Aix-en-Provence is an ideal base for exploring Provence and the surrounding area. Nestled in the heart of the region, the town is less than two hours’ drive from a remarkable diversity of landscapes: the hilltop villages of the Lubéron, the creeks of the Mediterranean coast, the vineyards of the Côtes de Provence, the Verdon gorges and much more. We’ve been lucky enough to discover these excursions from Aix, and here we share our selection of the finest.
Use our selection of the 12 best excursions from Aix-en-Provence to make your choice, and plan your ideal getaway!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite excursions from Aix-en-Provence
Before discovering our detailed opinions on each of the selected excursions, here are our 3 favorites:
- The hilltop villages of the Luberon: Gordes, Roussillon and Sénanque Abbey surrounded by lavender – See prices, photos and availability
- Cassis and the Calanques: the most attractive fishing port on the coast and the limestone cliffs of the Calanques National Park – See prices, photos and availability
- Les Gorges du Verdon and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: the grand canyon of Provence and one of the most beautiful villages in France – See prices, photos and availability
1. Authentic Provence: Gordes, Roussillon and the hilltop villages of the Lubéron
Why do we recommend this tour?
Luberon is Provence as we imagine it: stone, light and hilltop villages! It is one of the region’s most representative destinations. We were won over by the beauty of the villages perched on their rocky spurs, where dry stone and Mediterranean light create a unique atmosphere. Gordes, built amphitheatrically on a limestone promontory, is without doubt the most photographed village in the region. Its castle dominates the houses, which are tightly packed together to form an ensemble of rare harmony. Roussillon also has a striking chromatic surprise in store for you: its houses come in all shades of ochre, from yellow to deep red, in perfect harmony with the multicolored cliffs that surround them. You won’t see anything like it anywhere else in France. These two villages epitomize the essence of the Provence we dream of discovering.
What you will see
- Gordes: medieval castle, dry-stone streets and views over the valley from the D15, one of Provence’s most beautiful villages
- Roussillon: the Sentier des Ocres (Ochre Trail) (fee payable, 1-hour walk), flamboyantly hued facades and artisan boutiques
- Lavender fields and olive groves punctuate the roads of the plateau
- The village of Les Bories, a group of dry-stone huts on the outskirts of Gordes
How long will it take?
Allow a full day to visit Gordes and Roussillon at your own pace, including the Sentier des Ocres and lunch on site. From Aix-en-Provence, Gordes is about 1h10 away. The car remains the most practical means of transport for linking villages. Arrive early in the morning, before 9am, to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the alleyways before the influx of visitors.
Want to discover the Luberon on a guided tour?
See prices, photos and availability
2. Lavender and Sénanque Abbey: Provence’s most famous painting
Why do we recommend this tour?
Lavender is inextricably linked with Provence, and there are two sites from Aix-en-Provence where you can capture all its poetry. The Abbaye de Sénanque, a 12th-century Cistercian abbey nestled in a valley 4km from Gordes, is one of the region’s most emblematic landmarks: its gray stone facades stand out against a carpet of intense purple lavender, particularly spectacular in June and July when it blooms. We found it a place of sober, calming beauty, far removed from excess. The Valensole plain, further to the northeast, rolls out miles of lavender rows as far as the eye can see. It’s a show of a different, wilder kind, where the light at the end of the day transforms the landscape into a painting.
What you will see
- TheSénanque Abbey and its lavender fields, a 25-minute drive from Roussillon
- 12th-century Cistercian architecture and harmonious proportions
- The Valensole plain in June-July: rows of lavender as far as the eye can see
- The villages of the plain and their local produce markets (lavender honey, essential oils)
How long will it take?
Sénanque Abbey is about 1h15 drive from Aix-en-Provence. We recommend combining it with a visit to Gordes, just a few minutes away. If you also wish to reach Valensole, allow a full day. The ideal time for lavender to bloom is between late June and mid-July. Outside this window, the abbey can still be visited, even if the chromatic spectacle is less striking. Visit the official website for more info here.
Would you like to visit the lavender fields on an organized excursion from Aix?
See prices, photos and availability
3. Cassis and its calanques: turquoise sea 45 minutes from Aix-en-Provence
Why do we recommend this tour?
