What are the best campsites for visiting the city of Aix-en-Provence?
4-star campsite with mobile homes near the centre of Aix-en-Provence
The 4-star Aix-en-Provence campsite welcomes you to a natural setting facing the Sainte-Victoire mountain, just a few minutes from the city centre. This campsite offers shaded pitches and comfortable accommodation, with plenty of activities for the whole family: electric bike hire, pétanque, a children’s playground, table tennis, table football and an outdoor sports area. Holidaymakers can also enjoy a water park with a heated swimming pool and a paddling pool for little ones. Open from March to January.
3-star campsite with a swimming pool in Aix-en-Provence
The Arc en Ciel *** campsite welcomes you just a few minutes from the centre of Aix-en-Provence, in a leafy setting crossed by the River Arc. This family-friendly, traditional campsite offers 55 shaded pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes. On site, holidaymakers can enjoy a range of activities such as pétanque, table tennis, badminton, table football, fishing and canoeing. There is a large outdoor swimming pool, ideal for relaxing after a day exploring Provence. Open from June to October.
Family campsite with water park in Provence
The Sainte Victoire *** campsite welcomes you to the heart of the countryside at the foot of Sainte-Victoire Mountain, just 10 km from Aix-en-Provence. This family-friendly campsite offers spacious pitches and comfortable accommodation in a calm and friendly atmosphere. On site, holidaymakers can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, play areas and nearby hiking trails. The water park features a heated outdoor swimming pool, a paddling pool, a spa area with massage jets and a sunbathing area where you can relax under the Provençal sun. Open from March to December.
Find all the campsites in the Bouches-du-Rhône by clicking here.
Ready to explore the old town of Aix-en-Provence?
Stroll through the heart of Aix-en-Provence’s old town
You simply can’t visit Aix-en-Provence without taking the time to lose yourself in the charming narrow streets of its old town. With its colourful façades, small shaded squares and the warm southern atmosphere, the city reveals all the Provençal art of living for which it is renowned. The famous Cours Mirabeau, a true symbol of the city, invites you to take a pleasant stroll beneath its majestic plane trees. Lined with elegant mansions, lively café terraces and refreshing fountains, it offers the perfect setting to enjoy lunch on a terrace or simply soak up the summer atmosphere, common to most small towns in the Bouches-du-Rhône.
All around, Provençal markets waft the scents of lavender, spices and local produce, whilst the numerous fountains dotted throughout the town bring a touch of freshness and poetry to every street corner. With its artisan shops, small galleries, ice cream parlours and traditional cafés, Aix-en-Provence charms visitors with its authentic way of life and its particularly welcoming Mediterranean atmosphere.
Explore the historic centre around the Town Hall
As you wander through the cobbled streets of the old town, the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville reveals one of the most beautiful historic settings in Aix-en-Provence. A bustling hub in summer with its outdoor cafés and markets, this elegant Provençal square is dominated by the magnificent 17th-century town hall, recognisable by its classical façade and richly carved doors.
Right next to it stands the famous Clock Tower, the town’s former medieval belfry, topped by its typically Provençal wrought-iron bell tower. Its astronomical clock and automatons representing the seasons immediately catch the eye and serve as a reminder of the historical importance of this site, which once lay at the heart of municipal life in Aix.
Just a few steps away, the superb Place d’Albertas provides a pleasant extension to the stroll. With its harmonious façades, central fountain and elegant atmosphere, this small square with its Italian charm is one of the most photographed spots in Aix-en-Provence and an ideal place to stop and fully enjoy the city’s refined, sun-drenched atmosphere.
Admire Saint-Sauveur Cathedral and its cloister
Among the must-see treasures of Aix-en-Provence, Saint-Sauveur Cathedral impresses with the richness of its architecture and its thousand-year history. Built between the 5th and 17th centuries, it elegantly blends Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles, bearing witness to the different eras that have shaped the city. Its monumental façade, magnificent carved doors and famous Burning Bush triptych attract numerous visitors every year. Inside, the peaceful atmosphere invites you to explore the chapels and the remarkable artistic details that give the monument its unique charm.
