Explore Provence
The most beautiful places to discover around Aix-en-Provence, all less than 50 minutes away.
Le Tholonet
A Provençal village nestled between Aix-en-Provence and Mont Sainte-Victoire, surrounded by forests, vineyards and farmland. Renowned for its ties to Cézanne and its avenue of century-old plane trees.
Not to be missed
- ●Hikes to Lac Zola, Lac de Bimont and the summit of Mont Sainte-Victoire
- ●Cézanne’s landscapes and the painter’s road
- ●The remains of the Roman aqueduct and its waterfall
- ●Tastings in the AOC Côtes de Provence vineyards
Éguilles
A hilltop village 300 metres above sea level, with an exceptional panorama over Mont Sainte-Victoire, the Étang de Berre and the Étoile range. An authentic village of picturesque lanes.
Not to be missed
- ●The château lookout, with sweeping views over the Provençal countryside
- ●The Jardin d’Éguilles by Max Sauze, a listed Jardin Remarquable
- ●A 10.5 km family walk to discover the bories
- ●The local market and Provençal gastronomy
Puyricard
In the heart of a quintessentially Provençal landscape of olive trees, old bastides and pine woods facing Mont Sainte-Victoire. The calm of the Aix countryside, minutes from the town centre.
Not to be missed
- ●The Chocolaterie de Puyricard, an artisan workshop in a château
- ●The Friday morning fruit and vegetable market
- ●The wine route through the Aix vineyards
- ●Walks along lanes lined with dry-stone walls
Ventabren
A hilltop village crowned by the ruins of the château de la Reine Jeanne, with panoramic views over the Étang de Berre and the Étoile range. Flower-filled cobbled lanes lined with stone houses.
Not to be missed
- ●The climb to the ruins of the château de la Reine Jeanne for the view
- ●The Aqueduc de Roquefavour, the largest stone aqueduct in the world
- ●Wandering the picturesque lanes of the old village
- ●Hikes through the surrounding garrigue
Vauvenargues
A small village on the northern flank of Mont Sainte-Victoire. Famous for its 17th-century château, bought by Pablo Picasso in 1958, where he lived and where he lies buried in the park.
Not to be missed
- ●A view of the Château de Vauvenargues from outside (Picasso’s residence)
- ●Hikes on the wild northern face of Mont Sainte-Victoire
- ●The village and its unspoilt surroundings
- ●A pilgrimage to Picasso’s grave in the château park
Lourmarin
Listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France", Lourmarin charms with its lanes, its art galleries and its Renaissance château. The last home of Albert Camus.
Not to be missed
- ●The Château de Lourmarin, the first Renaissance château in Provence
- ●The Friday morning Provençal market
- ●A literary walk "In the footsteps of Albert Camus"
- ●Cycling routes through the AOC Luberon vineyards
Cassis
A Provençal fishing harbour nestled between the cliffs of Cap Canaille — the highest sea cliffs in France — and the Parc national des Calanques. Colourful boats, turquoise coves and terraced vineyards.
Not to be missed
- ●A boat trip through the calanques (Port-Miou, Port-Pin, En-Vau)
- ●The Route des Crêtes between Cassis and La Ciotat, with spectacular views
- ●Hiking in the Parc national des Calanques
- ●AOC Cassis white wine and seafood on the harbour
Salon-de-Provence
A historic town dominated by the Château de l’Empéri, one of the three largest fortresses in Provence. The town of Nostradamus and home of the Patrouille de France.
Not to be missed
- ●The Château de l’Empéri and its Renaissance courtyards
- ●The house of Nostradamus
- ●Strolling through the old town and its fountains
- ●Summer festivals and concerts in the château courtyards