Aix-en-Provence (France) - a place like a painting by Cézanne
If you only have 24 hours—and let's face it, sometimes that's exactly what happens when you travel—we've compiled a diverse list of must-sees to help you make the most of your quick visit to this inspiring city in the heart of Provence. It's hard to believe, but Aix-en-Provence has a ton of sights to explore, yet it's still small enough that you can walk around it with a map and discover something amazing almost at every turn.
Start your day with the perfect cup of coffee
At Café La Brûlerie, delicious freshly roasted coffee is still prepared according to time-honored tradition. At the antique coffee roaster in the front of the shop, you can watch the beans transform from green to the delicate earthy brown of a perfectly roasted bean. Located in the heart of Aix, next to a market square, the café is a popular meeting place on market days.
Explore the markets & typical French shops
After breakfast, you can be inspired and tempted by one of Aix's many typical markets. The main market at Place Richelme takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, although there are smaller markets every day in various squares throughout the city. Rue Fabrot and Rue Espariat are home to some charming little French shops and boutiques. Be sure to bring a leather shopper and plan plenty of time to browse. Then you'll surely be captivated by the charm of Provence.
Enjoy the city's art and culture
Art lovers will find their money's worth in Aix, as this is where the famous painter Cézanne was born. There are several museums and many guided tours dedicated to the artist. The "In Cézanne's Footsteps" walking tour is highly recommended. It leads through the city, and along the way, you'll discover many historical sites from Cézanne's life. On the hill north of Aix is the Cézanne studio. Here, you can get a very good insight into how the great artist lived during his time. The Musée Granet houses many famous works by Cézanne, as well as works by Picasso, Ingres, and Granet, and is worth a visit at any time of year.
If you prefer something more modern, you should definitely plan a visit to the Shan-Art Gallery (Rue Fernand Dol).
Get to know the cathedral and the people of the city
The perfect place for people-watching is around the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur (Rue Jacques de la Roque). Thanks to the cathedral's location, there's a nice mix of students, locals, and tourists, creating a lively and pleasant atmosphere. The interior of the cathedral is also worth seeing, as the enormous Gothic rib-vaulted ceiling forms a vast and breathtaking space above the cathedral floor.
Let the evening end beautifully
After a long day of exploring the highlights and sightseeing, there's no better place to end the day with a breathtaking sunset than the Place des Cardeurs . It's home to a variety of bars and restaurants, and the area is bustling until late at night. The area is very popular with hip couples and young families. At "Le Cardeur Bacchus," you'll find a great selection of tapas and a wonderful drinks menu in a relaxed atmosphere. Located on the upper side of the square, it enjoys longer evening sun than other venues.
Place des Cardeurs is also home to many excellent restaurants where you can enjoy freshly caught fish and seafood outdoors, and relax and end your wonderful day in Aix-en-Provence. It's also the perfect place to take your leather handbag out for a walk :).
We hope you have fun in this beautiful French city!
Your myBagFactory team
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