A seductive port and breathtaking cliffs! Cassis is one of those destinations that fully deserves its reputation. A 45-minute drive from Aix-en-Provence, this fishing town combines the charm of a colorful Mediterranean port with the spectacular beauty of the surrounding calanques. We loved strolling along its lively quays, discovering its flower-filled alleyways and savoring the gentle atmosphere that reigns over the square. The real highlight of the trip, however, is the calanques: these Mediterranean fjords of turquoise waters fringed by white limestone cliffs are a natural landscape in a class of their own. Whether you discover them by boat, kayak or on foot along the GR98, the experience is unforgettable. We advise you to opt for the boat trip covering 9 calanques: wonder guaranteed!
What you will see
- The port of Cassis and its colorful boats, lined with cafés and restaurant terraces
- The creeks of Port-Miou, Port-Pin, En-Vau and more: turquoise waters, white cliffs, umbrella pines
- A boat tour of the calanques
- The vineyards of Cassis in the hinterland, which benefit from an exceptional microclimate above the Mediterranean.
- La Route des Crêtes and Cap CanailleEurope’s highest sea cliff (363m), optional from Cassis
How long will it take?
Cassis is about a 45-minute drive from Aix-en-Provence. A full day is enough to enjoy the port, take the boat trip (2h20 for 9 calanques) and have lunch on site. Arrive early: parking lots fill up fast, especially in summer. If you also want to hike to Port-Pin and En-Vau, plan to leave at dawn. We don’t recommend driving to the calanques from the center; walking or taking the bus is more convenient.
Discover the calanques by boat from Cassis!
4. Gorges du Verdon and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: the thrill of Provence
Why do we recommend this tour?
Nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of Provence”, the Gorges du Verdon are one of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes. This 25km-long, 700m-deep canyon, carved out by the turquoise river, offers breathtaking views from the lookouts along the Corniche Sublime road. We were impressed by the scale of this site, so different from other Provencal destinations. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the village at the entrance to the gorges, adds a remarkable architectural and craft dimension: nestled in the hollow of a vertiginous cliff, crossed by a waterfall and topped by a star suspended between two rock faces, it is one of France’s most beautiful villages. We also appreciated its earthenware workshops, which have been perpetuating ancestral skills since the 17th century. These two sites make for one of the most intense day trips you can make from Aix.
What you will see
- Viewpoints of the Gorges du Verdon: Point Sublime, Falaise des Cavaliers and the Corniche Sublime route
- Lac de Sainte-Croix, with its intense blue-green waters, at the mouth of the gorges.
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: the hanging star, the waterfall that crosses the village, the climb to the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir (262 steps)
- The Moustiers earthenware workshops and the Musée de la Faïence (Earthenware Museum)
- Optional: kayak or canoe descent of the gorges from Castellane or Moustiers
How long will it take?
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a 1h20 drive from Aix-en-Provence. Allow a full day to combine the village (2h minimum, more if you climb to the chapel) and the tour of the gorge by car, including stops at lookouts. If you’d like to kayak or hike in the gorges, set aside a whole day just for this activity. The car is essential: no regular public transport serves this area.
Discover the Gorges du Verdon and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie on an organized excursion!
See prices, photos and availability
5. Hiking or e-biking around Montagne Sainte-Victoire
In the footsteps of Cézanne, 30min from Aix
Do you know Montagne Sainte-Victoire? This is Aix-en-Provence’s mountain par excellence. Paul Cézanne painted it more than eighty times, from the Terrain des Peintres or from the paths around it. We were struck by the power of this limestone massif, whose white cliffs dominate the Aix countryside with an almost mineral presence. It’s a natural excursion from Aix, less than 30 minutes away, and lends itself to different levels of practice. Electric bikes allow you to cycle around the area and enjoy the scenery without excessive effort, while hiking offers access to the ridges and 360-degree panoramas of the plain and Etang de Berre. Whichever option you choose, we recommend this massif for its proximity and understated beauty.
What you will see
- The limestone cliffs of Sainte-Victoire and their changing hues in the light
- Panoramic views of the Aix plain, Etang de Berre and Alpilles on a clear day
- The olive groves and garrigues that cover the foothills of the massif
- To admire it from another angle, head to the Terrain des Peintres, the viewpoint where Cézanne used to seek inspiration, with reproductions of his paintings in situ.
