Aix-en-Provence City Guide

Local dishes like Calissons d'Aix and Daube Provençale are a must. The city offers Italian, Asian, and North African food. Vegetarian and vegan options are common now. Some places serve late, especially on weekends.

Lively bars and pubs cluster near Cours Mirabeau and the old town, with some nightclubs available.

A mix of traditional cafés and new specialty shops offering quality coffee.

Tipping is not required as service is included. Small tips or rounding up are common for good service.

Buy SIM cards at phone stores or supermarkets. Orange and Bouygues Telecom offer the best coverage and speed. ID or passport is required.

Generally clean with good waste management, especially in tourist areas.

Some late pharmacies operate by rotation. Minimarts may have extended hours but true 24/7 stores are rare. Emergency hospital services are available.

Supermarkets like Carrefour, Auchan, Monoprix, and Casino offer many international products. There are also daily fresh markets at Place Richelme and larger markets on Cours Mirabeau.

Cards are accepted in most places, but carry some cash for markets and small shops.

ATMs from banks like BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, and Société Générale are easy to find throughout the city. Fees may apply depending on your bank.

International bilingual schools like IBS of Provence and Sainte Victoire International School teach in English and French. Admission varies; inquire early.

A growing but small digital nomad scene with remote-friendly cafes and co-working spaces. Meetups are less frequent.

Parc Jourdan and Parc de la Torse provide green spaces with shaded paths and running good routes.

Running routes in Parc Jourdan, Parc de la Torse, and city avenues are safe and well maintained.

Multiple gyms available for various training styles.

Tennis clubs like Tennis Club Aixois provide clay and hard courts. Padel courts are also growing in number.

Padel courts are becoming more common and can usually be booked online.

Several studios offer Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and meditation classes, some with English-speaking instructors.

Dojo options for Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, BJJ, and Muay Thai exist. Some drop-ins might be possible.

Ski resorts in the Southern Alps are a 2-3 hour drive away, open December to April.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular in the Calanques; sailing and windsurfing near Marseille.

Mediterranean waves are small; surfing is not common.

Diving and snorkeling in Calanques near Cassis offer good visibility and marine life.

Centre Hospitalier du Pays d'Aix is well equipped. English is spoken at some facilities. Pharmacies with a green cross are common for over-the-counter meds.

Tap water is safe and meets high quality standards.

Good playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés with outdoor seating. Attractions like puppet shows and parks are suitable for families.

The city is safe and inclusive for LGBTQ+ visitors with legal protections and some inclusive venues.

Many accommodations and outdoor cafés welcome pets. Veterinary clinics are available, but dedicated pet parks are rare.