What about Aix en Provence ?

H i   e v e r y b o d y,

I couldn't speak about France without a presentation of the city where I come from : Aix en Provence. I am born there, and I lived there until last year. This city is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur of Southern France.

 

Then, let's talk about something serious : How could you enjoy a short break in Aix en Provence ?

Firstly, you have the greatest reason to visit this grandiose city : with the launch of a new direct Eurostar service from London to Aix starting on May 4 for a two-month trial period, Aix becomes an accessible city, and the perfect place to have a break !

Otherwise, nearest airport is Marseille, a 30 minute shuttle bus ride from Aix which cost £6.50 one way.

To my mind, Aix is particularly admirable in spring. The gardens (believe me there are lots) are getting jollier, the fountains sparklier and café terraces are filling up with a mix of students, jurists, tourists, why not you ?

The first thing you have to do arriving in Aix is a stroll on the Cours Mirabeau, the heart of the city, from the vast famous Rotonde (have a look on the picture below), to the fountain at the bottom of the cours. This main avenue is lined with plane trees and old classical town-houses.

Aix is also famous for its café life. Just on the left side on the Cours Mirabeau, you can find one called "La Belle Epoque". It is a place where I enjoy both take a coffee or a breakfast the morning, or a cocktail to have the perfect french "apéritif".

It is good to know that every night from 7pm to 10pm, this is the Happy Hour : for each drink you order, guess what ? you'll get one free ! 

An other thing I could advise you during your discovery of the city : explore it, take time to chill in the old city and to walk down in the back streets. Aix is full of hidden cute areas and passages : one of them is the Passage Agard, a kind of gateway to the old city, through to the Place Verdun.

Besides, a visit to the Musée Granet, which opens at 10am is also a good idea ! You will have the possibility to see some Cezanne Paintings, the father of modern paintings whom lived on Aix many years. 

Place des Cardeurs by night

If you are looking for a place to have lunch or dinner, you should try "Le Bistrot des Philosophes" which is located on a vast place : Le Forum des Cardeurs. 

This is one of my favourite restaurants there. During spring and summer, there is a decent terasse. I've never been disappointed by their Provençal cooking.

 

In order to finish a perfect day in Aix en Provence, let's have a last drink in the "Scat Club", an old Jazz club located on the Rue de la Verrerie, which is full of other restaurants and pubs.

Regarding the place to sleep during this Southern french trip, I could advise you to look for a flat via the "airbnb" website.

I hope I have convinced you to visit Aix en Provence, don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions !

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