What to do in Aix-en-Provence with your family: 7 must-do activities!

A stone's throw from the French Riviera, the Phocaean city and the Alpine massifs, the pretty city of Aix-en-Provence is a dream destination for holidays with children. Discover our selection of activities to do in Aix-en-Provence with the family!

1 - Explore the old city

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The visit of the historic center of Aix-en-Provence is an opportunity for a beautiful family walk. On the Cours Mirabeau, an emblematic place of the city center, take advantage of the large pedestrian alleys to walk safely, go shopping or enjoy a homemade ice cream in the shade of the large plane trees. Not far from there, the Mazarin district offers a maze of cobbled streets, sumptuous facades and charming little squares. Not to be missed: the pretty fountains of the city, which earned Aix-en-Provence its nickname of "city of 1000 fountains"!

2 - Visit the Calisson museum

Are you planning a stay in Aix-en-Provence with little gourmets? Head for the Roy René factory, a totally kids friendly museum in Aix-en-Provence! The visit is very fun for young and old. It allows you to discover the old utensils, the ingredients and all the manufacturing steps of this delicious Aix confectionery. From the almond harvest to the molding of the small candy, become the ambassadors of the calisson! On weekdays, you can even observe the confectioners at work, a fascinating spectacle for children. 

Good to know: the city has many art and history museums accessible to the youngest (Granet museum, Vasarely foundation, Vendôme pavilion, Caumont hotel or the Milles camp memorial). Exhibitions and workshops for young audiences are regularly organized there. 

3 - Stroll in Cézanne's workshop

Away from the city center is the house where Paul Cézanne created a large part of his most famous works. In this pretty Provencal bastide, his workshop has been preserved as it is, still containing the tubes of paint, brushes and canvases, books and objects that inspired the master on a daily basis. A luminous, quiet and inspiring place to visit without fail during your holidays in Aix-en-Provence… 

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4 - Take a dip in the Mediterranean

Impossible to visit the region without diving into the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean! In the immediate vicinity of Aix, the Calanques National Park is a magical place to spend a day with the family. Swimming, relaxation, climbing, jumps, picnic, kayaking, SUP, hiking… guaranteed change of scenery on these superb pebble beaches overlooked by large limestone cliffs.

5 - Cool off at the nautical base

The Pays d'Aix nautical base is located on Lake Peyrolles, an old quarry equipped for the practice of aquatic and leisure activities. There is a refreshment bar, sanitary facilities, several sports fields (pétanque, beach volleyball, beach soccer), as well as picnic tables and several playgrounds for children and teenagers. In summer, swimming is supervised. 

To let off steam in the city center, head to the parks of Aix-en-Provence: admission is free in most of the city's public gardens. Perfect for organizing an impromptu picnic after the market or a family football game!

6 - Fill up with sensations on the Via Ferrata Sainte-Victoire

Are you wondering what to do in Aix-en-Provence with teenagers? Get out of your comfort zone and explore new horizons on the mountainside on the Via Ferrata Sainte-Victoire! This route alternates easy climbing passages, a crossing zip line and two large abseiling descents. Thrills and a unique panorama of Provence and the Bouches-du-Rhône…

7 - Experience a magical moment at the Christmas market

The end of year celebrations in Provence are synonymous with magic, and the city of 1000 fountains is no exception. At this time, the streets light up and adorn themselves with their most beautiful decorations, the shop windows light up and many shows are organized in the historic center. The Aix-en-Provence Christmas market welcomes many local artisans and producers. Various activities are organized throughout the festivities, including the highly anticipated visit of Santa Claus…

Family hotel in Aix-en-Provence

Are you looking for a hotel in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur for your family stay in the south of France? 

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We offer various comfortable and well-located accommodation solutions, easily accessible from the Aix-en-Provence train station, the city center, and the Aix-en-Provence airport: 

• B&B HOTEL Aix-en-Provence Pont-de-l'Arc, on the banks of the river that borders the city;
• B&B HOTEL  Aix-en-Provence le Tholonet, near the Val de l’Arc park; 
• B&B HOTEL Aix-en-Provence Venelles, 5 minutes from the aquatic center;
• B&B HOTEL Aix-en-Provence Meyreuil Sainte-Victoire, at the gates of the Sainte-Victoire mountain.

As in all our hotels in France, our establishments welcome you in double or family rooms (perfect with children), modern and pleasant. They are equipped with a private bathroom, a flat screen television with bouquet of varied channels, as well as a high-speed and unlimited Wi-Fi internet connection. 

Are you traveling with toddlers? A baby bed is available at no extra cost upon request at reception. We also provide you with a self-service microwave, convenient for warming up baby's bottle or small jar.

Book your hotel in Aix-en-Provence now!