Aix-en-Provence has neither the sea nor the port-side buzz of its larger neighbour, Marseille, but it has something else: an exceptionally cohesive old town built from golden stone, 17th- and 18th-century townhouses, fountains at every crossroads and the silhouette of Mont Sainte-Victoire on the horizon.
Choosing where to stay in Aix-en-Provence means deciding between two ways of spending your trip: in town, without a car and just a few streets from the terraces of Cours Mirabeau, or in the surrounding countryside, in a country house surrounded by pine trees and olive groves. This guide will help you choose, with places we have hand-picked one by one for the quality of their welcome and setting.
Aix’s accommodation is dominated by guest rooms, guesthouses and holiday homes, often in former country houses. Find all our picks on our Aix-en-Provence accommodation page.
Choosing an area
The city is compact, but the atmosphere varies noticeably from one area to another:
- Vieil Aix: the old town north of Cours Mirabeau, with pedestrian lanes, market squares and Saint-Sauveur Cathedral. The liveliest area, buzzing late into the evening.
- Mazarin district: south of the Cours, this 17th-century neighbourhood is quieter, centred around the Fontaine des Quatre-Dauphins and Granet Museum.
- Sextius-Mirabeau: the modern district west of the Rotonde, home to the Grand Théâtre de Provence and the bus station. Convenient for arriving and departing.
- Les Lauves: the residential hill to the north, with Cézanne’s studio and the Painters’ Park.
- The Aix countryside: country houses and homes with pools around the city, towards Puyricard, Le Tholonet or Luynes. It offers peace and space, but a car is essential.
For a weekend or a first visit, the centre is the best choice: being able to walk home after dinner in Place des Cardeurs makes all the difference. For a summer week as a family or couple, a country house with a pool is well worth the few kilometres of driving each day. Here are our picks.
Staying in the centre and nearby
These two places make it easy to forget about the car during your stay, or nearly so.
La Maison d'Aix 1785 - Hôtel Particulier & Spa
A townhouse turned five-star hotel in the Mazarin district, a stone’s throw from Cours Mirabeau. Its indoor pool and hammam are a real luxury in the heart of town, and some suites have balconies. An ideal choice for a car-free stay, but less so if you dream of a garden and the sound of cicadas.
Pavillon de Beauregard
A bed and breakfast surrounded by a garden, with an outdoor pool and rooms with views, just minutes from the museums and Cézanne’s haunts. Continental breakfast and private parking make it a convenient base for combining visits to the city with trips by car. A good compromise for anyone torn between the centre and the countryside.
Guesthouses and bed and breakfasts with pools
Around the centre and in the Aix countryside, these places are ideal for anyone looking for a pool, a garden and quiet nights.
Villa Amara
A five-star guesthouse where the air-conditioned suites have kitchens, giving you the freedom of a rental with breakfast served on site. The outdoor pool is heated, extending the swimming season into spring and autumn. A good choice for couples staying several nights.
Château de Saint-Girons - Luxury Guest House in Provence
Air-conditioned suites with private bathrooms in a characterful residence, plus a garden and outdoor pool for summer afternoons. Continental breakfast and private parking round out a place designed for relaxation rather than nightlife.
Suite le Quervalat dans magnifique bastide 18eme
A suite in an 18th-century country house, with a private terrace overlooking the garden. The billiards room gives it the feel of a family home, and breakfast is served on site. An intimate place to stay; book early for spring weekends.
Domaine de Saint Clair
Adults only, the property has just three air-conditioned suites, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere around the outdoor pool. The terrace overlooking the garden is perfect for leisurely breakfasts. Ideal for a romantic getaway, but not suitable if you’re travelling with children.
The View Aix-en-Provence
A guesthouse with air-conditioned suites, an outdoor pool and a garden where you’ll want to linger at the end of the day. Continental breakfast is served on site, and private parking saves you from searching for a space. A relaxing base, especially convenient if you’re travelling by car.
Houses and villas to rent
For a longer stay or a family trip, a house with a kitchen gives you real freedom with your schedule.
Le Bastidon, Aix en Pce proche centre, climatisé, 4 chambres
A four-bedroom, air-conditioned villa with a private pool, garden and terrace, not far from the centre. The well-equipped kitchen and private parking make it a very practical option for a large family or two couples travelling together. With four bedrooms, however, it’s oversized for a couple.
La Villa Rustica
A holiday home for up to four people, with a terrace overlooking the garden, a well-equipped kitchen and air conditioning for hot days. Private parking makes trips to Mont Sainte-Victoire or the Luberon easy.
What to see in Aix-en-Provence
Start on Cours Mirabeau, the plane-tree-lined avenue separating Vieil Aix from the Mazarin district, with its cafés, townhouses and fountains. To the north, the lanes lead to Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville and Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, which houses an early Christian baptistery and Nicolas Froment’s triptych The Burning Bush.
