the elegant Mazarin quarter is an easy-to-navigate grid of 17th-century townhouses, leafy streets, and refined museums. Quieter than the old town but only minutes away on foot, it's ideal for travellers seeking calm, character, and proximity to the Musée Granet.

Anchored by the grand Fontaine de la Rotonde, this lively area marks the gateway to the old town. The Cours Mirabeau, lined with century-old plane trees, fountains, and café terraces, is the city's social hub – perfect for people-watching, evening drinks, and soaking up Aix's relaxed Provençal rhythm.

Centred on the wide, café-filled Place des Cardeurs, this corner of the old town comes alive in the evenings. Independent bars, bistros, and terraces make it one of Aix's favourite spots for aperitifs and dinner, with a youthful, convivial atmosphere just steps from the main sights.

To the west of the old town, the Sextius-Mirabeau district mixes modern architecture, the Cité du Livre cultural centre, and the Thermes Sextius spa built on Aix's original Roman thermal springs. It's a convenient, contemporary base with parks, shops, and easy access to the historic core.

On the city's western edge lies the Jas de Bouffan, the Cézanne family estate that the artist painted again and again. This greener, residential area offers a quieter stay close to Cézanne heritage sites and the routes leading out towards Mont Sainte-Victoire and the surrounding countryside.

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Just 30 minutes away, France's vibrant second city pairs the lively Vieux-Port with the hilltop basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, the striking MuCEM museum, and a famous seafood and harbour scene.

Around an hour south, the pretty fishing port of Cassis is the gateway to the Calanques National Park, with turquoise inlets, dramatic white cliffs, and scenic boat trips along the Mediterranean coast.

Reachable in about 20 minutes by TGV, the walled city of Avignon is home to the UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes, the famous Pont d'Avignon, and a beautifully preserved medieval old town.

Direct buses reach picture-perfect hilltop villages such as Lourmarin, Gordes, and Bonnieux, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and summer lavender fields – the postcard image of rural Provence.

The limestone ridge immortalised by Cézanne lies just east of Aix, offering scenic drives, rewarding hiking trails, and sweeping panoramic views over the vineyards and villages of the Provençal countryside.

An hour west, Arles dazzles with remarkably preserved Roman monuments, Van Gogh heritage, and a lively Provençal atmosphere on the banks of the Rhône – a UNESCO World Heritage gem.