Southern France is not one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations by chance; and just north of bustling Marseilles lies the charming spa town of Aix-en-Provence. Its hot springs have been a draw for visitors since the Roman days and its most famous resident, the painter Paul Cézanne, would look out over the same sloping landscape towards Montagne Sainte Victoire that we can view today. There’s definitely some great hiking to be had here as well.
Any idyllic vision you have about the French Mediterranean can be found in Aix. The café-jammed, tree-lined thoroughfare of Cours Mirabeau, the medieval Cathédrale Saint Sauveur, the city’s countless ornate fountains and the ancient hot springs themselves are all contributing elements to the overall impression of the ‘good life’.
Assuring its status as a proper town of culture, Aix has a bit of everything. Any day can be filled with various sights and sounds, smells and tastes. The Mazarin district offers a counterbalance from the posh Cours Maribeau, with its preserved townhouses; and the old town, Vieille Ville, has a real down-to-earth feel with its quaint markets and tiny shops.
Highlights
La Grande Randonnée: this excellent hiking trail will take you over Montagne Sainte Victoire and down through valleys and winding forest paths.
Sextius Baths: just north of the town and next to the original Roman baths site are the Sextius Baths, nestled in a small woodland area. These are guaranteed to ease any muscles strained from hiking through the hills.
Cours Mirabeau: the main drag offers more choices for eating than you will know what do with and also sports more fountains than you’ll care to photograph.
Musée Granet: what’s a trip to a historical French town without a look in the local museum? Lucky for you Aix-en-Provence was Cézanne’s hometown, so this museum is well stocked with the master’s wares.