AixEnProvence, France » City Info » Travel Tips

A visit to Aix is like stepping back in 15th and 17th century townhouses, narrow pathways, tree-lined boulevards and bubbling fountains. Besides its stateliness, the city is well known for its French dressing sense.

Get in

By plane

Travellers visiting Aix land at the Marseille-Provence Airport located a 25-minute car journey from the city. Budget Airlines prefer Nice Airport. The distance from Nice Airport to Aix is about 170km (105miles). There are four ways to reach Aix from Nice Airport; by shuttle bus, rideshare, car or town car.

By Bus

From Marseille: there is an express coach from Marseille to Aix, which takes around 30 minutes.
From Nice: bus from Nice to Aix takes around 3:30 minutes.

Get around

Aix is comparatively a small city, and you can explore it either on foot or by renting a car. The bus system is also very well-organised, connecting the city with nearby villages and towns. Tourists can avail of frequent traveller discounts and buy multi-pack tickets for the Aix-TGV Station-Marseille trip at the main bus station.

Another way of exploring the city is on a bicycle while enjoying the weather, making the whole experience memorable. It lets you visit the remote area, small villages and immerse in the sights and scents of the place.

Tipping

There are no fixed guidelines on tipping in France. You are not required to tip in restaurants, waiters/waitresses. A 15% service fee is included in the bills. Waiters in France get salaries, paid vacations, health care etc. However, you can pay a few extra Euros if you find the service outstanding.

Safety

Aix is a safe city, but like any other town, remain alert to your surroundings. Do not leave valuables or important documents in the parked car. While travelling at night, hire a taxi from your hotel. Avoid public parks after dark.

Weather and When to Go to Aix, France

With 300 days of sunshine, Aix can be visited throughout the year. However, spring and fall are the best months to experience the fabulous treasures of the countryside and stunning orchards. Tourists throng the place in the summertime to witness the blooming of the lavender fields and attend cultural events, but at the same time, the city, its beaches, and the connecting roads can get crowded.

During the winters, the days are pleasant with moderate temperatures. It also rains during winters, and the bone-chilling mistral winds can force you to stay indoors. Note that Provence weather is rigidly divided into summer, fall, winter, and spring. Since there is no bad time to visit Aix, decide which weather you are comfortable with before taking your trip.

It does get chilly at night in Aix, so it is advised to bring some warm clothing like a long-sleeved jacket, mitts, and scarf to feel warm.

Emergency Contacts

• SAMU (medical emergency): 15
• Police: 17
• European emergency line: 112
• SOS – all services (calling from a mobile): 112
• Missing children: 116000
• Social emergency: 115
• National centre for emergency calls for deaf and people with hearing problems: 144

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