12 Best Day Trips From Aix-en-Provence, France

1. Camargue

Camargue, located just a short drive south of Aix-en-Provence in France, is a breathtaking region known for its natural beauty and unique culture.

One of the highlights of Camargue is the stunning landscape, which includes vast wetlands, salt flats, and lagoons. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including pink flamingos, wild horses, and bulls, which can be observed on guided tours or nature walks.

Explore the traditional Provençal villages, home to charming cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and artisanal shops. You can also enjoy the region’s delicious cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, local cheeses, and fine wines.

2. Sainte-Victoire

Sainte-Victoire is known for its rugged beauty and cultural significance. Adventure lovers will be thrilled that many hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging, visitors can explore the mountain range at their own pace. The range is also popular among rock climbers, with several climbing routes available.

Another must-see attraction in Sainte-Victoire is the Cézanne Trail, which follows in the footsteps of French artist Paul Cézanne. The trail takes visitors to several locations that inspired Cézanne’s art, including his favorite painting spot, the Bibémus Quarries.

3. Cap Canailles

Nestled between the town of Cassis and La Ciotat, Cap Canaille is a beautiful headland that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. It is the highest cliff in France, dotted with many panoramic viewpoints. If you love a good hike, then this day-trip destination is perfect for you. You’ll surely sweat from all the walking and be rewarded with a spectacular view of the surroundings. It is also just less than an hour’s drive or 63.8 km (39.64 mi) away from Aix-en-Provence.

4. Lac d'Esparron

Nestled in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Lac d'Esparron is a scenic lake that is perfect for travelers who wish to cool down and relax. It is a peaceful summer location that has hilly views and swimming areas, just like the nearby rocky beach. It is also an excellent picnic area for the family, where you can rent a boat to explore the lake. Other nearby attractions include Lac de Quinson, Museum of Prehistory of the Gorges du Verdon, Chapelle Sainte Maxime Quinson, and more.

5. Avignon

Once the seat of the Catholic church, Avignon is a lovely commune in France, which is full of incredible sights and Gothic and Renaissance structures that will surely captivate the interest of many travelers. The most popular attraction here that showcases the city’s impeccable style is Palais des Papes, known to be the largest Gothic structure in the whole world. To have an idea of how big it is, imagine four Gothic cathedrals fitting inside the property. Another must-visit, especially during summer, is Place de l’Horloge, which is the main square of the city, where you’ll find the opera house and the city hall, as well as numerous dining options.

6. Fontaine de Vaucluse

A little Luberon town in Florence, Fontaine de Vaucluse is an ancient tourist destination, which is famous for being the location of the source of Sorgue River. It is also known as the largest spring in France and one of the most powerful springs throughout the world. Aside from being powerful, the site where the spring is located is breathtakingly beautiful. Another reason why the village is famous is that it has been an on-and-off home of Petrarch, a Renaissance Italian poet, for 15 years. It is where he wrote about his undying love for Laura de Knoves.

7. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

A charming town on Sorgue River, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is famous for its weekend markets and antique shops. Apart from the retail therapy that you can experience here, the place is also full of interesting museums and beautiful architecture, like Musée du Jouet et de la Poupée Ancienne, where you’ll see well-preserved toys and dolls. Another gem here is Campredon Art Center that is in a beautiful 18th-century mansion and features contemporary artworks. Additionally, you’ll find Collégiale Notre Dame des Anges in the area, which is a stunning Baroque church that has ornate frescoes.

8. Martigues

Martigues is a picturesque coastal town in Florence and one of the best places to visit near Aix-en-Provence. It is a favorite hangout place of many artists during the 19th century, primarily because of its good lighting and postcard-perfect canals. Thus, it is dubbed the Venice of the region. Also, it is home to quite a few attractions, including Parc de Figuerolles, where the family can enjoy outdoor activities like jogging, horseback riding, mountain biking, and more. Further, you’ll find here Église Sainte-Madeleine-de-l’Île, a remarkable church that has an Italian Baroque style and is considered a historical monument. Other attractions you should visit include Côte Bleue, Le Quartier de l’Île, and Miroir aux Oiseaux.

9. Arles

The rural capital of ancient Rome, Arles boasts a rich history and an abundance of art, which you can see in its many attractions, like Fondation Vincent Van Gogh. It is a non-profit foundation that aims to preserve the artworks and legacy of Vincent Van Gogh. Another not-to-be-missed attraction here is Arles Amphitheatre, which is proof of how grand ancient Rome was. Now, the amphitheater serves as a venue for concerts and plays, as well as bullfights. Other points of interest include Place de la République, where you’ll find the fourth-century Arles Obelisk, and Hotel Dieu, where Van Gogh lived whenever he was in the area.

10. Valensole

A lovely medieval village, located on the side of a hill, overlooking fields of lavender and a small river valley, Valensole is a must-visit whenever you’re on a vacation in Aix-en-Provence. Its historic center features vibrant-colored old houses, charming chapels, beautiful fountains, and remarkable gardens like Clos de Villeneuve and Château du Grand Jardin. On top of all these attractions, the village is most famous for its lavender. It boasts many lavender fields and even has a festival in honor of it. You can also visit a distillery and learn the process of making lavender essential oil.

Have an amazing time wandering from Aix-en-Provence

After enjoying the best things to do in the picture-perfect town of Aix-en-Provence, you’ll surely want to explore everything the region has to offer. So if you think you’d like to see more medieval cities, charming coastal towns, and lavender fields, then all you have to do is check out our list of the best day trips from Aix-en-Provence, France. Make sure to take lots of amazing photos to share when you go back home.