The complete guide to Aix-en-Provence

After the success of last year’s special guest immersion programme, Alexa and S.L. Immersion will once again be hosting an immersion experience in the beautiful town of Aix-en-Provence to help learners improve their French skills.

Why Aix-en-Provence, you might ask?

Paris is one of the most visited city in the world, and the other major cities in France can be similarly crowded. Aix has the virtue of being smaller and quieter while still boasting a rich culture and panoply of attractions, meaning it isn’t as much of a tourist hotspot. Not only will you not have to queue as long to enter museums or worry about photographers ruining your sight-seeing - it also means it’s the perfect place to practise your French skills.

Aix-en-Provence (or Aix as it’s sometimes shortened to) is located in the beautiful region of Provence, where the climate is hot and sunny, and you’re never far from the sea or other cities. But you can have an amazing time without ever leaving the city.

Cézanne’s studio

The legendary painter Cézanne grew up in Aix-en-Provence, and the city features in many of his paintings, from Jas de Bouffan to The House in Aix. While many of those artworks are hosted in galleries around the world, there’s only one place you can see the atelier where he laboured over them. It’s a charming space which regularly hosts exhibitions and provides a stunning view of Montagne Sainte-Victoire, which features in many of Cézanne’s paintings.

Having been closed for renovations last year, the workshop is opening again this spring.

The Tapestry Museum

Set on the ground floor of the former archbishop’s palace, the Tapestry Museum hosts a series of ornate tapestries which match the grandeur of the building itself. Mostly from the 17th and 18th centuries, these artworks feature resplendent depictions of mythological and romantic motifs, offering a glimpse into the artistic preoccupations of the rococo world.

Aix-Marseille University

One of the oldest universities in France, the University of Provence was founded in 1409, dissolved in 1792 and reformed in 1986 as Aix-Marseille University. With an enrollment of 80,000 students, it’s also one of the largest universities in France, and spans much of the city of Aix. Even if you don’t intend to pay a visit to the institution, you’ll probably stumble across some of the architectural marvels that constitute the main buildings of the university while strolling about the city.

Musée Granet

The perfect day out for aficionados of art, sculpture and archaeology, the Musée Granet hosts an extensive range of collections and exhibitions from Renaissance paintings to objets d’artfrom Ancient Egypt. The Planque Collection, which contains paintings by Cézanne, Degas, Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, Picasso, Gauguin and other celebrated artists, is a must-see.

Markets

Aix is home to numerous markets. The market in the Place Richelme, for instance, is open daily and sells amazing local produce such as seasonal fruits and vegetables, while Verdun square and Prêcheurs square are home to food markets that specialise in wine, cheeses, syrups, calissons - sweets made of candied fruit and almonds and topped with icing - and other delicacies. If you’re looking for flowers, be sure to check out the market in the town square, and on Victor Hugo Avenue, you’ll find a flea market open most weekdays. Other, smaller farmers’ markets are dotted around the city.

Spas

Fancy something a little more relaxing? Then head to one (or more) of the city’s many spas for some R&R, including the ancient (and still in use) Sextius Thermes spa. Aix has a reputation for its mineral springs and health resorts, and the thermal baths here have been in use since Roman times.

Nightlife

As a university town, Aix also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with the city centre being home to a range of small, cosy bars, larger clubs, jazz venues and even an Irish pub. In the warmer months of the year, the bustling atmosphere often spills out onto the streets too.

Beaches

Some of the most stunning beaches in all of France are to be found in Provence. The closest to Aix is Estaque Beach, which abuts onto a colourful village and affords tranquil views of the Côte d'Azur, but don’t miss out on Niolon Beach or Plage Lumière either.

Marseilles

If you’re looking to visit a bigger city while staying in Aix, Marseilles is only a half an hour drive away. This coastal city is full of historical wonders, such as the Abbey of St Victor, the Palais Longchamp and the famous old port. It’s also a fantastic location for shopping and food, with some of the most highly rated restaurants in France.

Countryside

Montagne Sainte-Victoire, just outside Aix-en-Provence, is a famous landmark, and with good reason. The region around the mountain is a favourite amongst paragliders, climbers and hikers alike, and Cézanne featured the mountain in many of his paintings.

Peak tourist season occurs in summer, especially between July and August, when average temperatures reach 25 degrees Celsius. The Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, a popular international music festival, also takes place in July, drawing visitors from across France and the world. However, if you want smaller crowds and fewer tourists, spring is likely your best bet, and you can still expect warm temperatures thanks to Aix’s location in the sunny south of France. And for those who can brave the cold, visitors in winter will be delighted by Aix’s frosty charm and decidedly quieter streets, which turn the city into the setting of a fairy tale.