Provence 7-day Itinerary
France
Where to go and what to see in Provence to get the most from your trip – a 7-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Cezanne’s Studio
Photo Sophie Spiteri
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Cezanne’s studio on Les Lauves hill was designed by the artist himself in 1902, although he only used it when it was too cold to paint outdoors (he died in 1906, after getting caught in the rain while painting his beloved Mont Sainte-Victoire). Over the decades it has been maintained as he left it – a must-see for any Cezanne fan, the one place in Aix where his presence is tangible.
If you continue another kilometre or so north from the studio, along Avenue Paul Cezanne, you’ll come to Les Lauves, the Terrain des Peintures viewpoint – where Cezanne often planted his easel to paint Mont Sainte-Victoire.
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Price from: £6
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
It’s a 10-minute walk from the cathedral, or get there on city bus No.1 from the Rotonde Poste. You don’t need to book ahead, but they limit visits to 30 minutes. Do book in advance though for the daily 30-minute tours in English (around 3.30pm). French tours take place in the morning.
When to do it
The studio is open all year round, seven days a week, but hours vary by day. See the website for the latest timings.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Grand Hotel Roi Rene
Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France[1.2 miles]
Stylish hotel with a swimming pool and gardens, in walking distance of lovely Aix-en-Provence. Great for those self-driving around Provence.
Official star rating:
Hotel Cardinal
Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France[1.5 miles]
A handsome 18th-century townhouse, furnished with traditional Provencal antiques and full of 18th-century charm, in the heart of Aix-en-Provence.
Official star rating:
La Maison d’Aix
Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France[1.6 miles]
Cutting edge interior design, welcoming touches and an intimate number of guests converge in this luxurious, boutique townhouse hotel – perfectly located in the centre of Aix.
Official star rating:
Auberge La Feniere
Cadenet, Provence, France[24.4 miles]
An old stone farm converted into an idyllic wellness retreat, immersed in some of the Luberon’s most beautiful landscapes. Renowned for outstanding food from two of France’s most famous female chefs.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Provence
Provence, France
Gorgeous landscapes peppered with beautiful villages, sunflowers and lavender, art-filled towns, lively cultural festivals and exquisite food and wine. Provence is everything you imagined it would be.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Aix Cathedral
Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France[0.7 miles]
A remarkable, medieval cathedral packed with treasures’ home to a famous Renaissance masterpiece and a fascinating tapestry museum.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Aix-en-Provence Festival
Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France[0.8 miles]
Founded in 1948, this prestigious international festival of lyrical arts, dedicated to opera and classical music, takes place in the picturesque setting of Aix-en-Provence.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 1 month
Cooking classes with Nadia & Reine Sammut
Cadenet, Provence, France[24.3 miles]
In-depth regional cooking classes with one of Provence’s top chefs, in a beautiful rural setting.
Best for ages: 18+ | £50 | 2-3 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Place Richelme Food Market
Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France[1 miles]
Each morning, Aix hosts one of Provence’s best markets, overflowing with the freshest fruit, vegetables, herbs, meats, seafood and cheeses from local producers. On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings, it expands tenfold and includes a massive flower market.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Experience
Caumont Centre d’Art
Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France[1.4 miles]
This magnificent townhouse (1715), a beautifully restored hôtel particulier, features lavishly furnished period rooms, an exquisite garden, a film on Cezanne and temporary art exhibitions; a good stop for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner too.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
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Granet Museum
Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France[1.5 miles]
A must for any art lover, this museum holds one of Provence’s top art collections, including works by Cézanne, Rubens, Rembrandt, and the Collection Planque.
Best for ages: 18+ | £5
Experience
Chocolate-making at the Puyricard Chocolaterie
Puyricard, Provence, France[5.8 miles]
Visit the most famous chocolate factory in Provence, just outside Aix in Puyricard, where you can go behind the scenes in their atelier or spend an afternoon at a hands-on chocolate-making workshop.
Best for ages: 6+ | £8
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