How long will it take?
The Sainte-Victoire massif is less than 30 minutes from Aix-en-Provence by car. Allow half a day for a walk to the Terrain des Peintres, or a full day if you opt for a bike tour of the massif or a hike to the crests. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the site is very exposed. Hiking maps are available from the Aix-en-Provence Tourist Office.
Tempted by an e-bike tour of the Sainte-Victoire?
See prices, photos and availability
6. Tastings at Côtes de Provence wineries
Why do we recommend this tour?
A world-renowned terroir just outside Aix! The Côtes de Provence produce some of the world’s most famous rosés, and the estates that make them are just a few kilometers from Aix-en-Provence. This is an excursion we recommend for those who want to go beyond simple tasting to understand a terroir, a practice, a know-how. We were seduced by the diversity of the appellation: contrary to popular belief, Côtes de Provence also produces reds and whites of character. The region’s estates generally welcome visitors for cellar tours and guided tastings, at properties often as remarkable for their architecture as for their wines.
What you’ll see (and taste!)
- The vineyards and their Mediterranean landscapes: olive trees, pines and garrigues in the background
- Cellars and wineries, some of which are located in historic properties
- Guided tastings of rosé, red and white AOP Côtes de Provence wines
- Meet passionate winemakers who share their knowledge of the terroir
How long will it take?
Allow half a day to visit one or two estates, or a full day if you wish to explore several properties and linger for lunch on site. The car is essential for connecting estates. If you opt for a tasting, designate a non-participating driver or opt for an organized tour departing from Aix-en-Provence. The Côtes de Provence vineyards are usually a 30-minute to 1-hour drive away.
Discover all the Côtes de Provence vineyard tours and tastings departing from Aix here.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
7. Avignon, Pont du Gard and Baux-de-Provence: heritage and vineyards
Why do we recommend this tour?
Get ready to retrace two millennia of history in a single day! To the northwest of Aix-en-Provence, a number of remarkable destinations are concentrated within a radius of around 1h to 1h30 by car. Avignon, the city of the Popes surrounded by medieval ramparts, is home to the Palais des Papes, one of the largest Gothic palaces in the world, and the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet. We were struck by the density of the city’s historical heritage. 25km to the west, the Pont du Gard is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world: its three rows of arches over the Gardon river are impressive in size and condition. Les Baux-de-Provence, perched on a spur in the Alpilles mountains, adds a medieval and artistic dimension with its Carrières de Lumières. We offer two ways of organizing this day to suit your interests.
What you will see
Here we suggest two possible variations for your excursion without overloading your day of sightseeing:
Option A: Heritage & Antiquity (Pont du Gard + Baux-de-Provence + Avignon)
- The Pont du Gard, a UNESCO-listed Roman aqueduct dating from the 1st century, 1h10 from Aix – book your ticket now!
- Les Baux-de-Provence: medieval castle ruins, Renaissance streets and views of the Alpilles, 45min from Aix
- Avignon: the Palais des Papes, Pont Saint-Bénézet and medieval ramparts, 1h from Aix – book your combined ticket
Option B: Wines & villages (Châteauneuf-du-Pape + Avignon)
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape: one of France’s most prestigious wine appellations, the village dominated by the ruins of the papal castle and its cellars, 1h20 from Aix – book your excursion
- Avignon: the city of the popes, its ramparts, the Halles covered market and the Provencal atmosphere of the historic center – choose your option
How long will it take?
Both variants can be easily managed in a full day from Aix-en-Provence, without overloading you or rushing you to visit. For variant A, allow around 2h to 3h to the Pont du Gard, 2h to Les Baux and 2h to Avignon, which means an early start. For variant B, Châteauneuf-du-Pape can be visited in half a day, leaving the afternoon for Avignon. In both cases, the car is essential to connect the sites. Read our tips for renting a car in Aix-en-Provence. If you want to concentrate on Avignon alone, it’s worth taking a whole day to explore the city’s main museums and monuments.
8. Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in the footsteps of Van Gogh
Why do we recommend this tour?
Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence form a complementary duo less than an hour’s drive from Aix. Arles impressed us with the density of its Roman heritage: the 1st-century Arènes, the Théâtre Antique, the Alyscamps and the Basilique Saint-Trophime make up a UNESCO-listed complex that has nothing to envy of the great Mediterranean sites. The town is also inseparable from Van Gogh, who lived here in 1888-1889 and produced over 300 works. The LUMA Foundation, designed by Frank Gehry, adds a strong contemporary dimension. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, 25 minutes to the north, offers a more refined atmosphere: its elegant alleyways, the ancient site of Glanum and the monastery-workshop where Van Gogh created La Nuit Étoilée make it a leading cultural stopover. We found these two complementary cities on the same day.
What you will see
- In Arles: the Arenas, the Théâtre Antique, the Alyscamps, the Basilique Saint-Trophime and the Fondation LUMA
- The Van Gogh circuit in Arles: reproductions of his paintings installed in the places where he painted
- In Saint-Rémy: the Glanum archaeological site and the Antiques Museum (free access)
- The Monastère Saint-Paul de Mausole: Van Gogh’s reconstructed bedroom and the Romanesque cloister
- The elegant historic center of Saint-Rémy and its boutiques
How long will it take?
Arles is a 1-hour drive from Aix-en-Provence, and Saint-Rémy is 45 minutes away. You can visit both cities in one day, provided you leave early and choose your priorities. We recommend spending the morning in Arles (Arènes + Alyscamps or LUMA) and the afternoon in Saint-Rémy (Glanum + Monastery + walk in the center). If you have more time, each city deserves a day on its own.
Would you like a private guided tour of Arles?
See prices, photos and availability
9. Immersion in the Camargue: pink flamingos, white horses and wide open spaces
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Camargue is an extraordinary destination, a land where nature sets its own pace. This Rhone delta offers a landscape unique in France: pink flamingos, white horses, black bulls, salt marshes and rice fields as far as the eye can see. From Aix-en-Provence, this world apart is less than 1h30 away. We were struck by the raw beauty of the Camargue, so different from classic Provencal landscapes. At the Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau, you can observe hundreds of pink flamingos at close quarters all year round. The Salin de Giraud offers an almost unreal spectacle with its deep pink pools. Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the main town in the region, is home to a fortified church and the statue of Sara la Noire, patron saint of the Travellers. It’s a territory that’s well deserved and rewards those who take the time to linger.
What you will see
- Pont de Gau Ornithological Park (€8.50): pink flamingos, herons, egrets and more than 400 species.
- The Salin de Giraud: spectacular pink water basins, salt dunes and flamingos in numbers
- Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer: the fortified church, the crypt of Sara la Noire and the village streets
- The delta’s wild landscapes: marshes, ponds, reed beds and undeveloped beaches
- Optional: a 4WD safari to the most remote areas – see price and availability
How long will it take?
The Camargue is about an hour and a half’s drive from Aix-en-Provence. Plan a full day to explore the Parc du Pont de Gau, Salin de Giraud and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. The car is essential for connecting the sites, which are scattered over a vast area. Spring (bird migrations) and autumn (soft light, fewer people) are the best times. In summer, temperatures can be high and mosquitoes can be present: make sure you wear appropriate protection.
Explore the Camargue with a guide from Aix-en-Provence!
See prices, photos and availability
10. Getaway to Marseille, the Mediterranean’s great neighbor
Why do we recommend your tour?
Marseille is just a 30-minute drive from Aix-en-Provence, making it the most accessible excursion in our selection. It’s also one of the most exotic. France’s second-largest city boasts a vibrant Mediterranean energy, with its lively Old Port, contrasting neighborhoods and spectacular calanques. We were won over by this dynamic metropolis that combines Provencal traditions with urban modernity. The MUCEM, a cube of concrete lace designed by Rudy Ricciotti, dialogues with Fort Saint-Jean from a promontory overlooking the sea. The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde watches over the city from its rock, offering a 360-degree panorama of the entire bay. The Quartier du Panier, Marseille’s oldest district, reveals a popular and creative soul in its maze of alleyways adorned with street art. For a rich day out, combine a visit to the historic center in the morning with a boat trip to the calanques in the afternoon.
