The 13 essential things to do in the Pays d'Aix

From the South? The village Provençal has concocted the ideal recipe for a perfect stay: here are the 13 things to visit the country of Aix.

The country of Aix has an exceptional heritage that deserves to stop there a few days. Drop your bags and go to the sights of the territory. Visiting the Aix Country under all its facets is the best way to enjoy the South of France. Castles, nature walks, Provencal markets, terrace strolls and thousand treasures are at the rendezvous.

It's for all tastes! Mariez shopping and nobility of history. From the vineyard to your glass. Your journey becomes gourmet, your taste buds taste happiness. You don't know where to give head? Here is a guide to visit the Pays d’Aix without missing its must. Welcome to the heart of Provence!

1. La Sainte-Victoire

Symbol of Provence and meeting point of hikers, the Sainte-victoire is like a connection between the Var and the Bouches du Rhône. Immortalized on more than 80 paintings, the Sainte-Victoire has become worldwide known as the "Muse de Cézanne".

This must-see in the Pays d’Aix offers a magnificent viewpoint culminating at 1011 meters above sea level. The panorama embraces the landscapes of Provence, the Mediterranean, Mont Ventoux and even the Alps. The religious heritage of the Sainte-Victoire offers you a few breaks. Here are the key buildings:

• La Croix de Provence is located at the top of the Sainte-Victoire. Up to 7 metres, it rests on a support of 11 metres. It is therefore visible from a large part of the department.
• Among the unnamed hikes on the Sainte-Victoire, many of them pass through the hermitage Saint-Ser. The legend tells us that in the 5th century a hermit known as Servus Dei lived in a cave, on the south side of the Sainte-Victoire.
• Widely frequented by pilgrims, the Priory of Saint-Victoire is on the mountain peak. It is a set of constructions dating from the late 17th century. Among them are the entrance porch and Notre-Dame-de-Victoire chapel.

2. In the footsteps of Cézanne

After admiring the Sainte-victoire, learn more about it Paul Cézanne . The landscapes of Provence have long inspired the painter. Raise its course starting with the Bastide du Jas de Bouffan and its garden. Here, the young Cézanne created a dozen mural compositions.

Continue with the Atelier de Cézanne: this is where you will most feel the presence of the painter. In this little corner of paradise, the artist’s work equipment and tools are still in place. The light of this workshop, which penetrates through large windows, guided the painter and illuminated his creative path. Paul Cézanne has made many of these works in this workshop, which are now exhibited throughout the world. You will have the opportunity to see temporary exhibitions and cultural events.

3. The Roquefavour Aqueduct

Being the largest stone viaduct in the world, the Aqueduct de Roquefavour is a must-see in the Pays d’Aix. Located on the commune of Ventabren, it engrossses the valley of the Arc and, in order to feed Marseille drinking water, draws water from the Durance.

Over nearly 400 metres, this jewel of architecture was completed in the 1850s. Although it is widely inspired by ancient Pont du Gard , it's twice as high as the latter.

4. The historic centre of Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is an invitation to travel in time. Under the hot sun, the old town is ranked 3rd set of baroque architecture in France, after Paris and Versailles. It is then a must-see in the Aix Country.

During your getaway, your steps will lead you to an exceptional heritage. Every corner of the street hides the riches of the city. Aix-en-Provence reveals a little more its elegance over the ever-living squares. Each fountain contains its secrets. Take the Cours Mirabeau and enjoy it on the terrace!

5. Typical markets with flavors of Provence

Every week, the colours and scents of the markets settle everywhere in the region and simmer your senses. It is an opportunity to discover ancient books, local products and flowers. Inquiring a Marseille soap and a lavender pochon is a must-see in the Pays d’Aix.

To do your shopping as well as to stroll with your family, the Provençal market will warmly welcome you and respect the traditions. Markets of all kinds take place in large cities and in small villages. Markets with premiums, crushing, flower market, not to mention the Christmas market and the santon market!

