How one can Plan a Journey to Aix-en-Provence

As a journey author with a passion for the South of France, my love of its quaint hilltop villages, lavender fields, glimmering seashores, and under-the-radar islands is well-documented. However this enchanting area has extra than simply pastoral pleasures in retailer for guests. The college metropolis of Aix-en-Provence, or just Aix (pronounced just like the letter X), feels fairly cosmopolitan with leafy boulevards, 18th-century mansions, and stylish outlets which have earned it nicknames just like the “twenty first arrondissement” or the “Paris of Provence.” Its grand thoroughfare Cours Mirabeau appears like a movie set with leafy timber, historic fountains (Aix can also be known as “town of a thousand fountains”), and sidewalk cafés. Artwork buffs will benefit from the many museums. The big scholar inhabitants imbues a youthful spirit. And the nice year-round climate — with over 300 days of sunshine, on common — encourages eating al fresco on the many beautiful restaurant terraces.

Right here’s methods to plan the proper journey to Aix-en-Provence.

Greatest Inns & Resorts

Villa Gallici

A Florentine-style mansion with a Provençal soul, Villa Gallici exudes magnificence and grandeur. The five-star Relais & Châteaux property pairs opulent interiors (assume: rooms coated in floral wallpaper, glimmering chandeliers, and luxurious materials) and landscaped grounds. The lounger-framed pool terrace and sculpture-dotted personal backyard are perfect for basking within the sunshine.

Château de la Gaude

Château de la Gaude, an attractive 18th-century bastide-turned-high-end Relais & Châteaux lodge, places an emphasis on the deeply French pleasures of gastronomy, wine, and artwork. The laid-back tempo encourages you to linger over a plate of Cavaillon melon and cured ham with a glass of completely chilled rosé on the Michelin-rated restaurant earlier than admiring Bernar Venet’s work within the backyard.

La Villa St. Ange

For one thing intimate and trendy that’s inside strolling distance of sights and buying, flip your consideration to La Villa St. Ange. The five-star lodge affords 34 rooms and suites embellished with patterned screens, silk curtains, tufted velvet sofas, and decorative ceiling moldings, plus an out of doors swimming pool, an atmospheric cocktail bar, and a celebrated restaurant.

Hôtel Le Pigonnet

Surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens full of aromatic flowers, fountains, and topiaries, Hôtel Le Pigonnet supplies a pastoral oasis throughout the metropolis limits. Whereas having fun with provençale delicacies on a terrace shaded by century-old chestnut timber and swimming within the out of doors pool, it’s straightforward to overlook that Cours Mirabeau and Aix Cathedral are only a 20-minute stroll away.

Les Lodges Saint-Victoire

It’s unattainable to not get swept up within the pure magnificence and serenity of Les Lodges Saint-Victoire. The bucolic five-hectare property punctuated by olive timber, grape vines, and gardens is the best setting for a leisurely, sun-drenched vacation. Rest is available in many varieties, together with getting a therapeutic massage on the spa, floating within the adults-only pool, or treating your tastebuds to dishes on the Michelin-starred restaurant.

Greatest Issues to Do

Stroll down Cours Mirabeau.

Initially inbuilt 1650 to accommodate horse-drawn carts, Cours Mirabeau is a large, tree-lined thoroughfare that’s lengthy been an emblem of town. Sophie Epton, a photographer based mostly in Aix-en-Provence and the U.S., suggests beginning on the Fontaine de la Rotonde and strolling to the tip of the boulevard. “Don’t overlook to seize a brioche or buttery croissant at Pâtisserie Béchard.”

Seize afternoon tea at Hôtel de Caumont.

Hôtel de Caumont, an artwork heart housed inside a resplendent 18th-century residence within the Mazarin district, reveals off elegantly appointed interiors, manicured French gardens, and an idyllic courtyard. “Uncover the particular exhibitions and keep for afternoon tea with pâtisserie within the salon or out of doors terrace,” says Matteo Labre, concierge at Villa Gallici.

Browse the gathering at Musée Granet.

One of many first public museums in France, Musée Granet boasts a formidable assortment of practically 600 work and sculptures. Among the many many highlights are works by Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, and Provence native Paul Cézanne.

Take a strolling tour.

