Destination guide

Aix-en-Provence – a thinker's welcome to Provence

Prepare to exercise the brain cells in studious Aix-en-Provence. Even the babbling fountains in this patchwork of 17th-century mansions, soaring belfries and neoclassical boulevards are usually enough to turn the head and get you thinking. Artistic and grand, there's more than 40 water features across town, a legacy of its Roman heritage. Relaxing in the shade of the plane trees of Cours Mirabeau is where you'll discover the folk from the local university knocking back espressos and chin wagging philosophy and painting. And then there are the museums, awash with masterpieces by Cezanne – born here in 1839 – and ancient relics alike. Aix-en-Provence holiday rentals await.

Things to do

Museums abound in Aix-en-Provence

Once you're done weaving between the cafes and gilded fountains, Aix-en-Provence's more cerebral side awaits. It's got all the enthralling exhibits you'd expect of the onetime home of the revered French master Paul Cezanne. Start at the Hotel de Caumont, a handsome 18th-century mansion that's laden with sumptuous interiors and world-class touring collections. The Granet Museum should be next on the list, with its impressionist wonders – Cezanne included – and venerable menagerie of pre-Roman relics related to local Celtic tribes.

Activities

Getting lost in the streets of Aix-en-Provence

Turn one corner and you're shrouded by centuries-old mansions dressed in honey-coloured stone. Turn another and there's the bustle of the Cours Mirabeau, an almost impressionist medley of moving people and buzzing Parisian cafes. These are the pleasures of getting lost in the historic heart of Aix-en-Provence. You'll discover local flower markets wafting the scent of Provencal lavender into the arcades. You'll find bubbling fountains ringed by aperitif spots offering you the chance to imbibe some potent local pastis. You'll uncover crooked squares and formidable lion statues. It's a joy.

Weather

A climate to fall for in Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence really does have a climate to envy. Warm summers regularly see the mercury rise to over 30 degrees, not to mention hardly any rain at all – prime time if you're looking for a villa with a pool in the surrounding Provencal countryside. What's more, while the crowds drop off, things stay hot for autumn and warm up early in spring. That makes months like May, September and October a welcome choice for booking Aix-en-Provence holiday rentals on the doorstep of the boulevards and museums.

Natural features

Surveying the region from Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is tucked into the southern lowlands of France, surrounded by beautiful swathes of lavender fields and meadows scented with wild thyme. Such a gorgeous location makes it important to escape the city, which can be done with ease thanks to the proximity of the Montaigne Sainte-Victoire to the east. This rugged ridge of limestone looms above the pine woods. Explore the curious tiny chapel, built into a hermit's cave, and admire the sweeping views of Provence – no wonder it was a muse for Cezanne. Alternatively, the vast Luberon Natural Regional Park beckons with rolling hills, river gorges and prehistoric caves to the north.

How to get there

Transport to and around Aix-en-Provence

Fly into Marseille (MRS-Marseille - Provence), the closest airport, located 12.5 mi (20.2 km) from the city centre. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you can also fly into Avignon (AVN-Caumont), which is 37.9 mi (61 km) away.

If you're travelling by train, Aix-en-Provence Station, Gardanne Station and Simiane Station are the main stations in the city.

How many holiday rentals are available around Aix-en-Provence?

Our 2019 accommodation listings offer a large selection of 2,191 holiday lettings around Aix-en-Provence. From 443 Villas to 991 Houses, find unique self catering accommodation for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends for a long holiday or a weekend break.

What is the best area to stay when travelling to Aix-en-Provence?

Whether you are travelling solo or with family and friends, here are the areas with the largest selection of holiday accommodations for a long holiday or just a weekend break in Aix-en-Provence:

  • Plateau de Puyricard: 1,266 holiday homes
  • Centre Ville: 319 holiday homes
  • Nord: 419 holiday homes
  • Grand Sud: 235 holiday homes
  • Couronne Urbaine: 414 holiday homes

For other neighbourhoods, please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday rentals available.

What are the most popular points of interest and landmarks to stay near when travelling to Aix-en-Provence?

HomeAway offers a large selection of holiday accommodations near great places in Aix-en-Provence. From HomeAway travellers, the most popular points of interest to stay near are:

  • Les Allees Provencales: 4,331 holiday lettings
  • Aix-en-Provence Station: 4,353 holiday lettings
  • La Rotonde - Place General Charles De Gaulle: 4,316 holiday lettings
  • Place d'Hotel de Ville: 4,291 holiday lettings
  • Cours Mirabeau: 4,302 holiday lettings

But there are many other points of interest around Aix-en-Provence listed on HomeAway where you can find your place to stay. Please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday rentals available near the point of interest of your choice.

Can I rent Villas in Aix-en-Provence?

Yes, of course. HomeAway offers 443 Villas in Aix-en-Provence. Our other popular types of Aix-en-Provence holiday rentals include:

  • Houses: 991 self catering accommodations
  • Cottages: 56 self catering accommodations
  • Bungalows: 56 self catering accommodations

But you can also enjoy a great stay in one of our other holiday rentals including Farmhouses and more.

Can I find a holiday accommodation with pool in Aix-en-Provence?

Yes, you can select your preferred holiday accommodation with pool among our 1,387 holiday homes with pool available in Aix-en-Provence. Please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday rentals available.

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