We invite you to imagine an extended weekend bathed in sunshine, where every alley hides a fountain and every square breathes Provence... Here you are: welcome to Aix-en-Provence! Wondering what to do in Aix-en-Provence over a weekend? Between strolling along the Cours Mirabeau, Paul Cézanne's legacy and local delicacies such as calisson, the city surprised us with 1001 surprises. We discovered a warm and welcoming atmosphere, far removed from that of neighboring Marseille. So, are you ready to succumb to Aix's charm? Just two or three days are all it takes to enjoy an escapade full of discoveries!
Day 1: What can you do in Aix-en-Provence in a weekend? Downtown Aix-en-Provence
Many of Aix-en-Provence's must-sees can be found in the city center. And that's where we started!
Morning: Fontaine de la Rotonde, Cours Mirabeau, church and Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
What better way to start than face-to-face with the majestic Fontaine de la Rotonde. Its statues, fountains and stone lions greet us as if to say: "Welcome to Aix! From here, the Cours Mirabeau draws our attention, stretching as far as the eye can see, more welcoming than ever. Far from the impersonal arteries of some big cities, this one is shaded by plane trees, where elegant facades and lively terraces mingle. We can't get enough! It's impossible not to slow down, such is the atmosphere that invites you to savor the moment.
Further on, heading slightly north, we come across the Madeleine church. While its façade is an eye-catcher, it's inside that you'll find its hidden art treasures. Did you know that Cézanne was baptizedhere? Once our little tour is over, we continue our stroll until we reach the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, with its clock tower. In short, it's already been a busy morning, and the surprises aren't over yet!
Activities to book: Come aboard Aix-en-Provence's 100% electric train for a cultural journey through the heart of the city, with its heritage, fountains and Provencal art of living by booking here.
Afternoon: Mazarin district and Granet museum
After a busy morning, head for the Mazarin district. Here, it's a change of scenery from the hustle and bustle of the Cours to the checkerboard streets lined withprivate mansions! Rue Cardinale, undoubtedly the most beautiful, immediately charms us with its elegant facades and the Quatre Dauphins fountain, a veritable Baroque gem. One thing's for sure: it's easy to get caught up in the chic, peaceful ambience of this 17th-century district designed for the nobility and parliamentarians.
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As we wind our way through the narrow streets, the church of Saint-Jean de Malte raises its slender steeple before our eyes, like an arrow reaching for the sky. Never say no to an interesting visit! Next door, the famous granet Museum awaits us. From Renaissance primitives to twentieth-century moderns, the collections are spread across bright, beautifully renovated rooms. We're totally amazed by the works of Cézanne, Monet, Picasso, Giacometti and Van Gogh... Yes, yes, what a great bunch!
Good to know: allow two or three hours to visit the Musée Granet, as the collection is so rich! But you've got plenty of time, as it's open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (except Thursdays, from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.).
Day 2: What can you do in Aix-en-Provence over the weekend? Cathedral, Paul Cézanne and Fondation Vasarely
Our weekend in Aix-en-Provence continues north of the city center and a little further west. In any case, we never stray too far!
Activities to book: Taste local specialties on this walking tour of the Place Richelme and Place des Prêcheurs markets in Aix-en-Provence. For those with a sweet tooth, don 't miss this unique culinary tour of Aix-en-Provence, including numerous tastings (aioli, crunchy almonds, lavender ice cream, anchovy paste...)
Morning: Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur and Paul Cézanne's studio
This new day gets off to a great start at Saint-Sauveur Cathedral. Surprisingly, Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque facades stand side by side in a patchwork of history. We invite you to raise your head and take in the sculpted details that bear witness to its history, from ancient foundations to medieval capitals. The interior initially seemed a little austere. But in the end, the light highlights some unique treasures, including the famous triptych of the Burning Bush.
However, our most moving stop awaited us a little higher up, on the hill of Les Lauves: Paul Cézanne's studio. Recently restored, it has regained all its authenticity! You can almost tiptoe in, so much so that the place still seems inhabited by the master... His palette, his familiar objects, his large canvases: everything here exudes creative genius! And as a bonus, we were delighted to plunge into the light-filled garden, which gives us a better understanding of where his inspiration came from.
Good to know: the cathedral is open every day, and the renovated Cézanne studio has been open to visitors since summer 2025.
