Major city · France
Aix-en-Provence
Give Aix two nights as a base: walk the old town in half a day, then use it for Cézanne sites and a Sainte-Victoire or Cassis day. Skip it as a stopover.
Aix is a small, wealthy Provençal town 30 km north of Marseille, built around fountains, 17th- and 18th-century mansions and a mostly pedestrian centre you can cross in 15 minutes. It is a university town with a strong student presence and a heavy shopping and café culture. Cézanne's studio and the landscapes he painted sit on the edge of town, and the TGV station 15 km southwest puts Paris and Lyon within a few hours. Most travellers do it in two nights, or as a day trip from Marseille.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and crowds), mid-July festival weeks (rooms booked out, prices up)
- Airports
- MRS · NCE
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- France and Monaco ↗France has run temporary identity checks at its internal Schengen land borders since 2015; carry a passport or EU/EEA national ID on trains and buses from Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
- France and Monaco ↗Nights in France and Monaco draw on the same Schengen 90-in-180-day allowance as the rest of the area; Monaco does not reset or pause it.
- France ↗France is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors' fingerprints and photo at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- France ↗TGV (including the low-cost Ouigo) and Intercités night trains need a seat reservation: a rail pass alone does not let you board.
- France ↗Paris, Lyon and other large cities run low-emission zones that require a Crit'Air sticker on cars; check before you drive a hire car or your own car into a city.
- France ↗Carry your passport or national ID card: police can ask for identification, and hotels register foreign guests.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Aix-en-Provence112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Aix-en-Provence, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).France-wide
- SIM or eSIMOrange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom and Free sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at tabacs; ID is required to register.France-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere unless signed otherwise.France-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service is included; leave 5–10% in cash for good service.France-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.France-wide
- SafetyAix is a low-risk, well-off town; the real annoyances are pickpockets around the markets and Cours Mirabeau, summer heat, and the Mistral.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsParis has free automatic public toilets (sanisettes); elsewhere use cafés (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €0.50–1 (≈ US$1–2).France-wide
- Emergency numbers112 European emergency number · 15 ambulance (samu) · 17 police (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany national museums close on Monday (Orsay, Versailles, Rodin) or Tuesday (Louvre, Pompidou's temporary sites).France-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMRS Marseille Provence (About 30 km (19 mi) south; shuttle bus to Aix bus station, roughly 30–40 min).MRS Marseille Provence (About 19 mi (30 km) south; shuttle bus to Aix bus station, roughly 30–40 min).
- Getting aroundThe centre is pedestrian and small: walk it.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a café counter / seated on the Cours Mirabeau€1.50–2 (≈ US$2–3)€4–6 (≈ US$5–7)
- Street or quick mealKebab or falafel sandwich€5–8 (≈ US$6–10)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–25 (≈ US$12–30)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Musée Granet, Vasarely, Atelier Cézanne)€6–15 (≈ US$7–18)
- Budget bedHostel or shared-room bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, old-town hotel, a night, per room€140 (≈ US$170)
- High-end bedDouble room, old-town hotel, a night, per room€300 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €200 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MRS Marseille Provence (About 30 km (19 mi) south; shuttle bus to Aix bus station, roughly 30–40 min) · NCE Nice Côte d'Azur (About 3 h 30 min by direct coach from Nice; used mainly by budget carriers)MRS Marseille Provence (About 19 mi (30 km) south; shuttle bus to Aix bus station, roughly 30–40 min) · NCE Nice Côte d'Azur (About 3 h 30 min by direct coach from Nice; used mainly by budget carriers)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Feb
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Mar
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Dec
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Oct (7 rain days), driest Jul (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Aix-en-Provence: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
6 rd
Feb
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
5 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
5 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
6 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
2 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
3 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Nov
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
7 rd
Dec
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is pedestrian and small: walk it. Electric microbuses (La Diabline) run three short routes through the centre roughly every 10 minutes for a flat small fare. City buses link the station, the TGV station, the airport and outlying sights; buy multi-trip tickets at the bus station. A car is a liability in the centre — park on the edge and walk in.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Marseille
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Express coach from the bus station, or train from the city station
Cheaper food and a very different city; go for the day, not the evening.
Cassis
goDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Train to Marseille then the coastal line, or bus via Marseille
Calanques boat trips and cliff walks; a full day.
Arles
goDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Train via Marseille, or drive the A54
Roman arena and amphitheatre; pairs well with a second night.
