Guide de Ouissam
Lieux touristiques
Musée Granet
First opened in 1838, this classic museum houses an eclectic selection of over 12,000 works, featuring a neoclassical sculpture collection, an American exhibition with pop art works, and original pieces from Paul Cézanne and Picasso. Though the museum gets roughly 100,000 visitors each year, there are never crowds of people or long lines. It’s a small space and not as overwhelming as most museums, so you can spend an afternoon there, see the museum’s entire collection, and then grab a nice dinner in town.
Address and Telephone: Place Saint-Jean de Malte Aix en Provence, France, +33 04 42 52 88 32
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Museo Granet
Place Saint-Jean de MalteMusée Granet
First opened in 1838, this classic museum houses an eclectic selection of over 12,000 works, featuring a neoclassical sculpture collection, an American exhibition with pop art works, and original pieces from Paul Cézanne and Picasso. Though the museum gets roughly 100,000 visitors each year, there are never crowds of people or long lines. It’s a small space and not as overwhelming as most museums, so you can spend an afternoon there, see the museum’s entire collection, and then grab a nice dinner in town.
Address and Telephone: Place Saint-Jean de Malte Aix en Provence, France, +33 04 42 52 88 32
Stroll down Le Cours Mirabeau
Strolling down the elegant Cours Mirabeau is the first thing you should do when arriving in Aix-en-Provence. Even if it’s just to marvel at its tree-lined avenue brimming with activity, making your way here first will help you navigate your way around in Aix for the next coming days.
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Cours Mirabeau
Cours MirabeauStroll down Le Cours Mirabeau
Strolling down the elegant Cours Mirabeau is the first thing you should do when arriving in Aix-en-Provence. Even if it’s just to marvel at its tree-lined avenue brimming with activity, making your way here first will help you navigate your way around in Aix for the next coming days.
Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur d’Aix-en-Provence
The Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur d’Aix-en-Provence is an important national monument in France. Come, sit, and reflect in this beautiful cathedral while enjoying the art that surrounds you. The architecture includes Gothic and Neo-gothic influences, with Roman columns, so be sure to visit the cloister, the baptistery and the bell tower, or simply gaze at the carved doors. Though the interior is decorated with beautiful art, it isn’t overwhelming, and the decor is quite simple in comparison to other famous churches. Sit and enjoy the peace and quiet in a lovely atmosphere, or attend a service to hear music from the organ.
Address and Telephone: 34 Place des Martyrs de la Résistance Aix en Provence, France, +33 04 42 23 45 65
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Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence
34 Pl. des Martyrs de la ResistanceCathédrale Saint-Sauveur d’Aix-en-Provence
The Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur d’Aix-en-Provence is an important national monument in France. Come, sit, and reflect in this beautiful cathedral while enjoying the art that surrounds you. The architecture includes Gothic and Neo-gothic influences, with Roman columns, so be sure to visit the cloister, the baptistery and the bell tower, or simply gaze at the carved doors. Though the interior is decorated with beautiful art, it isn’t overwhelming, and the decor is quite simple in comparison to other famous churches. Sit and enjoy the peace and quiet in a lovely atmosphere, or attend a service to hear music from the organ.
Address and Telephone: 34 Place des Martyrs de la Résistance Aix en Provence, France, +33 04 42 23 45 65
Atelier Cézanne
Famous 19th century post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne lived and worked in Aix en Provence as he was native to the area, and today, this is a source of pride for the city. The world-renowned artist has had pieces displayed in the most famous museums around the world. The Atelier Cézanne is the studio in Aix where he created a majority of his works. The room has more or less been left untouched, so visitors can get a true idea of what his working life was like before he died. It’s the perfect place for anyone who enjoys art but wants to see something more intimate than a museum.
