Aix-en-Provence Travel Guide: The Artistic Heart of Provence

Aix-en-Provence (often called "Aix"), the former capital of Provence, is a medieval town known as the "City of a Thousand Fountains." With its tree-lined boulevards, 18th-century mansions, and vibrant art scene (it’s the hometown of painter Paul Cézanne), Aix is perfect for slow travel—think café-hopping, market strolls, and pretending to be a bohemian artist. 📍 Location: In the heart of Provence, 30min drive from Marseille, 1h from Avignon, and 2.5h from Nice. ⏳ Half-Day Itinerary (Quick Highlights): Cours Mirabeau – Iconic boulevard with fountains and plane trees. Morning Market (Place Richelme) OR Saint-Sauveur Cathedral (choose one). Les Deux Garçons Café – Where Cézanne used to sip coffee. Old Town Wander – Get lost in postcard-perfect streets. 📸 Full-Day Itinerary (For the Art Lover): Morning: Cours Mirabeau – Channel your inner French movie star. Market (Place Richelme) – Open Tue/Thu/Sat mornings. Buy lavender soap or olive oil. Afternoon: Atelier Cézanne (€8) – See where the master painted (even his "failed" apples). Saint-Sauveur Cathedral – A mix of Gothic and Romanesque—ideal for artsy photos. Evening: Old Town Exploration – Every alley looks like a painting. 🚆 Transport: Marseille → Aix: Train/bus (30min). Nice/Avignon → Aix: Train (~2-2.5h). ⚠️ Note: The Aix TGV station is 15km from downtown; take the local train to "Aix-en-Provence Centre" instead. Souvenir Tips: Lavender products (look for "Lavande Vraie" labels). Olive oil soap – A Provençal staple. Pack your beret—Aix is waiting! 💜 #Provence #FranceTravel #HiddenGems #Cézanne #Lavender #AixEnProvence #TravelGuide