Old Port, MUCEM, Panier and Calanques
- The Old Port: the historic and social heart of the city, the starting point for excursions to the Calanques and the Frioul Islands.
- The MUCEM and Fort Saint-Jean: Mediterranean collections and a walk on the footbridges facing the sea – book your skip-the-line ticket
- Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica: exceptional panoramic view of Marseille, the Frioul Islands and the sea (free admission)
- The Panier district: alleyways, street art and artisan boutiques
- Marseille’s calanques by boat or on foot – book your cruise
- La Grotte Cosquer: immersive reconstruction of the 30,000-year-old underwater cave – reserve your ticket
How long will it take?
Marseille is a 30-minute drive from Aix-en-Provence. The city is vast and one day is not enough to see it all: choose your priorities according to your interests. For a first visit, we recommend combining the Old Port, the MUCEM and the Panier district in the morning, followed by the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde in the early afternoon. For the calanques, it’s best to plan a second, dedicated day. By public transport, the shuttle bus from Gare Saint-Charles is more comfortable than the car in the city center.
Would you like to discover Marseille in a different way? Book a tour with locals!
See prices, photos and availability
DISCOVER Aix-en-Provence
- What to do in Aix-en-Provence
- Best hotels
- Best restaurants
- Best museums
- Where to park
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 3 days
- Rent a car in Aix-en-Provence (airport or train station)
- Most beautiful villages around Aix-en-Provence
11. Monaco and Èze: the French Riviera in a single day
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Côte d’Azur can be reached from Aix-en-Provence in just a few hours, opening up the possibility of excursions to some of the French Riviera’s most emblematic sites. We offer two variations to suit your needs. The first takes you to Monaco, an unusual principality whose Prince’s Palace, Oceanographic Museum and exotic gardens are well worth a visit, then to Èze, a medieval village perched 427m above the sea. Its exotic garden, maze of narrow streets and spectacular views over the Mediterranean make it one of the region’s most striking villages.
What you will see
- Èze: the medieval hilltop village, the exotic garden and views over the Mediterranean – see our article
- Monaco: the Prince’s Palace, the changing of the guard, the Oceanographic Museum and the exotic gardens – see our article
How long will it take?
Allow just under 3 hours’ drive to Èze, then 15 minutes to Monaco. The day will be busy but doable if you leave early. The car is the most flexible way. Rent a car
12. Along the Var coast: Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël and Saint-Tropez
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Var coast, between Fréjus and Saint-Tropez, offers a seaside and cultural itinerary accessible from Aix-en-Provence in around 2 hours. It’s a closer alternative to the Côte d’Azur in Nice, and we recommend it to those who want to discover the sea without going too far away. Fréjus seduced us with the discreet charm of its historic center: its Provençal stone cathedral, its Roman remains and its atmosphere of a town on a human scale contrast nicely with the better-known seaside resorts. Saint-Raphaël extends the experience with its sandy beaches and the beauty of the nearby Esterel massif. Last but not least, Saint-Tropez remains a mythical stopover: its port, colorful streets and citadel are well worth a visit, despite the summer crowds. Grimaud, 20 minutes away, offers an authentic medieval counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of the Tropez area.
What you will see
- Saint-Tropezthe mythical port, the narrow streets of the old town and the 16th-century Citadel – read our article
- Fréjusthe Provençal stone cathedral and 1st-century Roman remains
- Saint-Raphaël: the long sandy beach and proximity to the Esterel massif – find out more
- Optional: Grimaud, the perched medieval village with its tunnel streets and castle ruins, 20 minutes from Saint-Tropez – visit Grimaud
How long will it take?
Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël are just under 2 hours from Aix-en-Provence (A8 freeway); Saint-Tropez is about 20 minutes further, depending on traffic. One day is enough for the whole itinerary if you leave early. In July and August, traffic on the road to Saint-Tropez can make the journey considerably longer: we recommend leaving before 8am. Grimaud can be visited in 1h30 to 2h and is an excellent complement to Saint-Tropez, just 20min away.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO provence
- Inspiration
Best things to do in Provence
Provence’s most beautiful towns
Most beautiful villages
Most beautiful castles
Best destinations
- Practical advice
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (coming soon)
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual (coming soon)
- Where to stay
Where to stay in Provence
Best luxury hotels
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
