Hotels in Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence Hotels

A place of leafy boulevards and quaint cafes, Aix-en-Provence is a pleasure to potter around, and behind its typical French exterior lies a city of historic charm and artistic heritage. Whether you want to see the sights, the paintings, or simply sample the pastries, ice-creams, and smell the lavender, Aix-en-Provence will be a treat for all your senses.

Things to see

In a city lined with trickling fountains, the pitter-pattery droplets of which create a calming serenity all year round, Aix-en-Provence’s pièce de résistance is the Cours Mirabeau. Stretching east from the central train station, this wide, sun-drenched street is lined with upmarket restaurants, tabacs, 18th century mansions, and coffee shops over which tall trees sway in the breeze. Aix’s largest fountain is at the end of Cours and is the perfect place to people watch and soak up the atmosphere. The Place d’Hotel de Ville is one of Aix’s many pretty plazas. During the day it's a treasure-trove of rustic markets and street food and by night the illuminated City Hall, which looms over one end, lights up the tree-filled square. A short stroll from the center of the town will see you stumble across the studio of artist Paul Cezanne, which contains many of his original sketches and tools. Non-artsy types are in for a surprise as the museum offers incredible sweeping views of the Provence landscape. If you’re still going in the late evening, stroll through the side streets and find one of the many local haunts where you can sample reasonably priced absinthe and sway in the cool night air to the sounds of rock, blues, or electro.

Hotels in Aix-en-Provence

As you might expect in a city synonymous with grace and elegance, many of the hotels in Aix-en-Provence are up there with the best. High-end hotels in Aix tend to offer rooms with views and terraces as well as free Wi-Fi, and car hire facilities for guest who wish to travel to the surrounding villages. Most central residencies give a nod to the art-deco style, with clean lines and lots of light. Guesthouses for budget travelers vary in value, but are generally comfortable and offer standard amenities like televisions, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Where to stay

If you want to soak up the local flavor, a stay close to the Cours Mirabeau is essential, as this will put you within walking distance of the prominent statues and features as well as a simple potter to plenty of bustling bars and swanky restaurants. If relaxation is paramount, then a hotel neighboring Thermes Sextius, the ancient thermal spa is perfect. Here you can take in the views from an open air pool before drifting into the city for an aperitif in serene calm after a long massage. If you want to people-watch, stay near to Paul Cezanne University, this is also close to the tourism office which offers daily multi-lingual tours on a variety of subjects.

How to get to Aix-en-Provence

International flights arrive into Marseilles Airport which is around a 25 minute drive away from Aix-en-Provence. Once you’re in the city, there are a plethora of car hire facilities, and the buses and trains around Provence are inexpensive and frequent. The very center of Aix-en-Provence can be easily explored on foot, and this in fact the best way to soak up the charming atmosphere.