Aix en Provence Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Aix en Provence, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France)

Aix has been a popular tourist destination for hundreds of years. Indeed, its Provençal charm, together with its rich heritage and leading attractions, continue to make Aix en Provence one of France's top visitor destinations.

Whether you enjoy visiting historic buildings or sites of religious interest, there are plenty of tourist attractions to keep you interested during your stay in Aix en Provence. And if you need to relax after a hard day's sightseeing, then a visit to Aix's thermal bath attractions might be just what you need.

Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall)

Address: Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, Aix en Provence, F-13616, France, FR
Tel: +33 04 42 91 90 00
Aix en Provence's Hôtel de Ville is certainly one town hall that is worth a visit. Linger for a while in its beautiful courtyard, before ascending its impressive main staircase to the richly decorated rooms occupied by the town's council. Attractions worth looking out for include the adjacent clock tower, with its 17th-century astronomical clock. The clock itself is built on the site of foundations of a long-gone Roman gateway into Aix.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 16:30; Saturday - 09:00 to 12:00
Admission: free

Thermes Sextius

Address: 55 Cours Sextius, Aix en Provence, F-13100, France, FR
Tel: +33 04 42 23 81 82
Aix has enjoyed considerable popularity as a spa town for centuries. The thermal bath attractions at Thermes Sextius were built in the 18th century above the original Roman baths. On this site now stands a modern spa complex, which offers tourists hydrotherapy treatments for a range of ailments and for relaxation.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:30 to 19:30; Saturday - 08:30 to 13:30 and 14:30 to 18:30; public holidays - 10:30 to 16:30; closed Sunday
Admission: charge

The Church of St. Marie Madeleine

Address: Place de Verdun, Aix en Provence, France, FR
The Church of St. Marie Madeleine is well worth a visit, particularly for the triptych of the Annunciation which can be found inside and is said to date from the mid-15th century. This church started life as a Dominican friary. Since then, it has undergone several re-buildings and offers tourists and array of historical attractions. The façade of the church dates from 1860, whilst the church itself was completely rebuilt in 1905. Art-enthusiasts staying in Aix en Provence will be interested to learn that Cézanne was both baptized and married here.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 20:00
Admission: free

Cathédrale St. Sauveur

This cathedral is a real melting pot of architectural styles and attractions. Started in the 5th century and not fully completed until the 17th century, it's easy to see why. The Cathedral of St. Sauveur is particularly distinct because it has three different naves dating from three different periods in history - built in the Roman, Gothic and Baroque styles of architecture. The cathedral's baptistery is said to be one of oldest in Provence.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

The Church of St. Jean de Malte

Address: 24 Rue d'Italie, Aix en Provence, France, FR
Tel: +33 04 42 38 25 70
The Church of St. Jean de Malte is reputed to be the oldest Gothic building in Aix en Provence and a popular tourist attraction in its own right. Parts of the church are said to date back to the 12th century. The interior of the church is worth a visit. So too is the church's bell tower, which measures over 60 metres / 197 feet in height.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free