Next to the cathedral, the Saint-Sauveur cloister offers a true haven of calm in the heart of the old town. Dating from the 12th century, this superb Romanesque cloister captivates with its finely carved columns and its central garden bathed in Provençal light. Once a place of meditation for the canons, it now offers a peaceful setting that is particularly appreciated on summer days. The cathedral and cloister are open to visitors all year round, although certain areas may be temporarily closed during religious services or cultural events. It is advisable to check opening times before your visit, particularly in the low season.
Visiting the must-see museums of Aix-en-Provence with the family
Aix-en-Provence has several fascinating museums that offer a fun and cultural way to discover the city, even with children. The Paul Cézanne Studio is one of the most iconic attractions. Situated on the hills above Aix, this former studio of the famous painter has been preserved almost intact, complete with his objects, brushes and period atmosphere. Visitors particularly appreciate this immersion in the artist’s world, which offers a better understanding of the Provençal landscapes that inspired his works.
The Natural History Museum also attracts young visitors thanks to its varied collections dedicated to animals, fossils and prehistory. Children love looking at the skeletons, stuffed specimens and the many scientific curiosities presented in an accessible way. For its part, the Musée du Vieil Aix invites visitors to step back in time to discover Provençal history and traditions through period costumes, everyday objects and reconstructions of typical interiors. These visits offer a wonderful opportunity to alternate between strolls through the city and cultural discoveries suitable for the whole family during a stay in Aix-en-Provence.
Enjoy outdoor activities around Montagne Sainte-Victoire
On the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence, Mont Sainte-Victoire offers an exceptional playground for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. Immortalised by the painter Paul Cézanne, this iconic Provençal mountain attracts hikers with its many trails suitable for all levels. The climb to the famous Croix de Provence is one of the most popular walks. Perched at an altitude of 945 metres, it rewards walkers with a spectacular panorama of the Provençal countryside, the surrounding hills and, on a clear day, as far as the Mediterranean Sea.
To reach the start of the hikes, the legendary Route Cézanne offers a superb glimpse of the landscapes that inspired the artist. Lined with pine trees and rocky outcrops, this picturesque road is ideal for a drive, a bike ride or even a family photo stop. With its combination of walking, exploring the countryside and breathing in the fresh Provençal air, Montagne Sainte-Victoire is an unmissable activity to round off a summer stay in Aix-en-Provence.
Experience the major cultural events of Aix-en-Provence
Throughout the year, Aix-en-Provence buzzes with festivals and events that contribute fully to its elegant and festive atmosphere. Every summer, the famous International Opera Festival, held mainly in June and July, attracts audiences from all over the world. Operas, concerts and shows take place in prestigious venues such as the Théâtre de l’Archevêché, offering unique evenings in a refined and welcoming atmosphere. Even if you’re not an opera enthusiast, the event captivates with the beauty of its settings and the buzz that fills the whole city during this period.
At the same time of year, the contemporary dance festival transforms Aix-en-Provence into a veritable open-air arts venue, featuring modern, accessible performances often held in iconic heritage sites. Visitors appreciate this varied programme, which blends culture, creativity and summer conviviality. Finally, the traditional Fête de l’Eau, celebrated during the summer, showcases the city’s many fountains through entertainment, water features and light shows. This family-friendly event highlights the historical importance of water in Aix-en-Provence and offers a chance to discover the city in a particularly festive and refreshing atmosphere.
Aix-en-Provence: a blend of culture and the good life
With its heritage, natural beauty and Provençal atmosphere, Aix-en-Provence is the ideal destination for a camping holiday under the southern sun. Strolls through the old town, exploring Mont Sainte-Victoire, festivals and traditional markets allow you to fully enjoy the Aix-en-Provence way of life in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The city has also been renowned since ancient times for its thermal springs, which were the reason for its founding by the Romans. Even today, this tradition of well-being adds to the charm of Aix-en-Provence, where relaxation, culture and authenticity blend perfectly.