Address and Telephone: 9 Avenue Paul Cézanne Aix en Provence, France +33 04 42 21 06 53
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Atelier Cézanne
38 Avenue Philippe SolariAtelier Cézanne
Famous 19th century post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne lived and worked in Aix en Provence as he was native to the area, and today, this is a source of pride for the city. The world-renowned artist has had pieces displayed in the most famous museums around the world. The Atelier Cézanne is the studio in Aix where he created a majority of his works. The room has more or less been left untouched, so visitors can get a true idea of what his working life was like before he died. It’s the perfect place for anyone who enjoys art but wants to see something more intimate than a museum.
Address and Telephone: 9 Avenue Paul Cézanne Aix en Provence, France +33 04 42 21 06 53
Musée Estienne de Saint Jean
Established in a 17th century French mansion, this museum houses the history and traditions of Aix. Visitors can see furniture, figurines, ceramics, and more archaic objects that were once part of modern culture. The house itself is an example of rich and beautiful aristocratic life – notice the painted entrance dome and grand staircase. The museum is the epicenter of Aix culture, so it’s a must see for anyone visiting or looking to learn more about the famous region.
Address and Telephone: 17 Rue Gaston de Saporta Aix en Provence, France, +33 04 42 91 89 78
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Museo di Vieil Aix
17 Rue Gaston de SaportaMusée Estienne de Saint Jean
Established in a 17th century French mansion, this museum houses the history and traditions of Aix. Visitors can see furniture, figurines, ceramics, and more archaic objects that were once part of modern culture. The house itself is an example of rich and beautiful aristocratic life – notice the painted entrance dome and grand staircase. The museum is the epicenter of Aix culture, so it’s a must see for anyone visiting or looking to learn more about the famous region.
Address and Telephone: 17 Rue Gaston de Saporta Aix en Provence, France, +33 04 42 91 89 78
Place de l’Hôtel de Ville
There is a lot happening in this bustling city square, and you can start your adventures at the town hall, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville. The magnificent building was erected in the 15th century and seats prominent government officials, and most days, the facility is open for visitors to enjoy the property. Built in the 14th century, adjacent to the hôtel, stands a tall clock tower. In the center of the square sits a fountain, with a Roman column topped with a globe encased in golden laurel, in the middle. Finally, there is a corn exchange, a building that was utilized by merchants and farmers for trading. It has since been converted to a post office, but still is a historic site worth seeing.
Address and Telephone: Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, Aix en Provence, France, +33 04 42 17 10 43
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Place de l'Hôtel de ville
Place de l'Hôtel de villePlace de l’Hôtel de Ville
There is a lot happening in this bustling city square, and you can start your adventures at the town hall, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville. The magnificent building was erected in the 15th century and seats prominent government officials, and most days, the facility is open for visitors to enjoy the property. Built in the 14th century, adjacent to the hôtel, stands a tall clock tower. In the center of the square sits a fountain, with a Roman column topped with a globe encased in golden laurel, in the middle. Finally, there is a corn exchange, a building that was utilized by merchants and farmers for trading. It has since been converted to a post office, but still is a historic site worth seeing.
Address and Telephone: Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, Aix en Provence, France, +33 04 42 17 10 43
Montagna di Sainte Victoire
Le Terrain des Peintres
Featuring views of the mount Saint Victoire, this lovely park was the inspiration for many of Paul Cézanne’s works. Hoping to get inspired, many locals will set up at the park to paint or sketch the breathtaking landscape. For those without an artistic inclination, the park is also a choice location to take a walk on a sunny day or have a picnic in the afternoon.
Address and Telephone: 49 Avenue Paul Cézanne Aix en Provence, France
Field of the Painters
49 Av. Paul CézanneLe Terrain des Peintres
Featuring views of the mount Saint Victoire, this lovely park was the inspiration for many of Paul Cézanne’s works. Hoping to get inspired, many locals will set up at the park to paint or sketch the breathtaking landscape. For those without an artistic inclination, the park is also a choice location to take a walk on a sunny day or have a picnic in the afternoon.
