Aix-en-Provence Travel Tips and Insider's Guides

Called the Paris of the south, Aix, pronounced "X", is a chic and cultured city. It is also host to college students from around the world. Louis II of Anjou founded the university there in 1409. The city is also known for its beautiful and plentiful fountains. At the western end of the main street, the Cours Mirabeau, is the Fontaine de la Rotonde, an immense cast iron fountain built in 1860. The Old Town (north of the city) has an excellent market on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Start your visit by visiting Saint-Sauveur, an area of old stonework and prestigious historic buildings on University Square. Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, facing the square, was built in the 4th century and then gradually modified into the Romanesque style. Not far from there are 12th century cloisters with beautiful arcades and columns. Be sure to visit The Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) and the Tour de l'Horloge (Clock Tower) with its astronomical clock.

Walk on to the former Halle aux grains (Grain market) and the Hôtel Boyer d'Eguilles mansion. Linger a while at the Place d'Albertas square in front of the mansion of the same name. Be sure to stroll down the Cours Mirabeau. (Driving is not recommended). It was built in the 17th century and named after the famous orator and revolutionary Comte de Mirabeau. Lined with arching Plane trees, the Cours is home to well preserved 17th century mansions and sidewalk cafes. Note that the shops are on the left side of the street, and the public buildings and companies line the right side.

The most famous restaurant in Aix is Les Deux Garcons; it is the quintessential French café with little tables lined up along the shaded Cours. This avenue is home to the aristocratic part of the town: the Mazarin quarter, where you'll find elegant mansions with enormous gardens hidden behind high walls.

As you drive through the Aix countryside with Mount Sainte-Victoire in the background, notice the country houses with French-style formal gardens (La Gaude, La Pioline, Pavillon de Lenfant, La Mignarde) and the vineyards producing Côteaux d'Aix and Côtes de Provence wine.