Sainte-Victoire mountain
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus from near the Rotonde, then walk
The Cézanne landscape; bring water and grip shoes, no shade on the ridge.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Bus or drive via Salon-de-Provence
Thin bus service; easier with a car.
La Ciotat
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
Train via Marseille
Long for a day; better as an overnight on the coast.
Tarascon
skipDoor to door: About 2 h
Train via Marseille or Arles
Too far for what it offers on a short trip.
Saint-Martin-de-Crau
skipDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Drive or bus via Salon-de-Provence
Only worth it for the Camargue-edge nature reserve, and you need a car.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old town (Mazarin, Cardeurs, around Cours Mirabeau)
Everything walkable, but streets are narrow and some hotels have no lift or parking. Best for a short stay.
Around the Gare Routière and Avenue Victor Hugo
Buses, shuttles to the TGV station and airport, and the cheapest beds; 5–10 min walk to the Cours Mirabeau.
Outside the ring road (Parc de la Torse, Jas de Bouffan)
Free or cheap parking and larger rooms; you will drive or bus in every day.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €100–160 (≈ US$120–190) excl. bed
- High
- €180 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, old-town hotel1 × 2 nights × €140 | €280 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €110 | €440 |
| Shuttle, TGV station or airport to Aix, both ways2 × €12 · check | €24 |
| City bus multi-trip ticket pack2 × €10 · check | €20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €79 |
| Trip total≈ €218 per person per day, bed included | €873≈ US$1,100 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café counter / seated on the Cours Mirabeau | €1.50–2 (≈ US$2–3) / €4–6 (≈ US$5–7) |
| Kebab or falafel sandwich | €5–8 (≈ US$6–10) |
| Two-course menu of the day, mid-range restaurant | €20–30 (≈ US$25–35) |
| Calissons, 250 g box | €10–18 (≈ US$12–25) |
| Glass of Provençal rosé | €4–8 (≈ US$5–10) |
| Museum entry (Musée Granet, Vasarely, Atelier Cézanne) | €6–15 (≈ US$7–18) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–25 (≈ US$12–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Parking in the centre is scarce and spaces are tight; use a car park on the ring road and walk.
- Restaurants and bars on the Cours Mirabeau charge the most and are the likeliest tourist traps; the better-value places sit in the lanes behind.
- The Mistral wind is strong and cold even in spring; bring a windproof layer.
- Many shops and some museums close on Sunday afternoon and Monday; check before you plan a shopping day.
- The TGV station is 15 km (9.3 mi) from town, not in it: allow the shuttle time.The TGV station is 9.3 mi (15 km) from town, not in it: allow the shuttle time.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency number
- 112
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 15
- Police
- 17
- Fire
- 18
Pocket card
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Aix-en-ProvenceAix-en-Provence
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- European emergency number112
- Ambulance (SAMU)15
- Police17
- Fire18
Embassy
No embassy in Aix; the US and UK consulates-general are in Marseille, and embassies are in Paris. Check your own country's list before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Shuttle, Aix TGV station or Marseille airport to Aix: about €6–8 (≈ US$7–10) single, 30–40 min (check)
- Coach, Marseille Saint-Charles to Aix bus station: about €7 (≈ US$9) one way, 30–40 min (check)
- La Diabline microbus, single ride: under €1 (≈ US$2) (check)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello / Good day (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- S'il vous plaît — Please (seel voo PLEH)
- C'est combien ? — How much is it? (say kom-BYEN)
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît — The bill, please (la-dee-SYON seel voo PLEH)
- Je peux payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (zhuh puh pay-YAY par KART)
Tipping: service is included by law in France; round up or leave 5–10% for good service.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Aix-en-Provence. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and crowds), mid-July festival weeks (rooms booked out, prices up) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 8 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport and TGV-to-bed contracts for MRS and the Aix TGV station: last shuttle departures, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Cours Mirabeau and Rotonde, the old town around the Hôtel de Ville, Mazarin and the markets, and the Cézanne sites north of the centre.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Atelier Cézanne, Musée Granet, Vasarely Foundation, Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur) and eat pages with last orders.
- Market-day fixtures so the Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings can go green.
Sources
- officialAix-en-Provence Tourist Office
- officialVille d'Aix-en-Provence
- officialFondation Vasarely
- officialMusée Granet
- officialCézanne sites (Atelier and Jas de Bouffan)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Aix-en-Provence, revision 5309401 (CC BY-SA 4.0)