Top 5 activities in Aix-en-Provence

What are the best things to do in Aix-en-Provence? Adventures in the fresh air, sunshine and cicadas, certainly. Then there’s the smell of lavender fields, culinary tastings with a background of olive oil and much more…

Aix-en-Provence is a student stronghold, yet it’s known and loved for its ambient calm. The hustle and bustle can be seen and experienced mainly outside the city, when you hop on a bike to explore its dry lands, bathed in brilliant light. Alternatively, take a walk through the purple fields to meet the lavender growers of the Aix-en-Provence region.

Your activities in Aix-en-Provence are sure to awaken all 5 senses. Particularly taste and smell. One thing’s for sure, your trip promises to be highly stimulating!

Wander the brightly-lit streets to collect historic buildings. As you visit cultural sites, listen carefully to the lilting accents of the locals. For heritage lovers, there’s no end of monuments and old cafés to stop off at between visits.

What to do in Aix-en-Provence? Our 5 ideas for activities

We’ve got something for epicureans staying in Aix-en-Provence. In the very heart of the picturesque town of Aix-en-Provence, you’ll find plenty of culinary specialities to tempt you. As an unusual activity, take the opportunity to visit Aix-en-Provence on a gourmet tour. Head into the city centre or ask a local to accompany you. You’ll get the best advice and information as you go.

1 Climb Mont Sainte-Victoire on an electric bike

photo credit Get your Guide

Category: €€ / Sporty

Description: Take on the highest peak in the Aix region: Mont Sainte-Victoire. Get on an electric mountain bike and set off on a 3-hour excursion in the heart of nature. The trails mapped out through the mountain will allow you to criss-cross the hills almost effortlessly. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Paul Cézanne’s muse, also known as a jewel of France’s natural heritage.

2. See life in purple as you explore the lavender fields

photo credit Ceetiz

Category: € / Unusual

Description: Dive headlong into this open-air painting of Provence! Lavender fields are one of the most emblematic landscapes in the South of France. Although unavoidable as you drive through the area, few people linger to admire its beauty and smell its distinctive fragrance. Lavender is also one of Provence’s staple foods! You’ll discover its countless variations when you visit a family estate specialising in organic lavender growing in Aix-en-Provence.

3. Make your own pastis in a workshop

Category: €€ / Gastronomic / Cultural

Description: Visit a professional distillery in Aix-en-Provence and learn how to make your own pastis from A to Z. After the creation stage, it’s time for the tasting! You’ll learn to identify the aromas and special characteristics of locally-produced pastis. The friendly atmosphere, passion and expertise of your host will add a whole new dimension to the workshop. You’ll soon know all the history and secrets of this cult drink from the South of France!

4. Take a historical and gourmet tour

photo credit Wikimedia

Category: €€ / Gastronomic / Cultural

Description: Discover the best of Aix-en-Provence in one tour. Taste the goodness of Provence on a long walk through the city’s beautiful streets. While being lulled by the city’s history, you’ll taste the famous calisson d’Aix, nougat, green and black olive tapenade and a few cheeses accompanied by a glass of wine. All these delicious products await you at the various open-air markets. It couldn’t be a more tempting menu, could it?

5. Take part in a wine tasting

Category: €€ / Gastronomic

Description: Get together with a small group of wine lovers for this 2-hour tasting session. During this workshop, wine professionals will guide you through the discovery of 9 surprising wines. Whether white, rosé, red or organic, their aromas will take you on a journey through Provence. Trace the history of wine, its challenges and today’s production. All your questions on the subject will soon be answered. Psst… You’ll even leave with a little surprise as a souvenir!