Aix-en-Provence: 5 Must-See Spots for a Weekend Visit

Aix-en-Provence is one of those cities that earns the word "stunning" without qualification. This 74-second guide from @frenchrivieraguide lays out five essentials for a weekend trip, covering the old town, the city's famous fountains, a 12th-century cathedral, the Mazarin quarter, and the Granet Museum. The itinerary is walkable and specific enough to follow with a phone in your pocket.

1. The Old Town and Place de l'Hotel de Ville

Start in the historic center at the Place de l'Hotel de Ville, where the clock tower (Tour de l'Horloge) anchors the square. This is the natural starting point for walking the old town's narrow streets, and it orients you for everything else on the list.

2. The 130 Fountains

Aix-en-Provence has 130 fountains scattered across the city. Three stand out. The Fontaine Moussu is fed by natural hot thermal water. The Fontaine de la Rotonde sits at the end of the Cours Mirabeau, the city's grand central boulevard, and serves as the most recognizable landmark. The Fontaine des Augustins is topped with a copper star.

3. The Cathedral Saint-Sauveur

Still in the old town, the Cathedral Saint-Sauveur is free to visit. The building itself spans multiple architectural periods, but the highlight is the cloister, which dates to the 12th century. It sits close to the food recommendations below, making it easy to pair with a meal.

Nearby Food Stops

The video calls out three places worth visiting in the old town:

• Les Madeleines de Christophe -- described as exceptional madeleines
• Cava Aix -- recommended for brunch
• Maison Bechard -- a traditional shop for calissons, the almond-and-melon candy that is an Aix specialty

4. The Mazarin Quarter

South of the Cours Mirabeau, the Mazarin quarter has a different character from the medieval old town. The streets are lined with grand private mansions (hotels particuliers) from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Hotel de Caumont is singled out as a specific stop -- it hosts rotating art exhibitions and has a formal garden that is worth lingering in.

5. The Granet Museum

If you have any interest in art, the Musee Granet is the anchor cultural stop. The video highlights both the building's architecture and its permanent collections. It houses works by Cezanne (who was born in Aix), Rembrandt, and a significant modern and contemporary wing. It sits in the Mazarin quarter, so it pairs naturally with a walk through that neighborhood.

Key Takeaways

• The entire itinerary fits within walking distance in the city center, making it realistic for a single weekend
• The 130 fountains are a defining feature of Aix -- the three named here (Moussu, Rotonde, Augustins) are the most photogenic and easiest to find
• The Cathedral Saint-Sauveur is free, which makes it an easy addition to any route through the old town
• The Mazarin quarter and the old town have distinct architectural personalities and are worth treating as separate walks
• Calissons from Maison Bechard and madeleines from Christophe are the two food souvenirs called out by name