Aix-en-Provence, the elegant city of fountains and Cezanne, is about 25 km east of the airport.

About Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence (simply 'Aix' to locals) is one of France's most beautiful and livable cities, a refined university town of honey-colored stone buildings, tree-canopied boulevards, and over 100 fountains that have earned it the nickname 'the City of a Thousand Fountains.' The Cours Mirabeau, a magnificent plane tree-lined boulevard, divides the aristocratic Quartier Mazarin from the medieval old town and serves as the city's elegant social promenade.

The old town (Vieil Aix) is a maze of narrow pedestrian streets opening onto sun-drenched squares, each with its own fountain, café terraces, and market stalls. The daily market on Place Richelme sells Provençal produce, cheeses, lavender, and olives, while the flower market on Place de l'Hôtel de Ville adds color to the already photogenic square beneath the 17th-century clock tower.

Aix is inextricably linked to Paul Cézanne, who was born here and spent his life painting the surrounding landscape, particularly Mont Sainte-Victoire. His studio (Atelier Cézanne) is preserved as a museum, and the Terrain des Peintres viewpoint offers the exact vantage point of his most famous compositions. The city's cultural calendar peaks during the Festival International d'Art Lyrique, a world-class opera festival held every July.

Nearby Landmarks

Cours Mirabeau Atelier Cézanne Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur Place de l'Hôtel de Ville

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $50-60
Time 20-30 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $40-50
Time 20-30 min

Outside arrivals

Step-by-Step Directions

Take the direct shuttle bus from outside the terminal to Aix-en-Provence TGV station (20 min) or Aix city center (30 min).

Navette Aix-en-Provence

Cost $10
Time 20-30 min
Frequency Every 30 minutes

Outside Terminal 1

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $50-60 20-30 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $40-50 20-30 min Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle $10 20-30 min Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The airport shuttle to Aix runs until approximately 11:30 PM. After that, taxis from the airport cost about €50-60. Aix's nightlife centers on the Cours Mirabeau and the Forum des Cardeurs square, with bars open until midnight-1:00 AM. The city is very quiet by 1:00 AM. For the opera festival, special late-night shuttle services may operate. Walking in Aix's center at night is generally safe.

Luggage Tips

The airport shuttle to Aix has luggage holds underneath the bus. Aix's bus station (Gare Routière) is adjacent to the Rotonde fountain at the bottom of Cours Mirabeau. The old town is entirely pedestrianized with smooth stone paving manageable for rolling luggage, though some streets are narrow. Hotels in the center are often in converted hôtels particuliers (mansions) — confirm elevator access for upper floors.

Accessibility

The airport shuttle is wheelchair accessible with advance notice. Aix's old town is mostly flat with smooth stone paving, making it more accessible than many French medieval towns. The Cours Mirabeau is wide and flat. Some narrow old-town streets have uneven cobblestones. The Musée Granet and Atelier Cézanne have accessibility features. Most hotels in converted historic buildings have limited elevator access — check when booking.