Aix-en-Provence: Day Trips and Tours from Marseille
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The enchanting university town of Aix-en-Provence is known for its vibrant markets, particularly the colorful Marché aux Fleurs. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Côte d’Azur region, the birthplace of artist Paul Cézanne is a cultural and artistic center, and also the site of thermal hot springs.
On a day trip from Marseille to Aix-en-Provence, you can easily explore this charming locale. There is plenty to see and do in the Provençal town and the surrounding countryside also provides many picturesque landscapes along the route inland.
Here's all you need to know about Aix-en-Provence, one of the most exciting day trips from Marseille.
How to get to Aix-en-Provence from Marseille?
Aix-en-Provence is situated in the Provences-Alpes-Côte D’Azure region, approximately 30 kilometers north of Marseille.
From Marseille to Aix-en-Provence by car
Aix-en-Provence is an easy 35-minute drive from Marseille via the A7 and A51. If you’re not in a hurry, you can follow slightly longer routes along the A55 and A51 or the A55 and D9. These routes will take around 45 minutes to drive.
There is also an airport shuttle that runs every 30 minutes, and will get you to Aix-en-Provence in just over half an hour.
From Marseille to Aix-en-Provence by rail
A train trip to Aix-en-Provence from Marseille station takes between 30 and 40 minutes, with trains operating throughout the day.
Guided tour to Aix-en-Provence from Marseille
Although the short distance between Marseille and Aix-en-Provence makes independent sightseeing easy, booking a guided tour takes the hassle out of planning and budgeting. There are multiple types of guided tours for you to choose between, and making an online booking is quick and easy.
Tours range in length from 3.5 to 8 hours, and if you’re pressed for time, you can consider a short 30 minute helicopter tour of the area.
What is the typical itinerary?
On a typical day tour to Aix-en-Provence, you will be met by your guide at your hotel or at the cruise port and depart on your drive to Aix-en-Provence. Once you arrive, you will spend a few hours with your guide, exploring sites such as the Cours Mirabeau, and the Vieil Aix or Old Town.
You will learn about the opulent Baroque architecture, find out more about the town’s history, and have a chance to try some of the town’s famous Provençal cuisine, before spending some time sightseeing independently.
Some itineraries include sightseeing en-route or a visit to a local winery or a cheese tasting at a nearby goat farm. Other tours include a visit to Cassis or Calanques. Depending on the duration of your tour, you will return to Marseille in the early or late afternoon.
What kinds of tours are available to go to Aix-en-Provence?
Aix-en-Provence is a popular university town that welcomes thousands of visitors each year. To avoid the crowds and see the attractions at their best, choose from one of the many guided tours available.
Guided small group tours to Aix-en-Provence from Marseille
Small group tours are a great way to see Aix-en-Provence with an experienced guide. With a limited number of participants, these types of tours offer good value for money and the chance to interact with your guide throughout.
Group tours usually follow a set itinerary and include all the most popular attractions, and many also include a visit to Cassis. Half-day and full-day tours are available on this basis.
Private guided tours to Aix-en-Provence from Marseille
A private tour is a personalized and intimate experience, and you will have the complete attention of your guide throughout the day. You will also have the luxury of your own vehicle for the duration of the tour, and the option of customizing your day to suit your interests. You can choose between a full day or a half day of touring depending on your budget and time available.
Helicopter flight around Aix-en-Provence from Marseille
A 30-minute helicopter flight is, in fact, a roughly 2-hour experience as you will first have a safety briefing, and receive instructions from your pilot before departure. Tours depart from Le Castellet airport and you will need to make your own way there.
How much does a day trip to Aix-en-Provence from Marseille cost?
Guided small group tours to Aix-en-Provence from Marseille are priced from €80 per person for a half-day trip to €150 per person for full-day tours.
Guided private tours to Aix-en-Provence from Marseille start from around €450 for groups of up to 8 people for a half-day tour. A full-day private tour for a maximum of 8 people will cost approximately €950. Private tours that take in additional sites like Cassis and Calanques can cost up to €1,800 per group.
Helicopter flights around Aix-en-Provence from Marseille start from €200 per person. These are not private tours, and a minimum number of passengers may be required before departure.
What will you see and do?
There is plenty to see and do in and around Aix-en-Provence and the town’s layout makes it easy to explore by foot. On your guided tour or while exploring on your own, these are some of the attractions and sites you may see:
Cours Mirabeau
Cours Mirabeau is a tree-lined avenue in the heart of the town. Cafés, restaurants, grand houses and high-end boutiques make this the perfect spot for a meal and some people-watching.
The Old Town
The Old Town, to the north of the Cours Mirabeau, is known for its daily markets and is also the location of several minor museums and interesting buildings including imposing 17th-century mansions called hotels particuliers.
Quartier Mazarin
The quartier Mazarin lies opposite the Old Town and is home to the Musee Granet which exhibits a substantial art and archaeological collection.
Water features
Water is a prominent feature in and around Aix-en-Provence and you will see many fountains as well as the spa, built above old Roman Thermal Baths.
Atelier Cézanne
The studio of post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne lies a short distance from the town center. His studio remains as it was upon his death, with his smock, palette and pipe still in place. The scenes of many of his works can be seen as you travel to and from the town.
When is the best time to visit Aix-en-Provence?
The best time to visit Aix-en-Provence is in the spring (April to June). The weather is mild and sunny, and the fields of lavender and sunflowers in the surrounding region begin to bloom. Spring is also the season of many local festivals and events, and is outside peak tourist season.
Are there any tours to Aix-en-Provence from other cities in France?
Yes, there are tours departing from another city in France:
Travel tips
- Don't miss out on trying 'calissons', a local almond-shaped candy, and tapenade, a Provençal olive spread.
- Aix is known for its vibrant markets. The daily market on Place Richelme offers fresh produce, while the flower market at and the textile market at Cours Mirabeau are also worth exploring.
- The city is best explored on foot, with many cobblestone streets and squares. Comfortable footwear is essential.