Aix-en-Provence Vacations

Our Opinion of Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence, or also know as just Aix, is a small classically Provencal town in southern France, some 30 km north of Marseille. The number of vacationers from the north has dramatically increased since the addition of the TGV high-speed train station. Aix has turned into a shopping town with high variety and representation considering its small size. Aix is a quiet, clean and comfortable city. The city center is mostly pedestrian and, though it is quite small, offers long hours of nice walks. As in all Provencal towns, the city center consists of narrows streets, lined with interesting buildings from 17th century hotels to paved plazas. Aix is famous for once being the home to Cezanne.

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Aix is probably best known for its historical treasures, both in museums and archaeological sites. On the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville is the former Halle de Grains, in English, the Corn Exchange (1759-1761). This ornately decorated 18th century building was designed by the Vallon brothers. Nearby are the remarkable thermal springs, containing lime and carbonic acid, that first drew the Romans to Aix and gave it the name Aquae Sextiae. A spa was built in 1705 near the remains of the ancient Roman baths of Sextius.

The Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur was built on the site of a former Roman forum and an adjacent Basilica. It contains a mixture of all styles from the 5th to the 17th century, including a Gothic portal, 16th century tapestries, a 15th century triptych, and a Merovingian baptistery. Le Musée Granet, is a museum devoted to painting, sculpture and the archeology of Aix; Le Pavillon de Vendôme, a 17th century mansion, houses permanent and touring art exhibitions; L'atelier Cézanne, a museum on the northern outskirts of Aix, constructed around the studio of the Paul Cézanne; and Jas de Bouffan, the house and grounds of Cézanne's father.

Aix-en-Provence Hotels

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Citadines Aix Jas de Bouffan

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Things to know about Aix-en-Provence Vacations

Dining & Nightlife

Aix has an incredible number of restaurants considering its small size. The majority of them are located in the old city, between Place des Cardeurs and the Rotonde. Restaurants and bars on the Cours Mirabeau tend to be more expensive though. Chez Charlotte, on rue des Bernardines, is a very good restaurant frequented by the locals. It proposes simple and reasonably cheap French food in a friendly atmosphere.

There are plenty of bars, pubs, night-clubs, etc in Aix. A nice and relatively cheap place to have a drink is the Bar de La Mairie on Place de la Mairie. Nearby Marseille's Vieux-Port has cafes and bars with great views of the harbour.

Shopping

Aix has many major fashion boutiques, as well as small clothing stores, perfumeries, and touristy souvenir shops. Carrefour Les Milles is a large shopping center in Aix. The city markets are open several days a week, but the largest and most colourful is the Saturday market which includes a flower market at the Place de l'Hotel de Ville and the main food market is at Place Richelme.

Flying time from (to Nice):

Toronto: Approximately 12hrs.
Montreal: Approximately 14hrs.
Calgary: Approximately 16hrs.
Vancouver: Approximately 18hrs.

Languages: French but most people in the tourist industry will speak English.

Currency: Euros

Climate: Aix's position in the south of France gives it a warm climate. It has an average January temperature of 5° C and a July average of 22° C. It has an average of 300 days of sunshine.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard.

Documents: A passport is mandatory for Canadian Citizens, although no visa is required. For other countries, please check the FrenchTourist Office to get a complete list and other details.

Notes: French Government Tourist Office website - ca-en.franceguide.com (English): ca.franceguide.com (Francais)

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Email: canada@franceguide.com