Address and Telephone: 49 Avenue Paul Cézanne Aix en Provence, France
Vasarely Foundation
This quirky museum displays massive pieces of eye-catching art by Victor Vasarely. The impressive collection of modern and optical art sits in an unusual, though exceptional, gallery. The pieces come in many forms of media, ranging from tapestries to 3D images. The museum is rarely crowded, so there’s a good chance that you can get a personal tour of the premises from a foundation member. Though it’s in Aix, it’s a little out of the way from the city center, so be sure to plan other fun activities in the area as well.
Address and Telephone: 1 Avenue Marcel Pagnol Aix en Provence, France, +33 04 42 20 01 09
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Fondation Vasarely
1 Av. Marcel PagnolVasarely Foundation
This quirky museum displays massive pieces of eye-catching art by Victor Vasarely. The impressive collection of modern and optical art sits in an unusual, though exceptional, gallery. The pieces come in many forms of media, ranging from tapestries to 3D images. The museum is rarely crowded, so there’s a good chance that you can get a personal tour of the premises from a foundation member. Though it’s in Aix, it’s a little out of the way from the city center, so be sure to plan other fun activities in the area as well.
Address and Telephone: 1 Avenue Marcel Pagnol Aix en Provence, France, +33 04 42 20 01 09
Check out the moss-covered rock fountain (Fontaine Moussue)
The moss-covered rock fountain or Fontaine Moussue is one of the most visited fountains in Aix as it sits along the popular Cours Mirabeau. You’ll probably pass by it without realizing it, it’s not that big and impressive, but it’s worth checking out nonetheless as Aix is famous for its fountains.
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Fontaine Moussue
Cours MirabeauCheck out the moss-covered rock fountain (Fontaine Moussue)
The moss-covered rock fountain or Fontaine Moussue is one of the most visited fountains in Aix as it sits along the popular Cours Mirabeau. You’ll probably pass by it without realizing it, it’s not that big and impressive, but it’s worth checking out nonetheless as Aix is famous for its fountains.
Vignoble
Château Saint Hilaire - Vins & Huile d'Olive d'Aix en Provence AOP COTEAUX D'AIX EN PROVENCE
Gastronomie
In a golden-stone street on the edge of Aix’s Old Town, Le Petit Verdot is a must for its hearty cuisine, rooted firmly in Provençal soil, with a menu that nods occasionally to Italy. Tuck into succulent Camargue bull, or a leg of lamb braised in thyme, accompanied by a bottle (or two) from its 100-plus wine list, which is drawn mostly from the South of France. Dine at their rustic tables made from wine boxes and sip along to a laid-back jazz soundtrack.
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Le Petit Verdot
7 Rue d'EntrecasteauxIn a golden-stone street on the edge of Aix’s Old Town, Le Petit Verdot is a must for its hearty cuisine, rooted firmly in Provençal soil, with a menu that nods occasionally to Italy. Tuck into succulent Camargue bull, or a leg of lamb braised in thyme, accompanied by a bottle (or two) from its 100-plus wine list, which is drawn mostly from the South of France. Dine at their rustic tables made from wine boxes and sip along to a laid-back jazz soundtrack.
On a lane in the Old Town, Les Vieilles Canailles – “the old scoundrels” – is a lively bistro run by the dynamic young chef Pierre Hochart. In opening his own restaurant, Hochart brought with him experience of working at Alain Ducasse in Monaco as well as a stint in London, and he draws on the freshest local produce for his menu, marked up daily on his blackboard. The wine selection is excellent – ask for recommendations from the vast, wall-hung collection.
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Les Vieilles Canailles
7 Rue IsoletteOn a lane in the Old Town, Les Vieilles Canailles – “the old scoundrels” – is a lively bistro run by the dynamic young chef Pierre Hochart. In opening his own restaurant, Hochart brought with him experience of working at Alain Ducasse in Monaco as well as a stint in London, and he draws on the freshest local produce for his menu, marked up daily on his blackboard. The wine selection is excellent – ask for recommendations from the vast, wall-hung collection.
