We are visiting Provence in May. We are driving. Is visiting Aix-en-Provence worth an afternoon stop? The RS guidebook for France doesn't have any information of it. And the other book I am using (Lonely Planet) has very limited information. Thanks.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2622 posts
I liked it because I'm quite fond of Cezanne, otherwise I might not bother.
Posted by
Folsom
2725 posts
Aix has a terrific market, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. But it’s over at 1PM so a morning stop would do it. Great place to stroll, find great Provençal products have a nice lunch. Here is an article you might like: https://www.myfrenchlife.org/2022/05/13/aix-en-provence-market-tour-aix-and-surrounds/
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14544 posts
I stayed there for 8 nights on a tour and enjoyed it. I liked the Cezanne studio but I also liked the Aix Cathedral/Cathedral of the Holy Savior which has a range of building pieces from the 5th century. The Baptistry is surrounded by probable Roman columns from a temple.
Walking down Cours Mirabeau is lovely with the fountains as is wandering thru the very narrow streets to the north of that wide street.
There are also a couple of nice museums, one of which has some Picasso works.
I did not drive there so no idea about the parking which might be daunting!
Posted by
franktown, colorado
2252 posts
Absolutely! At the very least an afternoon. There is a lot to see, do, eat and drink. I loved our 5 days there. My granddaughter was luckier as she did a study abroad semester in Aix-en-Provence. Someone posted a wonderful trip report on her more lengthy visit on the forum several week ago. . Maybe you can find it through the search at the top left of the forum page (that’s where it is on my iPad anyway). I will look for the link as it’s possible I saved it.
Posted by
Boston
1774 posts
If you read M.F.K. Fisher's 'Two Towns in Provence' you won't be able to pass it by.
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/873830