Top Experiences in Aix-en-Provence

Immerse yourself in a delightful day at Chateau la Coste, a stunning destination that seamlessly combines art, architecture, and vineyards. Start with a walk through vibrant vine fields, exploring numerous installations of contemporary art set against the backdrop of Provence's natural beauty. The experience concludes with a delightful wine-tasting session.

Explore Aix-en-Provence with a scenic and educational walking tour. Along the way, you'll uncover the rich heritage, art, and culture that defines this famous city. Stroll through a labyrinth of narrow streets, passing historic churches and squares as you learn about the city's history, culture, and traditions. Many sites are worth a stop in Aix-en-Provence, but one highlight is the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, a Romanesque/Gothic church built on an ancient Greek temple to Apollo. You can also visit the Town Hall (known locally as the Hotel de Ville), which dates to the 14th century and sits on a plaza from the same era. As you walk the city streets, keep your eyes peeled for ruins dating back to the days of the Roman Empire, which seem to pop up throughout the Old Town. Finally, end your tour with a stroll along the Cours Mirabeau, a busy thoroughfare lined with leafy trees, markets, and cafés—perfect for people watching! Discover other things to do in Aix-en-Provence and more unique experiences in Provence.

Just about an hour northwest of Aix-en-Provence is the medieval city of Avignon. You'll find centuries' worth of fascinating history here, as this is where Pope Clemente V moved his court in the 14th century. For several decades after that, it was the seat of the Catholic popes. Spend the day exploring the city on a walking tour. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Le Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) and the Pont Saint-Bénézet medieval bridge, subject of the famous 15th-century song "Sur le Pont d’Avignon." You'll also visit Avignon Cathedral, Doms Garden, Saint Pierre Basilica, and the Place de l'Horloge, Avignon's main square. Next, explore the Luberon region, known for its countryside vineyards, orchards, and postcard-worthy hilltop villages. Then, travel leisurely to L'Isle Sur la Sorgue, famous for its outdoor weekend markets, antique stores, and old wooden waterwheels churning over the Sorgue River bisects the city. There are few better spots to enjoy a relaxing lunch than here in this picturesque town!After lunch, head to Gordes, arguably the most beautiful of all the hilltop villages in the Luberon. Its fortified castle dominates the skyline of Gordes, and from its winding cobbled streets, you can look out to wide views over the valley and surrounding hills. From Gordes, it's just a short drive to the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Sénanque, a Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century. Discover other things to do in Aix-en-Provence, plus more unique...

The southeastern French region of Provence is one of the most scenic in the country. It's the land of the Riveria, medieval villages, lavender fields, and endless olive groves and vineyards. But Provence is as much a way of life as it is a point on a map. Today you'll experience Provence's culture and rich heritage on a food tour and cooking class in one of the most beautiful towns in all of France, Aix-en-Provence.On this day-long cooking adventure, you'll browse the various food markets of Aix's Old Town and meet local purveyors. Enjoy learning about fresh regional produce, like herbes de Provence, olive oil, truffles, figs, honey, and more. Then, you'll bring these ingredients to your host's home to prepare a feast using local recipes. On the way back to the country house, which follows a route that passes through the scenic Montaiguet Forest, you'll stop at a local chateau to select some regional wine to pair with your meal. Upon arriving at your host's home, take a stroll around the property and search for wild aromatic herbs. Then it's time to start the cooking class, as you actively participate in preparing various recipes. Finally, after approximately two hours of cooking, it's time to sit down at the long convivial table and enjoy your gastronomic creations!Discover more unique experiences in Provence, other things to do in Aix-en-Provence, and additional culinary activities in France.

About 30 minutes north of Marseille lies one of the lesser-visited gems of the French Riviera: Aix-en-Provence. "Aix," as it's more commonly known, is a city in an exceptional geographic location, set amid the picturesque charm of the surrounding villages. The rural landscapes here, famous for their vineyards, lavender-blanketed fields, and limestone cliffs of Sainte Victoire Mountain, have been immortalized in the works of painters such as Cezanne, Picasso, and Kandinsky. The city is a sight to behold as well, and a two-hour walking tour of its streets reveals the rich and artistic cultural heritage that defines Aix.A local expert guide leads this fascinating walk amid Aix's narrow, labyrinthine streets and historic fountains, pointing out both famous and hidden gems along the way. The tour stops at the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, a Romanesque/Gothic church built on the site of an Ancient Greek temple to Apollo. There's also the town hall (also known as the Hotel de Ville), which dates to the 14th century and sits on a charming old plaza. One of the major highlights is a walk along the Cours Mirabeau, a busy thoroughfare lined with plane trees and abounding with markets and cafés—perfect for people watching. There's even a stop to see some ruins dating back to the days of the Roman Empire.