6. Les calissons du Roy René

The Calisson du Pays d’Aix is a gourmet that has flattered the taste buds of the Provencal since the 15th century, and is one of the 13 desserts traditionally served at Christmas. Unchanged since its creation, the calisson is composed of a complex mix of almonds, confit melons and orange bark, all erected on a bed of hosts and covered with royal ice. Behind the recipe of the calisson is a beautiful story. According to the local legend, King René's Confiser would have made this treat for the marriage of the sovereign to the young Queen Jeanne Laval. To the latter, who wonders about the name of the sugar factory, we answer in Provencal “Di calin soun”: “These are cuddlings.”

Wherever you're in Provence, you'll easily find clays. Also, if you go to Saint-Cannat, stop for about 20 minutes to visit the Calisson Museum. The visit is free, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of these bites of happiness. In its traditional and iconic diamond box, the calisson is the ideal gift for gourmet and typically Provencal attention!

7. Wine from the region and local products

The southern accent is also in the plate! Indeed, visiting the Aix Country is also a gustative discovery. And although the calisson is undeniable, the Provençal specialities abound. The list is long and not exhaustive! You will find a florilège of recognized and labélized flavours.

• Olive oils
• Green or black olive mats
• Bouillabaisse with rust
• Miel de Provence
• Oil pump

The vineyards, for their part, fully benefit from the sun of the region. Whether white, rosé or red, the Pays d’Aix counts only 5 Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) : Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Côtes de Provence and Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire, Palette and Côtes du Luberon. And these 5 AOCs are divided between 70 domains, so please your taste buds!

8. The Vasarely Foundation

Dive into the dazzling world of the plastician. Inaugurated in 1976, the Franco-Russian Victor Vasarely exhibits here "the polychrome city of happiness". The foundation is the result of a collaboration between the artist, architects and companies.

Ranked Historic Monument since 2013, the ground floor of this place contains 16 hexagonal-based modules, embedded in a gigantic building game. A total of 44 works are exhibited with optical art. Cultural visits upstairs allow visitors to discover the Master’s universe from its beginnings. Then temporary exhibitions, lectures and concerts punctuate the Foundation’s programming throughout the year.

9. The Calanques National Park

In the heart of the Metropolis of Aix-Marseille-Provence, the Parc national des calanques is a natural and paradise destination for a day of swimming. It is therefore a must to visit the country of Aix. After a more or less important walk, the Grand Bleue loves itself in the middle of the cliffs. This land-based and marine park has a very rich biodiversity, especially with the Cassidaigne Canyon and several islands with heritage treasures. Between wind and warm climate, the fauna and flora found here form a spectacular landscape.

During your stay to visit the Pays d’Aix, the summer heat will definitely make you want to sting a head. Wherever you're in the area, you won't need more than 45 minutes to sunbath your feet in a fan.

10. The dams of Bimont and Zola

Not far from the Sainte-Victoire between the avenues lined with olive groves and cypresses, floats a thyme smell, garrigue. Among the undeniable hiking trails in the Pays d’Aix, the Bimont dam and the Zola dam are a great classic, welcoming more than 200,000 visitors every year.

Launched in 1952, the Bimont dam is mainly powered by the Verdon. Today it generates much of the water needs of the towns of the Aix. The Zola dam was built 100 years rather by François Zola, the father of the novelist. Inquiet to the idea that the Aixian bourgeois lack water to wash their clothes, this dam was designed with the aim of retaining the runoff waters of the Sainte-Victoire to create a water reserve that would feed Aix-en-Provence. Parking and picnic areas are available to hikers. Before you go on expedition, think about taking your dildo!

11. Sports activities on the Durance

Crossing the region over 300 km, the Durance River is the real spinal column of Provence. It takes its source in the Hautes Alpes and, by its length, it is the second tributary of the Rhone.

Because of its flow and its daisy, the Durance was long known as insurmountable. Obviously this is no longer the case today, where it is indeed possible to make paddles like canoeing. On the outskirts, it is possible to climb natural walls and via ferrata. Also, many are those who circulate on their banks, on foot, by bike or on horseback.