Just a 15-minute drive from town, up a mulberry-tree lined avenue with the imposing Montagne Sainte-Victoire as a dramatic backdrop, is this swish, modern family-run bistro. The enticing menus draw on local produce, be it fresh fish from the harbour at Marseille, or summer truffles from the countryside. Sorbets draw on the herbs that grow in the maquis; try combos such as ginger and citronella, or others made with rosemary and thyme liqueur.
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La Table de Beaurecueil
66 Allée des MûriersJust a 15-minute drive from town, up a mulberry-tree lined avenue with the imposing Montagne Sainte-Victoire as a dramatic backdrop, is this swish, modern family-run bistro. The enticing menus draw on local produce, be it fresh fish from the harbour at Marseille, or summer truffles from the countryside. Sorbets draw on the herbs that grow in the maquis; try combos such as ginger and citronella, or others made with rosemary and thyme liqueur.
In naming their restaurant “once upon a time”, couple Julie and Joan Sampietro explain their passion: hosting guests in this friendly bistro, a bright space with patchwork chairs and modern decor. Joan started his career at the renowned Restaurant Bernard Loiseau, west of Dijon, followed by stints in many top restaurants, and now draws on market produce for his menus. In summer, dishes are infused with citrus flavours; autumn brings an earthy cuisine.
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Il Etait une Fois
4 Rue LieutaudIn naming their restaurant “once upon a time”, couple Julie and Joan Sampietro explain their passion: hosting guests in this friendly bistro, a bright space with patchwork chairs and modern decor. Joan started his career at the renowned Restaurant Bernard Loiseau, west of Dijon, followed by stints in many top restaurants, and now draws on market produce for his menus. In summer, dishes are infused with citrus flavours; autumn brings an earthy cuisine.
The decadent Villa Gallici is close to the Atelier de Cézanne, where Aix’s most famous son painted his Post-Impressionist masterpieces. This Florentine palace is a luxury hotel with a gourmet restaurant to make the eyes pop (think lavish, then quadruple it); eschew the floral dining room for a table on the terrace under the plane trees, where a gentle breeze will accompany a menu of the best local produce, plus highlights such as king crab and caviar.
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La Villa Gallici - Hotel 5 étoiles - Aix en Pce
18 Av. de la VioletteThe decadent Villa Gallici is close to the Atelier de Cézanne, where Aix’s most famous son painted his Post-Impressionist masterpieces. This Florentine palace is a luxury hotel with a gourmet restaurant to make the eyes pop (think lavish, then quadruple it); eschew the floral dining room for a table on the terrace under the plane trees, where a gentle breeze will accompany a menu of the best local produce, plus highlights such as king crab and caviar.
In its unusual location, down a narrow little alley, this little bistro lives up to its name: “funny place”. There’s a boho vibe to it: industrial bare walls adorned with the latest art exhibition, and diners sit at tables tucked between pillars or at one long canteen table for a more sociable meal. The menu isn’t flash, but does a good line in tasty salads, meat and fish with moreish sauces, and all put together with fresh, local produce.
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Drôle d'Endroit
14 Rue Annonerie VieilleIn its unusual location, down a narrow little alley, this little bistro lives up to its name: “funny place”. There’s a boho vibe to it: industrial bare walls adorned with the latest art exhibition, and diners sit at tables tucked between pillars or at one long canteen table for a more sociable meal. The menu isn’t flash, but does a good line in tasty salads, meat and fish with moreish sauces, and all put together with fresh, local produce.
Despite its rustic-sounding name and grandma-inspired menu, La Petite Ferme is decidedly urban, with its counter tables looking into the kitchen. Its owner Ronan Kernen won Top Chef, France’s answer to Masterchef, in 2011 and already has a popular restaurant Côté Cour on the Cours Mirabeau. Kernen takes inspiration from his childhood in Brittany and from the seafood of Provence. There is also a generous choice of steak-frites.