Whereas it is beautiful to wander alongside the slender streets, among the finest methods to actually get to know Aix — and absorb its magnificence — is a guided strolling tour. “Between the historic mansions (the well-known hôtel particuliers), squares, and fountains, there’s a lot to be taught and respect,” provides Epton.

Decide up a memento on the native markets.

Aix is known for its markets. “Everywhere in the metropolis, you’ll discover completely different distributors for all the pieces from woven baskets and antiques to regional gourmand merchandise and contemporary, seasonal produce. Epton urges guests to not miss the clothes and artisanal items market held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays alongside Cours Mirabeau.

Greatest Eating places

Grenache

“A gem within the coronary heart of Aix, Grenache serves seasonal, trendy French meals that’s approachable and completely scrumptious,” says Epton. “The menu modifications ceaselessly, apart from one dessert known as Chocolat, a decadent chocolate mousse that’s a must-order!”

Gallifet

Housed in the midst of a shaded courtyard that’s a part of a up to date artwork gallery, Gallifet (open June 1 to Oct. 1) impresses diners with harvest-driven dishes that seem like artistic endeavors. “It’s undoubtedly a spot the place cool, hip locals congregate,” provides Epton.

Kava

Identified by locals and clued-in vacationers as the most effective place for brunch in Aix, Kava is a walk-in-only eatery that makes a speciality of all of the morning and mid-day must-haves: espresso, sweets, and savory dishes. There’s additionally a collection of biodynamic wine should you’re within the temper. Epton’s go-to order? The pulled pork pancakes, which she says will “have you ever virtually licking your plate.”

Sauvage

Hailed as one of the crucial thrilling locations to eat in Aix, Sauvage is a advantageous eating restaurant that doesn’t lose sight of enjoyable. Chef Loïc Pétri, who earned his stripes working in Paris earlier than returning to Provence, whips up impressed prix-fixe menus that pair sudden flavors and textures to the delight of diners.

L’Incontournable

For a memorable lunch or dinner, Labre recommends L’Incontournable. The meals and repair are each glorious, and patrons can savor creatively introduced twists on French classics within the trendy eating room or at one of many terrace tables that flank a historic fountain.

Greatest Buying

Souleiado

A real Provençal model, Souleiado (which Princess Diana placed on the map when she wore one of many totes in 1981) sells all the pieces from clothes and fitted tops to scarves and baggage made out of their colourful, signature prints.

Fragonard

“Strolling into Fragonard will flood you with magnificence, colour, and inspiration,” says Epton. The superbly displayed perfumes and cosmetics make the shop seem like a jewel field, and the textiles — lengthy flowy clothes, kaftans, kimonos, and tunics — are gorgeous as nicely.

Maison Brémond 1830

Maison Brémond 1830 shares all types of regional merchandise, from honey and jam to olive oil and truffle salt. It’s significantly well-known for calissons, a housemade specialty confectionery that consists of floor almonds and candied melon.

Puyricard

Chocolaterie de Puyricard is an incredible chocolatier in Aix, named after the close by village the place the manufacturing unit is situated. The store makes all the pieces from decadent truffles that seem like little gems to marshmallows, caramels, and candied fruit. Everybody will discover a candy deal with to like.

Casanera

“Whereas Casanera has an attractive assortment of perfumes, what I actually love is the jewellery. The colourful and uniquely designed items give the vibe of a getaway to St. Tropez combined with the fabulous vogue sense of Aix,” says Epton.

Greatest Time to Go to

Spring (April via early June) and fall (particularly September and October) are the most effective instances to go to, based on Labre. Aix will get fairly scorching and busy in the summertime months, so it’s higher to come back throughout shoulder season when it’s cooler and fewer crowded.

How one can Get There

The best approach to attain Aix is both flying into Marseille Provence Airport (it’s about half-hour from town) or taking the three-hour high-speed practice from Paris to the Aix-en-Provence TGV station (a brief bus journey from town heart).

How one can Get Round

When you get right here, central Aix is walkable. “Exploring on foot means that you can marvel in any respect the attractive structure, [which] evokes the sensation of being in a Vincent Van Gogh portray,” says Epton. Planning to take day journeys to go to the various charming cities and countryside locations all through Provence? You will wish to hire a automobile.