Afternoon: Bastide du Jas de Bouffan and Fondation Vasarely
In the afternoon, we head for the bastide du Jas de Bouffanthe family home of the famous local painter. In the large Provençal kitchen, Madame Cézanne's bedroom and his very first studio, we almost had the impression that he had just left the room to go and paint in the park... What emotion! And what a pleasure it was, too, to walk along these light-filled paths, rediscovering here and there the landscapes that inspired some of his most famous canvases!
At the end of the day, it's time for a complete change of universe: we're off to the Vasarely Foundation, where geometric shapes and optical illusions take center stage. The building itself, designed by Vasarely, resembles an immense futuristic jigsaw puzzle. Inside, we moved through sixteen monumental alveoli, housing works that seem to move before our very eyes. It's hypnotic, almost playful, and you come away with a head full of psychedelic motifs.
Petit Futé Tip: if the Jas de Bouffan and the Vasarely Foundation don't interest you, treat yourself to an afternoon of well-being at the Thermes Sextius. Relaxation guaranteed!
Day 3: What to do in Aix-en-Provence over the weekend? Parc Jourdan and Mont Sainte-Victoire
Are you lucky enough to be able to treat yourself to an extended weekend in Aix-en-Provence? Well, we've still got a few surprises up our sleeves for you!
Morning: Parc Jourdan and Hôtel de Caumont
For our last morning in Aix, there's nothing like a green interlude in the Parc Jourdan! We first pass under the imposing gate giving access to the park, before walking along an avenue lined with lime trees leading to a water mirror. Simply magnificent! Quite simply, everything here exudes French elegance... A little further up, the scenery changes: the romantic garden welcomes us with its lawns, sandy paths and monumental double staircase. With statues, busts of Mistral or Zola, and children playing in the landscaped area, the place is both lively and soothing. It's easy to see why the people of Aix love it!
After this breath of fresh air, we head for theHôtel de Caumont. What do we discover? A little gem from the XVIIIᵉ century, with sublime aristocratic architecture. Add to that a fine artistic program, and we're in for an exciting cultural and historical visit! Two major temporary exhibitions punctuate the year, but we also have fond memories of the film "Cézanne au Pays d'Aix", shown in its auditorium. The visit ends in the Café Caumont, whose terrace overlooks shady gardens.
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Afternoon: Mont Sainte-Victoire
When we were looking for something to do in Aix-en-Provence over a long weekend, we couldn't resist the siren call of Mont Sainte-Victoire! And with good reason: Cézanne himself had made it his muse. The walks, on well-marked paths, immersed us in nature, while allowing us to discover here and there part of the local religious heritage, with the Sainte-Victoire priory and the Saint-Ser hermitage. The highest point is the Pic des Mouches. If you make it that far, you'll be rewarded with a sumptuous panorama that embraces the plains of the Pays d'Aix.
We recommend this 3-hour electric mountain bike tour around Mont Sainte-Victoire.
Good to know: if hiking doesn't appeal to you and you're traveling with the family, there's another option for this last afternoon: the Indian Forest Park and its accrobranche courses. You can also book a visit to an oil mill, followed by an olive oil tasting.
Where to stay in Aix-en-Provence for a weekend? Our selection of the best hotels
Most of Aix-en-Provence's hotels are located in the city center. This is ideal if you want to do all your sightseeing on foot, without needing to take the car for everything, even if it is sometimes necessary. Quieter hotels can be found beyond the Vasarely foundation or towards Mont Sainte-Victoire.
- The quietest
Quiet reigns at Domaine GaoGaïa, set back from the city center. Of course, you'll need your car for sightseeing, but the atmosphere, the swimming pool and the magnificent grounds are well worth the effort!
- Best value for money
We found calm, elegance and modernity at theHotel Birdy, located south of the city center. When we booked here, we were seduced by the large swimming pool and magnificent garden: zero disappointment!
- The cheapest
If you're looking for an inexpensive hotel in Aix-en-Provence that isn't part of a major chain,Hôtel Paul is a good choice. Ideally located in the city center, this hotel, which can be booked here, also boasts a pleasant garden.
Now you're ready to discover a magnificent city with plenty to see and do! But beware: Aix-en-Provence is one of the cities most affected by overtourism. We therefore advise you to visit outside school vacation periods, or at least not in summer, to avoid the crowds. And of course, Aix-en-Provence is also renowned for its gourmet delights! The speciality of Aix-en-Provence is undoubtedly the famous Calisson! Sweet and delicious, don't miss out on this delicious treat. That's why we recommend a guided tour of "Le Secret du Calisson" during your weekend in Aix-en-Provence.
Book ahead below for the hottest things to do during your stay in Aix-en-Provence:
