Aix en Provence is all about lazy lunches, pretty squares and wandering down streets lined with cafes, fountains and little shops. There are markets to browse, Cézanne landmarks to discover, and plenty of Provençal charm, with the dramatic Montagne Sainte-Victoire just beyond the city.
Aix en Provence is small, characterful and packed with hotels, but each area offers a slightly different take on the city. The historic centre (Vieil Aix), is the best choice for first-time visitors who want pretty streets, markets, cafes and restaurants on the doorstep. You’ll find everything from affordable stays to stylish boutique and design hotels, though parking is limited here. Just south of the centre, Mazarin is quieter and more elegant, with tree-lined streets and grand 17th century buildings. It’s a good spot for a romantic break, with some of Aix’s smartest boutique and luxury hotels close to Cours Mirabeau. La Rotonde, around the famous fountain and the western end of Cours Mirabeau, is particularly handy if you want to be central but need better transport links. It’s also a practical choice for shorter stays, with a good range of modern and mid-range hotels and easy access to the train and bus stations. For more space and a quieter, suburban setting, Aix Les Milles sits south-west of the centre. It’s a useful option for families or business travellers, with larger hotels, easier parking and good road connections, although you’ll need transport to reach central Aix.
Ideal for: Sightseeing, foodies, markets, art & culture, cafes
The Historic Centre is the best bet for first-time visitors and culture lovers who want to be right in the middle of Aix’s old world charm. Wander the narrow streets, browse the daily markets, admire the fountains and grand 17th and 18th century buildings, then stop for coffee or lunch in one of the many leafy squares. It’s also home to some of the city’s best restaurants, independent shops and galleries, so there’s plenty to keep you busy without needing a car.
Did you know? Aix en Provence is known as the “City of a Thousand Fountains”, and many of them are tucked into the streets and squares of the historic centre. One of the most famous is the Fontaine des Quatre-Dauphins, built in 1667 and decorated with four dolphins.
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Ideal for: Business stays, local dining, families, village atmosphere
Aix Les Milles is a good choice for families, business travellers and anyone arriving by car who’d rather have a quieter base than the centre of Aix. Once a small village, it still has a local feel, with a handful of restaurants, shops and traditional Provençal spots to explore. You’re close to the Camp des Milles, a former World War II internment camp and now an important memorial site, and the surrounding countryside is ideal for walking and cycling. Hotels here tend to be bigger and more practical, often with pools and parking, and you can reach central Aix by car in around 15 minutes.
Did you know? Aix Les Milles was home to the Camp des Milles, a former brick factory that became an internment camp during the Second World War.
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Ideal for: Romantic breaks, art & culture, architecture, luxury stays
Mazarin is where you'll find Aix en Provence’s elegant, quieter side, making it a lovely choice for couples, culture lovers and anyone looking for a more refined stay. Built in the 17th century, its handsome streets are lined with grand townhouses, trees and fountains, with the leafy Cours Mirabeau just a few minutes away. The Musée Granet and Église Saint-Jean de Malte are right here too, making it easy to mix a bit of culture with cafe stops. Hotels tend to be boutique and upmarket, and the whole area feels polished yet still relaxed.
Did you know? The Mazarin Quarter was designed around a grid of straight, orderly streets — quite a contrast to the winding lanes of Aix’s older medieval centre.
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Ideal for: First-time visitors, city sightseeing, transport links, shopping
La Rotonde is a handy choice for first-time visitors, couples and anyone who wants to be close to the action without staying deep in the Old Town. Centred around Aix’s famous Rotonde fountain, it sits at the foot of Cours Mirabeau, with the historic centre, shops, cafes and restaurants all within easy walking distance. It’s also one of the city’s best connected areas, close to the train and bus stations, making it useful for day trips. Hotels here tend to be modern and practical, with plenty of mid-range options as well as smarter stays.
Did you know? La Rotonde fountain has three giant statues representing art, justice and agriculture, a nod to the three pillars of life in Aix when it was built in 1860.
