Aix-en-Provence Shore Excursion from Marseille

This half day Marseille shore trip visits the popular town of Aix en Provence, where you have time to explore the old town. You also see Mont Sainte-Victoire, the mountain that served as the backdrop for many Cezanne paintings, and today provides scenic views of the Provencal countryside.

After meeting your driver guide, you drive into Provence until you reach Aix en Provence, simply called Aix by locals. Upon arrival you visit the Cours Mirabeau, a tree lined boulevard laid out in the 17th century and known for its monumental fountains and popular cafes. While on this street, many people feel they have been transported to a Parisian neighborhood.

Next you have time in the Old Town of Aix en Provence, made up mostly of pedestrian streets. There are many lovely stone buildings, churches, museums, tourist shops, and designer boutiques to explore as you work your way through the small winding cobblestone streets. Most shops in France are closed on Sundays. In addition to several wonderful fountains, you will also notice bell towers made of wrought iron rather than stone, built this way to withstand the strong Provencal wind known as the mistral, which would topple a solid stone tower.

If you are visiting on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you can enjoy the open air street market where cheeses, olives, produce, fruit, flowers, and other local goods are sold. Aix is also well known as the home of impressionist painter Paul Cezanne, and you will see images of his paintings in shops throughout the old town. Upon your departure, you visit Mont Sainte-Victoire, located about 15 minutes outside of town, the mountain that served as the backdrop for many of his paintings and today offers views over the surrounding vineyards and countryside. At the end of this Marseille shore trip, your driver guide brings you back to the port or your hotel.

Please note

• Most shops in Aix en Provence are closed on Sundays.

What's Included

Included

• Pick up from Port or your Hotel in Marseille
• Private Vehicle with English Speaking Driver Guide
• This tour must start before 9:30 AM or after 1:30 PM.

Not Included

• Meals and beverages
• Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
• Personal shopping

Tour Timing

All times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests.

• 1
  30 Minutes

  Drive to Aix en Provence
• 2
  2 Hours and 15 Minutes

  Explore Aix en Provence
• 3
  30 Minutes

  Visit Mont St Victoire
• 4
  45 Minutes

  Return to Marseille

Resources

Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal. Marseille's cruise terminal Official Website

Good to Know

Mobility

Folding wheelchairs are welcome, though some areas on this tour may not be fully accessible. Please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Walking

This tour includes a walking portion over cobblestone streets. Comfortable, supportive shoes are strongly recommended.

Customizable

This tour can be adjusted to fit your group’s pace and interests. If you’d like to spend more time at a particular site or add a stop, contact us when you inquire.

Larger Groups

For groups that need a minibus or full coach, contact us for a custom quote. We accommodate groups of any size.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best day to visit Aix en Provence for the outdoor market?

The open air market in Aix en Provence runs on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with stalls selling cheese, olives, produce, and flowers. Most shops are closed on Sundays, so a weekday or Saturday visit gives you the fullest experience of the old town.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Folding wheelchairs are welcome, though some areas on this tour may not be fully accessible. Please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

When was the Cours Mirabeau built?

The Cours Mirabeau was laid out in 1650 on the site of a former rampart, and its fountains, including the Fontaine des Neuf Canons and the Fontaine de la Rotonde, were added over the following decades. The tree lined boulevard remains Aix en Provence's main promenade.

Why does Aix en Provence have so many wrought iron bell towers?

Aix and the surrounding Provencal countryside experience the mistral, a strong, cold wind that can blow for days at a time. Local builders used wrought iron rather than solid stone for many bell towers, since an iron frame lets the wind pass through instead of toppling the structure.

Do I need to pay separately for admission tickets on my Marseille tour?

You'll find entrance fees bundled in for Marseille tours where the tour page states it. Keep in mind some venues require timed, skip-the-line tickets that become non-refundable the moment they're purchased. We'll flag any non-refundable entrance fees for you at booking.

Can we add a stop to our Marseille tour that isn't on the standard itinerary?

That's the advantage of going private in Marseille -- the day can adjust to you. Mention any must-see sight to your driver or guide at pickup, and they'll do their best to work it in. Traffic and time constraints can occasionally limit how much we can change, but your guide will always try to keep things personal.

Also Available:

›Highlights of Marseille - for guests who prefer city sights over Provencal countryside, this 4 hour tour covers Notre Dame de la Garde, the Old Port, and Le Panier instead of Aix.

›Aix and Les Baux de Provence - to add the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence to your Aix visit, this 8 hour tour combines both destinations in one full day.

›Marseille and Aix - for a 4-hour private tour

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Travel Tips for our Clients

Aix in Provence is for many people the perfect French city. Founded in 122 BC, and for centuries the capital of Provence it is famous for its multitude of fountains, the most beautiful street in France and the many artists, including Paul Cezanne, who have chosen to live there. The city has an air reminiscent of Paris and yet the country feel that so many love about Provence, all fueled by a university population and many wealthy citizens.

Top Sights in Aix en Provence

Cours Mirabeau - This wide street is lined with 150 year old Plane Trees and is considered to be the most beautiful street in France. One side of the street is lined with 18th century mansions and the other side of the street is lined with cafes, shops and hotels. The street is lined with several famous fountains including the Fontaine de la Rotonde which dates to 1860 and features three statues representing Justice, Agriculture and the Fine Arts. Also noteworthy is Fontaine du Roi Rene crowned by a statute of the medieval king who first brought Muscat grapes to Provence.

Vieil Aix, or the old town is located on one side of the Cours Mirabeau. Small medieval streets meander until they suddenly open onto large open squares. Some of the squares feature the best outdoor markets in Provence.

Musée du Vieil Aix- This museum recounts the history of this beautiful city. Included is a display of Santons, small Provencal dolls dating to the 19th century.

Musee des Tapisseries- Located in the Archbishop's Palace this museum boasts a fine collection of 17th-18th century tapestries. There are often displays of modern tapestries as well.

Cathedrale St-Sauveur is a church that features architecture from the 5th to 17th Century. Worth at least a peak!

Atelier de Cezanne- Located about a mile north of the Cours Mirabeau is the 1901 studio of painter Paul Cezanne. It was from here that he painted many of his famous works, including those featuring nearby Mont St-Victoire. The artist died in 1906, but his studio is set up as if he just stepped away for a few minutes. A nice peak into the life and work's of one of Provence's most famous artists.