Car Hire Aix-en-Provence - Mini guide to Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence, historically, culturally and socially a polar opposite to its neighbour Marseille, is a conservative and stunningly beautiful place. Aix, the former capital of Provence, is renowned for its popular festivities and patronage of the arts.

The old city of Aix is defined by its cluster of boulevards and the outstanding Cours Mirabeau, the great monument here, which is far better than any single building or museum within it. The streets are frenetic and bustling with people, with many charming restaurants, cafes and shops, as well as some great markets.

In this majestic place, it's easy to pass several days lolling around without the need for any itinerary or destination. However, a stroll beneath the huge plane trees that shade the Cours Mirabeau is a must. It’s also a good idea to buy a Passeports Musees which gives reductions on the price of entry to Aix's museums: Musee Granet, Pavillon Vendôme, Musee des Tapisseries and Ecole d'Art.

Aix is crammed full of marvellous eateries of every sort. Place des Cardeurs, just northwest of the Hôtel de Ville, has an abundance of restaurants, brasseries and cafe tables, as does Rue de la Verrerie running south from Hôtel de Ville; while Place Ramus has a commendable selection of Indian, Chinese and North African restaurants.

Just 25kms away is the metropolis of Marseille, worlds apart from Aix-En-Provence. Its bustling streets and vibrant atmosphere make it a lively day out.

Cours Mirabeau is the main thoroughfare of Aix and the Place General-de-Gaulle, or La Rotonde, the main point of arrival. The Gare SNCF (train station) is on Rue Gustavo-Desplace at the end of Avenue Victor. The Gare Routière (bus station) is between the two western avenues – Des Belges and Bonaparte – on Rue Lapierre.