Travel Guide to Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a traditional and noticeably a beautiful city. The city is active and lively with people; there are plenty of delightful restaurants, cafés and shops, along with a few old-fashioned markets. The former capital of Provence is famous for its lively festivities and support of the arts. The aged city here is home to a cluster of boulevards and the spectacular cours Mirabeau. The Université d’Aix has been welcoming international students since 1413, which give the city a young glow.
Aix-en-Provences Major Attractions
The best way to see this magnificent city is by foot. For a quiet walk the cours Mirabeau is one place that should be experienced. The enormous plane trees look over the cours Mirabeau giving it a relaxing feeling. If you want to go visit museums then the best thing is to purchase a Passeports Musees. It gives you many discounts on the price of entry to Aixs museums: Musée Granet, Pavillon Vendôme, Musée des Tapisseries and École d’Art
Aix-en-Provence also shows off a few summer festivals including music, opera and dance. Saison d’Aix (June to August) concentrates on symphonic and chamber music; while the Jazz Festival (end of July) draws in musicians from all over the world. The Festival International de Danse (three weeks, July to August) invites classical and modern dance companies from throughout Europe and the world.
Places to Visit in Aix-en-Provences
Only 25 kms away is the metropolis of Marseilles, extremely different from Aix-en-Provence. Frances chief Mediterranean port has a great ethnic population from North Africa and has a trading history going back 2,500 years. A spectacular sight in Marseilles is Notre Dame de la Garde, which controls the city from a 154-metre high hill overlooking the Vieux Port ( Old Port). The entrance of the Vieux Port is guarded by the 13th century Bas Fort St Nicholas; it was built by the Knights Templer. La Canabiere is an area raging with restaurants, seedy bars, cheap hotels and tourist shops.
Relaxation options in Aix-en-Provences
There are many different places to eat or enjoy a drink in Aix-en-Provence. Place des Cardeurs and rue de la Verrerie are good places to explores for restaurants, brassieres and cafés; while place Ramus is home to some international fare, including: Indian, Chinese and North African.
Getting There and Away to Aix-en-Provences
By air, it’s quicker to fly to Marseilles and transfer to Aix-en-Provence by ground transport.
By car from Avignon, you can take the A7 south to RN7 and then into town. From Marseilles, take A51 north.
Twenty-one trains a day arrive from Marseilles, taking 35 minutes and costing €5.70 one-way. There are eight trains per day which arrive in Nice; it takes three to four hours, which costs about €27.60 for a one way ticket.
Buses arrive from Marseilles every 10 minutes. Five buses per day arrive for Avignon and two per day from Nice.
Hotels in Aix en Provence
Hotel Château de la Pioline is a spectacular 16 th Century hotel. The hotel does not only look like a 16 th Century building but when you take look inside the hotel you will get a modern feeling to this wonderful hotel. It is five minutes away from Aix en Provence and twenty minutes away from the Calanques. As well as this it is twenty minutes away from Marseilles Airport and less than an hour away from les Baux de Provence.
Hotel Mascotte is situated in t he historical town of Aix-en-Provence. The hotel is ideal if you want to go and visit the town centre, the fountains in the town or even the famous outskirts of Aix.
Car Hire Information in Aix-en-Provences
Aix en Provence TGV Station allows you to hire or pick up hired cars. Car hires in Aix en Provence cost about £120 for only a week.
Safety
When travelling to an unfamiliar environment, remain aware for potential hazards. Holidaymakers are more vulnerable to pick pocketing, theft or loss of personal effects. Outdoor activities and driving can place you at greater risk of having an accident. Language barriers and strange routines can also result in missed travel arrangements or problematic bookings. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family.
Weather in Aix en Provence
The town varies in the dry and warm Mediterranean climate all year round. Even in mid-winter it’s often still warm enough to sit outside and have lunch. Summer temperatures average 23C, the winters are enjoyable and cool. In October, it can be warm enough to go for a swim outside.