5 Insider Aix-en-Provence Travel Tips (from my one month stay)

After the fourth week of living somewhere new, something changes and you no longer quite feel like a tourist on holiday.

You’ve experienced enough things to know which boulangeries make your favourite pain au chocolates (you know the ones with the crunchy flakes that have been baked to perfection!), what days the fresh markets are to plan your weekly shopping, at which time your favourite cafés will be drenched in sun (just before it gets too busy) and you can greet the waiter by name… 

And this is when true appreciation sets in. For experiencing life of another set of people, in another coordinate of the world. This moment in time of a certain place, walking in the shoes of another and trying out an alternate life to see how it fits. 

After spending a full month in Aix-en-Provence, the charming southern French town that feels like it’s been dipped in honey and sunlight, I gathered a handful of real-life discoveries and insights ~ the kind that only come from taking things slow.

If you’re planning a trip and looking for Aix-en-Provence travel tips that go beyond the basics, this post is for you. Think of it as a little local guide, wrapped in a personal story.

1. Wander the Markets:

Definitely take a slow stroll through the beautiful markets and all their organic local products.

The novel experience of going from stand to stand, basket in hand, filling it with colourful fresh fruits and vegetables, and trying a bit of this and that completely won me over ~ and I have no doubt it will you too.

Whilst there is a daily food market, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are the BIG market days spread across different areas. They’re all within walking distance though and I would recommend the following route:

• Start at Place Richelme ~ a more ‘locals’ market which is there every day, but has more vendors on these three days. Set up in a lovely square surrounded by cafes, you’ll find tradespeople selling all the fresh produce you can think of (the flower market is also on the square next door).
• Next, head over to Place des Prêcheurs, where you’ll find a wider range of produce, with many stalls selling freshly cooked meals-to-go and others packed with different coloured herbs and spices, breads, cheeses, olives and wine.
• At Place du Verdun in the same vicinity, the market moves into local designers selling everything from handmade wicker baskets, to anything scented with local lavender, provencal soaps, and artisanal jewellery etc.
• If you then follow the rows of stands through the street, you’ll come out at Cours Mirabeau where you’ll find the entire boulevard lined with stalls selling textiles, clothing and a flea market at the end selling antiques, books and furniture.

Pro Tip: Don’t leave without a bag of Herbes de Provence to bring the flavours of the region home with you!

2. Find the Hidden Crêpe Spot:

If you’re a crêpe lover like me, you’re going to want to follow these instructions. I promise, it will be well worth it. First, find the underground pedestrian tunnel near the roundabout and Apple Store.

Go down the steps and there, in the small alleyway, you’ll find a hole-in-the-wall spot making THE most authentic (and budget-friendly) crêpes in Aix. Bon appétit!

3. Treat yourself to Béchard Bakery:

Voted the best bakery in the city by locals, Béchard is the ultimate spot for sweet treats. From artisan-made pastries, delicate fruit tarts, and traditional calissons (a signature almond and candied melon sweet that’s unique to Provence) ~ everything is just impeccable. Plus, it’s family-run, which adds to its charm.

4. Sip and Dine Like a Local in Aix:

There are so many cute squares and corners in Aix-en-Provence, it truly is a picture-perfect quaint city. I’d also recommend following your intuition, letting it guide you down various alleyways until you naturally stumble upon a place that just makes you whisper “yes, this is the one.” But I will also leave here two standout spots I loved:

Bacchus: This is a beautiful spot I went to very often because it was always in the sun and it’s on a square that feels wonderfully local.

Les Vieilles Canailles: For an authentic French dining experience that captures the essence of Aix’s culinary charm, this is where you’re going to want to go. Tiny in size, huge in authenticity!

5. Take a Day Trip to Explore More of Provence:

For me, the downside of Provence is that without a car, it’s quite difficult to easily explore other areas which may feel limiting.

So in case you don’t drive and have a spare day to explore while you’re in Aix, I’d recommend taking this lovely day trip so that you can also get a taste of a few other charming places Les Baux-de-Provence, Avignon, and also finish with a wine tasting in the famous wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

I don’t usually do tours, as I prefer to explore solo and slowly, but when my mum came to visit, we went on this Provence region outing organised by GetYourGuide, it was actually very nice getting to explore further afield, being driven to new places and told more about their history.

Plus, you do get plenty of time in each place to go off and explore by yourself, so it’s win-win really!

A Personal Note on Aix-en-Provence

Finally, here’s where I admit something: I liked Aix-en-Provence and left with lovely memories, but I didn’t fall in love it. Not because it isn’t aesthetically beautiful ~ it clearly is. But, it didn’t stir my heart.

When you read a post here where I say that I love somewhere, it means I truly felt a connection to the soul of the place or activity. Aix, for all its charm, didn’t quite reach that level for me but this is not to say it will be the same for you.

That’s the beauty of exploring isn’t it ~ we each experience places differently. Some destinations will unlock something profound, while others will simply remain lovely stops along the journey. After Aix, I went on to spend another month in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence which was as cute as can be.

I’ll write about that soon and link it here so be sure to check back if you’re interested in hearing about my time there, plus the tips that come with it.

If you find yourself in Aix-en-Provence, I hope these insider insights add a little extra magic to your stay. And if you’ve already been, let me know: What was your favourite spot? I’d love to hear your experience!