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La petite ferme
7 Av. Victor HugoDespite its rustic-sounding name and grandma-inspired menu, La Petite Ferme is decidedly urban, with its counter tables looking into the kitchen. Its owner Ronan Kernen won Top Chef, France’s answer to Masterchef, in 2011 and already has a popular restaurant Côté Cour on the Cours Mirabeau. Kernen takes inspiration from his childhood in Brittany and from the seafood of Provence. There is also a generous choice of steak-frites.
Welcome to one of Aix’s hippest restaurants – well worth the 10-minute stroll from the centre. Its expansive terrace is the place to while away an evening or savour a long, languid lunch, while the dining room features white leather banquettes and retro wood panelling for a ’70s vibe. The menu is modern European, with exquisitely presented plates of exceptionally good produce, such as fish fresh from the Med, with the €62 (£53) tasting menu proving good value.
Les Inséparables
4 Av. Reine AstridWelcome to one of Aix’s hippest restaurants – well worth the 10-minute stroll from the centre. Its expansive terrace is the place to while away an evening or savour a long, languid lunch, while the dining room features white leather banquettes and retro wood panelling for a ’70s vibe. The menu is modern European, with exquisitely presented plates of exceptionally good produce, such as fish fresh from the Med, with the €62 (£53) tasting menu proving good value.
With modern decor and an impressive wine cellar, this cosy little restaurant in a sleepy corner of the Old Town takes pride in matching excellent produce to a superior wine list. Chef William Aubert works with local producers to use pure-bred Bigorre pork, and Aubrac beef along with vegetables from Aix’s excellent market. It changes every two weeks, and Aubert ensures there are always two fish and two meat dishes on the menu. One to search out.
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Vintrépide
48 Rue du Puits NeufWith modern decor and an impressive wine cellar, this cosy little restaurant in a sleepy corner of the Old Town takes pride in matching excellent produce to a superior wine list. Chef William Aubert works with local producers to use pure-bred Bigorre pork, and Aubrac beef along with vegetables from Aix’s excellent market. It changes every two weeks, and Aubert ensures there are always two fish and two meat dishes on the menu. One to search out.
For a restaurant with a festival vibe, head beyond town for 15 minutes, to the grounds of an 18th-century Provençal farmhouse where Gaodina has a breezy terrace restaurant with a garden bar, pétanque piste, swimming pool and a lot more still. Make your way here for brunch, with a choice including eggs, fruit compote and cake, or book for later when the lunch and dinner menus offer upmarket riffs on burgers, risotto, Caesar salad or poke bowls.
Gaodina
1075 Chemin du Mont RobertFor a restaurant with a festival vibe, head beyond town for 15 minutes, to the grounds of an 18th-century Provençal farmhouse where Gaodina has a breezy terrace restaurant with a garden bar, pétanque piste, swimming pool and a lot more still. Make your way here for brunch, with a choice including eggs, fruit compote and cake, or book for later when the lunch and dinner menus offer upmarket riffs on burgers, risotto, Caesar salad or poke bowls.
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Aix en Provence
Aix en Provence is a little college town in Southern France, but you don’t have to be a student to enjoy your time there. The provincial area is the perfect getaway from the bustling city – walk around peaceful gardens, appreciate work in art galleries, and shop at local markets. Read our list to discover the best things to do and see in Aix en Provence.
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Best restaurants
This town in southern France was tailor-made for long weekends – with galleries, gardens and markets galore. It’s a beauty to wander along the celebrated Cours Mirabeau, stopping for a refreshing beer in the warm sunshine on a café terrace. And when hunger pangs strike, you’re spoilt for choice: cheap, chic, trendy or trad – you’ll find a place to suit your taste buds at one of the best restaurants in Aix-en-Provence.