Aix-en-Provence Itinerary 5 Days: A Journey Through Provencal Charm (2026)

Arrive in Aix-en-Provence and settle into your accommodation. Spend your first day exploring the charming Old Town (Vieil Aix). Get lost in its labyrinth of narrow streets, discovering hidden squares and beautiful fountains. In the afternoon, head to the Cours Mirabeau, the city's main boulevard, lined with magnificent plane trees and elegant 17th and 18th-century mansions. Enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafés and soak in the lively atmosphere. For dinner, explore the numerous restaurants in the Forum des Cardeurs, a large square bustling with locals and tourists alike. This is a great place to sample some traditional Provencal cuisine. Try a delicious daube provençale (a slow-cooked beef stew) or a savory tian (a vegetable gratin).

Today is dedicated to art and history. Start your day at the Musée Granet, which houses an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from the 14th to the 20th centuries, including works by Cézanne, Rembrandt, and Rubens. Afterward, take a short walk to the Mazarin Quarter, an elegant neighborhood designed in the 17th century. Admire the beautiful architecture and the Place des Quatre-Dauphins, a lovely square with a fountain of the same name. In the afternoon, visit the Hôtel de Caumont, a magnificent 18th-century mansion that has been transformed into an art center. Explore the beautifully restored rooms and enjoy the temporary exhibitions. End your day with a visit to the Fontaine du Roi René, a fountain dedicated to the last king of Provence.

Today is all about Paul Cézanne, the famous Post-Impressionist painter who was born and lived in Aix-en-Provence. Start your day at the Atelier Cézanne, his last studio, which has been preserved as it was when he died. See the objects that he used in his still-life paintings and get a glimpse into his artistic world. In the afternoon, take a walk to the Terrain des Peintres, a park with a beautiful view of Montagne Sainte-Victoire, a mountain that Cézanne painted many times. You can also follow the Cézanne trail, a walking tour that takes you to the places that were important in his life and work. The trail is marked with bronze studs on the pavement.

Today is market day in Aix-en-Provence! Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Marché, which takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Browse the stalls selling fresh produce, local cheeses, cured meats, flowers, and crafts. This is a great opportunity to sample some of the local specialties and buy souvenirs. In the afternoon, take a day trip to the Luberon, a beautiful region of rolling hills, lavender fields, and charming hilltop villages. Visit Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France, and Roussillon, known for its ochre cliffs. You can also visit a lavender distillery and learn about the production of this fragrant flower.

On your last day, delve into the history of Aix-en-Provence with a visit to the Camp des Milles, a former tile factory that was used as an internment and deportation camp during World War II. This moving and important site serves as a memorial and a place of remembrance. Afterward, visit the Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur, a beautiful cathedral that showcases a mix of architectural styles, from Romanesque to Gothic and Baroque. Before heading to the airport, enjoy a final stroll through the city and perhaps do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Reflect on your wonderful time in Aix-en-Provence over a final coffee or a glass of rosé.