12. The villages of the Pays d’Aix

Passionate about rural architecture? You will only have the embarrassment of choice to occupy your stay and discover the villages built on the heights of the region. Most of these small villages date from the Middle Ages and are perched on narrow spaces. They then offer stunning views of the surrounding area. Often passionate and eager to share their traditions, also go to meet locals.

Bouc Bel Air

Between Aix and Marseille, Bouc Bel Air is a pleasant village that has preserved its authenticity. Beyond the splendid view that this perched village offers, there is a site that must not be missed under any pretext: the gardens of Albertas! These real works of art are inspired by both French gardens and Italian style, very present in Provence. Many hikes are available from Bouc Bel Air. But you can also visit the Notre Dame de l’Espérance chapel or the parish church of Saint-André.

Vitrolles

Vitrolles is the largest suburb of Aix-en-Provence. While its new city is very urban, the old Vitrolles has all the charm of the provencal villages. Its tourist attraction is proof of the beauty of its architecture and its heritage. Here you will find the Romanesque chapel Notre-Dame de Vie, or the Tour Sarrasine, classified as a Historic Monument and found on the city’s blasons.

Fuveau

This atypical village and full of colours do not leave undifferentiated. In the heart of the Arc Valley and at the foot of the Sainte-Victoire, Fuveau is a charming village perched and typically Provencal. Its medieval and mining heritage is rich and exciting: the Church and the Chapel of Saint-Michel full of history, the Bassac Gate pierced in a medieval wall, a former washhouse... An unusual visit that takes place in front of a magnificent panorama.

Cheques

Jouques is a small Provencal jewel perched on the heights of the Pays d’Aix in the north of Aix-en-Provence. It is possible to appreciate, in the historical heart of the village, the beautiful houses and the charming lodges of the time. Toys is a rich heritage and an architectural diversity. You will find the Notre Dame de la Roque Chapel, the Tour de l’Horloge and its If Castle, the Rural Museum located in the old chapel of Saint-Jean, and many others. A village of character not to be missed to visit the Aix Country.

Lourmarin

Its Renaissance Castle, its green setting, as well as its many shops, make it an essential step to visit the Aix Country. Charmed and inspired by the village of Lourmarin, many artists lived there. This is the case of writers Albert Camus and Henri Bosco. In your turn, you will be seduced by the alleys, ancient facades and fountains of this small village of the Luberon .

13. The Occitane plant

Enter the heart of Provence by visiting the Occitane factory in Provence, its garden and its museum shop. This brand of cosmetics mainly based on natural ingredients and recognized for its body care invites you to Manosque and delivers all its secrets.

You will have the opportunity to make your senses awake by walking in the gardens of the Occitane. Here, cultures are the ones you find in the cares and fragrances of the brand. A guided tour of the factory punctuated with sensory animations is possible. Then finish your getaway in the attelante museum shop. You will know everything about the treasures, values and history of the Occitane in Provence.

How to go to the Aix Country?

Several choices are possible to visit the Aix Country:

• Coming by train : the central station of the Pays d’Aix is the TGV station of Aix-en-Provence. Many destinations are served there.
• Take the car : join the Aix Country by the A8.
• By plane : from Marseille-Provence airport. Shuttles are available to reach, for example, the centre of Aix-en-Provence. To make sure you find the right flight at the best price, you can help you with a typical flight comparison Skyscanner.
• Take the bus : thanks to the Yesbus and Flixbus lines, you can go to the Pays d’Aix without congestion. Once arrived, the abundance of public transport in the region will facilitate your travel.

Where to stay in Aix Country?

In the region, all types of accommodation are available. From the hotel to the campsite by the Airbnb , you will find for sure what is best for you. To help you in your search, use a Compare hotels .

The most extensive offer is offered in the capital of the Pays d’Aix: Aix-en-Provence . But if you want to be close to the sea, a accommodation in Vitrolles or Bouc Bel Air will be more suitable. You can also pack your bags in Lourmarin for a stay in the heart of Provence.

Now that you know everything to visit the Aix Country, you only have to pack!