Aix-en-Provence in 48 hours: the insider's guide

Aix-en-Provence is one of the most visited cities in France. And yet most of its visitors see only a fraction of what it has to offer. Here is our version — the one we share with clients who ask us how to experience the city differently.

Saturday morning: the market before 8 o'clock

The market at the Place des Prêcheurs and the Madeleine opens at seven. Before half past eight, you will find the best producers, without the crowds. Aged cheeses, marinated olives, cut flowers — and above all, the genuine Provençal atmosphere, before the tourists arrive. Afterwards, coffee and navettes (Aix's almond biscuits) at Paul or at Weibel, two historic addresses.

Saturday afternoon: off the beaten track

The Musée Granet is frequently underestimated — its permanent collection on Cézanne is one of the most complete in the world. In the afternoon, a stroll through the Mazarin quarter, south of the Cours Mirabeau, away from the bustle. The seventeenth-century hôtels particuliers are immaculately preserved, the streets almost deserted. This is the Aix that the inhabitants of Aix actually live in.

Saturday evening: a table you would never find on your own

Aix has several exceptional restaurants that we book for our clients — some have no online presence, others are fully reserved for strangers. We do not name them here. If you would like a personalised recommendation, this is precisely the type of service we provide.

Sunday: the Aix countryside, twenty minutes away

The Luberon is forty-five minutes away. The Sainte-Victoire is fifteen. The hilltop villages of the Alpilles are forty minutes. But one of our favourite spots remains the plateau of Puyricard, just outside Aix — peaceful, vineyards, an unobstructed view of the mountain. A loop by bicycle or on foot, as you prefer.

We organise bespoke weekends in Aix-en-Provence. Tell us your dates.