Self-guided tour of Aix-en-Provence

The Pays d’Aix is the capital of the art of living and a land of culture which is home to architectural gems you just have to see. A few kilometres north of Aix-en-Provence, the village of La Roque d’Anthéron is home to one of Provence’s three Cistercian abbeys: the Abbey of Silvacane. Building in the abbey, a masterpiece with its simple design, in agreement with the spirituality of the Order, began in 1175. As you visit the abbey, remember that Romanesque art is considered to be initiatory: it seeks to translate, by means of simple shapes, the harmony of the world. Its stained-glass windows, made in 2001 by the artist Sarkis, diffuse a gentle golden light. The abbey’s surroundings, in the middle of a protected natural site, are well worth seeing. Many marked trails go through forests, garrigue and pine forests. For example, the Sentier des Moines (13 km, 4 hours, for advanced hikers), which covers a wild part of the Chaîne des Côtes, or the botanical trail, suitable for climbers of all ages (1km, 1½h). Continue your walk into the typically Provencal village with its traditional market every Thursday morning. And in July and August, La Roque d’Anthéron hosts the Festival International de Piano de la Roque d’Anthéron, a prestigious rendez-vous for the greatest pianists. In the afternoon, head for the Montagne Sainte-Victoire. At the foot of the mountain, the village of Le Tholonet and its 18th-century château are well worth a visit. It was a favourite of Cézanne’s and he often came to paint here. After that, we recommend a walk in the departmental park of Roques-Hautes, much appreciated by the Aixois for hiking. You can also get on the 250 bus to La Maison Sainte-Victoire and try the hike that leaves from it (8.2 km, 2½ hours).

Getting to La Roque d’Anthéron: from the coach station in Aix, Le Car (line 250) for La Roque d’Anthéron

Getting to Le Tholonet and La Maison Sainte-Victoire: from Aix (Roi René stop), take the bus (line 110). 15 trips a day on weekdays.

In the South of the Alpilles Natural Regional Park, Salon-de-Provence is well worth taking time to look around. The town, surrounded by olive groves, became the mecca of Marseille soap making in the 18th century. There are still 2 of the 5 soap factories producing soap according to the rules of Colbert’s edict: the Savonnerie Marius Fabre and the Savonnerie Rampal-Latour. The former, opposite the train station, offers guided tours (book ahead) to find out all about how Fabre soap is made, an adventure whose beginnings date back to 1900! The other one, a 10-minute walk from the station, also invites you to discover its factory. In Salon-de-Provence, you can also see the Château de l’Empéri, the oldest fortress in good condition and the museum of the same name devoted to the history of the army. And Nostradamus’s house (temporarily closed until 16th May 2025), where the illustrious doctor also known for his prophecies, lived for over 20 years.

Getting to Salon-de-Provence: from the coach station in Aix-en-Provence, take the Le Car bus (line L025)

This third and last day is something of a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds. It starts with a visit to the Fondation Vasarely, dedicated to the master of Op Art, who had a passion for geometric shapes. Throughout his life, he explored creation around lines and colour. During the visit, you can admire 7 11-metre-high chambers – they’ll make you feel very small. Back to downtown Aix-en-Provence. After lunch, this 3-day circuit ends on a sweet note, with a tour of the Musée du Calisson of the Confiserie du Roy René – the calisson is an Aixois sweetmeat based on almonds (self-guided visit free of charge!). You can retrace its history and that of the almond of Provence, as you watch calissons being made through big bay windows. The experience will likely make you want to go to the shop and you can peacefully eat your calissons in the Roy René gardens, surrounded by aromatic plants and almond trees.

Getting to the Fondation Vasarely: at the coach station in Aix-en-Provence, take Bus A for Saint-Mitre

Getting to the Musée du Calisson: at the coach station in Aix, take the bus for Lambesc (line 240)