In the Mazarin district, the Granet Museum occupies the former priory of the Knights of Malta and displays several paintings by Cézanne; its annex, Granet XXe, presents the Jean Planque collection. The Hôtel de Caumont, an 18th-century residence turned art centre, hosts major exhibitions. The market in Place Richelme is held every morning, while the markets in Place des Prêcheurs and Place de Verdun take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Cézanne’s haunts are worth half a day. The Atelier des Lauves, where the painter worked until his death in 1906, and the Jas de Bouffan country house, his family home, whose grand salon he decorated with twelve paintings, are undergoing restoration and open in the warmer months, by reservation. The Bibémus Quarries can be visited year-round, but only with a guide; book through the tourist office.
Nearby
- Mont Sainte-Victoire: Cézanne’s favourite subject, to explore on foot from Le Tholonet, Vauvenargues or Puyloubier, or by car along the Cézanne road.
- Les Milles Camp: a former internment camp turned memorial site, in the Les Milles district.
- The Luberon and the coast: Lourmarin to the north, Marseille and Cassis to the south, all less than an hour’s drive away.
When to visit Aix-en-Provence
Spring and early autumn are the most pleasant times to visit. Summer is hot, sometimes stifling, and a pool makes all the difference. Winter, often sunny, gives the city back to its residents and students.
The big event of the year is the Aix-en-Provence Festival, founded in 1948 and devoted to opera: the 2027 edition runs from 1 to 20 July, at several venues including the Théâtre de l'Archevêché. In spring, the Easter Festival brings together classical music lovers. Book your accommodation well in advance for both events.
From 1 June to 30 September, access to the forested areas of Bouches-du-Rhône, including Mont Sainte-Victoire, depends on the fire risk. Each evening, at around 6 pm, the prefecture publishes a map showing which areas will be open the following day. Check it before setting out on a hike.
Getting there and getting around
Aix-en-Provence TGV station is outside the city, on the Arbois plateau. Route 40 connects it to the central bus station on Avenue de l'Europe and continues to Marseille Provence Airport. The city centre has its own station, served by TER trains from Marseille Saint-Charles, and regular coaches also connect the two cities.
In the centre, you can get everywhere on foot. The Diablines, small electric shuttles, run through the pedestrian streets from Monday to Saturday, and park-and-ride car parks at the city entrances are linked to the centre by shuttle buses. For country houses and nearby villages, a car is the most practical option. Find other bases in the region on our Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur page.
Aix-en-Provence is included in our guide to Where to stay in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. To compare it with nearby stops, also read where to stay in Marseille, for the sea and the buzz of the Vieux-Port, where to stay in Cassis, at the gateway to the Calanques, and where to stay in Lourmarin, for a stay in the Luberon.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions most often asked before a stay in Aix-en-Provence.
What is the best area to stay in Aix-en-Provence?
For a first visit, Vieil Aix and the Mazarin district are the best choices: Cours Mirabeau, Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, the Granet Museum, markets and restaurants are just a few minutes’ walk away. The Mazarin district is quieter in the evening. If you’re travelling by car and want a pool and peace and quiet, a country house or guest room in the Aix countryside will be a better fit.
Can you visit Aix-en-Provence without a car?
Yes, as long as you stay in or near the centre. Aix-en-Provence TGV station is connected to the bus station by Route 40, which also serves Marseille Provence Airport, while the central station receives TER trains from Marseille Saint-Charles. Once there, you can get everywhere on foot, with the Diablines electric shuttles serving the pedestrian centre. A car is only useful for a country house outside town or a trip to Mont Sainte-Victoire.
When does the Aix-en-Provence Festival take place?
The Aix-en-Provence Festival, founded in 1948 and devoted to opera, takes place every July. The 2027 edition is scheduled for 1 to 20 July, with performances at venues including the Théâtre de l'Archevêché and the Grand Théâtre de Provence. It’s the busiest time of year: book your accommodation several months ahead, especially if you want to stay in the centre and walk home after performances.
Can you visit Cézanne’s studio and Jas de Bouffan all year round?
No. The Atelier des Lauves and the Jas de Bouffan country house are undergoing extensive restoration. They open to the public in the warmer months and close for winter. Online booking is mandatory. The Bibémus Quarries, where Cézanne did much of his painting, are open to visitors year-round, but only on guided tours booked through the tourist office. Check opening dates before planning your stay.
Is Aix-en-Provence a good base for exploring Provence?
Yes, it’s one of the most convenient bases. The city is close to Marseille, Cassis and the coast, while also giving you easy access to the Luberon and villages such as Lourmarin. Mont Sainte-Victoire starts right on the city’s doorstep. A country house with parking and a pool is a good base for exploring by car, while a place in the centre suits those travelling by train and coach.
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